Upgrading build

Associate
Joined
9 Apr 2020
Posts
4
Hey guys!

The PC I'm currently on is one I built back in 2012. Over the years I have come to upgrade the GPU, RAM, HDD and Monitor. Unfortunately I think it is now time to upgrade CPU + MOBO.

My current setup is as follows :

Case - ZALMAN Z11 Plus
PSU - OCZ OCZ-ZS550W
CPU - Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz with a ZALMAN CNPS12X cooler
MOBO - ASUS P8Z77-v PRO
GPU - ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Mini
RAM - G.SKILL RipjawsX Series F3-1600C9S-8GXM 8GB x2
HDD1 - Samsung SSD 840 EVO 500GB
HDD2 - WDC WD10EALX-009BA0


When it comes down to choosing CPU + MOBO I am pretty clueless especially given the fact that this isnt the biggest of cases. I've been reading a lot of good reviews on AMD's Ryzen line and do think making the swap to AMD will be better in the long run.

I mainly use my computer for Gaming (including recent AAA games) and photo editing. My partner also uses the computer when needed for work and usually has multiple applications open on two monitors including local desktop virtualization. Video editing is included but not too concerned regarding that area.

I'm not looking to overclock so another question I had was if it's worth keeping this cooler when I make the swap as it takes up a huge amount of space and makes things very awkward! I'm also not sure if I will need to change my PSU.

I am thinking of upgrading my HDD again to a an M.2 SDD so ideally a MOBO that could fit these would be preferable.

Budget I can push towards £500 if really needed to.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and post!
 
Last edited:
@RFelizardo

msi tomahwak out of stock here, better VRM design.

m.2 500gb are around £60-70 mark

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £509.06 (includes shipping: £11.10)​

3700x would get more performance for video and photoediting then Ryzen 3600, specially if using Photoshop as Intel still leads performance.
 
With its sabotaged VRM cooling that board is at same worser than Asrock B450 Pro4 level as Asus B450 boards...
With its sabotaged VRM cooling that board is at same worser than Asrock B450 Pro4 level as Asus B450 boards...

All run 3700x just fine for gaming if needs . wouldnt OC for video editing though. vrm max temp is 120c before throttle

b450 msi's had a big surge last week - and everyone raising the price on £80 board value :(
 
@RFelizardo

msi tomahwak out of stock here, better VRM design.

m.2 500gb are around £60-70 mark

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £509.06 (includes shipping: £11.10)

3700x would get more performance for video and photoediting then Ryzen 3600, specially if using Photoshop as Intel still leads performance.


I was wondering if I would be better off getting the 3600 or 3600X but with an X570 mobo. I feel that the difference from my current cpu to a 3600 will already be very big and I might be better off investing on a better mobo? Again as I'm not considering OC I'm guessing stock cooler would suffice?

Currently I won't need an ssd or hdd so that can come out of the budget!
 
I was wondering if I would be better off getting the 3600 or 3600X but with an X570 mobo. I feel that the difference from my current cpu to a 3600 will already be very big and I might be better off investing on a better mobo?
Paying more for mobo doesn't make PC any faster.
Unless cheaper board's VRM limits CPU by less stable/clean voltage or just overheats.
(though high temps lead also to shorter VRM life)
 
I5 to 3600 with Adobe is non existent . Gaming wise it's a nice jump , but 3700 being more future proof or AAA compatible .

Still 90% of new releases work best with i7 4 cores/8 threads or ryzen 6 cores/12 threads . But then you get damn good coding like bfv and need them all !

3700 + b450 over 3600 + x570

msi b450 Toma is £109 and X570 UD is £150.. extra £41 get you the better board. needs Toma need to hit £90 mark again
 
Last edited:
So I'll probably go ahead with the 3700X then. My thinking on the X570 mobo was with the PCI-E 4.0 slots and better VRM. What would be your recommendation on a X570 board?

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £585.47 (includes shipping: £10.50)​

Would this be suitable? And in relation to my power supply would I need to replace that aswell?
 
Last edited:
So I'll probably go ahead with the 3700X then. My thinking on the X570 mobo was with the PCI-E 4.0 slots and better VRM. What would be your recommendation on a X570 board?

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £585.47 (includes shipping: £10.50)

Would this be suitable? And in relation to my power supply would I need to replace that aswell?

The better package .. but Aorus WiFi 6 card out of stock . No idea when shipment will come in @Gibbo ???

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £565.46 (includes shipping: £10.50)​

3600hz is plug and play with X570
 
After much thought again I will go ahead with a B450 mobo. Is it worth picking up a 3800X for an extra 20 quid over the 3700X?

not really, unless you want to push 4000hz on the ram, and you'd be using a x570 for that .

b450+ 3700 is best combo.

b550 has gone quiet for a bit (perfect time to clear old b450 stock currently with everyone working from home)
 
Back
Top Bottom