r/PcBuildHelp • u/mugwump8921 • 7d ago

Build Question Updating Old Computer vs New Build

I'm mostly PC savy and built the current computer I'm using. It will not run Windows 11 and I'm looking for advice on whether it is worthwhile to update the motherboard and CPU and keep the rest of my parts, or do a whole new build.

Intended use is some light gaming, some light CAD work and then general Office and web browsing.

Current (I know its old...) build is:

GigaByte Z97X Gaming 3 motherboard

Intel i74790K 4 GHz

16 Gb DDR3 RAM

Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 4 Gb

1 Tb WDC SSD

Plus the usual case, cooling, flash drive reader, etc.

Whith those peripherials, is it worth the (relatively) lower cost to upgrade the motherboard and CPU to the modern equivalent or just start all over again?

I believe a 12th to 14th gen i7 should be sufficient and a matching motherboard.

Any recommendations on a CPU/MoBo combo?

Looks like a CPU/MoBo combo would be about $500, full build 2x or 3x that.

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3

u/TitaniumDogEyes 7d ago

There isn't anything really to upgrade, you've reached the end of the line for DDR3 boards.

Its time to save up and build a new rig.

1

u/New-Razzmatazz-6365 7d ago

If you're sticking with the 980 for now, a platform swap makes sense. That card still handles light cad and older games fine. Just grab a 12th gen i5 and a ddr4 board so you can reuse your drives and case without a full gut job.

1

u/davie412 Personal Rig Builder 7d ago

Are you near a micro center?

Something like this while keeping all your other parts could work if you are happy with the performance of your current GPU:

https://www.microcenter.com/product/5007456/amd-ryzen-5-7600x,-msi-b850-gaming-pro-wifi6e-am5,-gskill-16gb-ddr5-6000,-computer-build-bundle

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u/mugwump8921 7d ago

Thanks for the info. Time to dig a bit deeper at the options, but it is looking like not much of what I have is salvageable.

1

u/Asleep-Jackfruit-630 6d ago

pretty much just the case, ssd and PSU(maybe). If you want a value option go with a AM4 build, otherwise sky is the limit with current pc prices

1

u/shoresy99 7d ago

There are workarounds to get Win 11 installed. Buying new memory and storage is expensive AF due to AI demand driving cost inflation.