- Nov 6, 2011
- 6,292
- 62
- 91
RE: DESK in sig below.
Background: I built this computer in NOV of 2011 as my do-everything PC, where it has performed admirably. I have since split the gaming and HTPC duties off to new builds, so this is my primary business PC. It is still running W7, which I'm happy with, but the performance is a little lacking these days, which I'm not... and I don't really know if it's just a matter of older hardware with newer software. I've reloaded the OS several times, the current one is about 3 years old, and I have a new reload in the works now... but I wonder if it isn't time for a new build? I will say... this build has been as stable as any PC I've ever had, and one of the reasons I've run it as long as I have.
I have been completely out of circulation as far as computer tech for the past 4-5 years. except for upgrading RAM, GPU, and PSU, I haven't looked at anything since Haswell/Broadwell. My main purpose of this thread is to see if I even need to consider an upgrade for better performance, or am I just being picky about slower performance on a dated system.
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Business computer... internet browsing, QB software, spreadsheets, DVD ripper, some amount of photo and audio editing (at a hobbiest level.)
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
This upgrade would not be budget driven... i.e. I don't care how much it costs, what I spend is based on the correct components to do the job. (EDIT: this does not mean I want to spend $6K on a new PC, it means I'll spend a reasonable amount on what would be a 2019/2020 equivalent to my 2011 2500K system, all things being equal.)
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA, either Newegg or, MicroCenter
5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
I've always liked Intel, but as I understand it, AMD is the darling of the processor world right now. I like Gigabyte mobos, but have had good service from my Asus and ASRock boards, too. I am a Fractal case fanboy...
6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Everything that I can bring over from my old build... SSDs, HDDs, PSU (but probably won't fit in ITX case,) GPU (same-same,) and optical drive (dunno.)
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I am running OC'ed right now, but it's not necessary for a business computer... assuming the performance is there.
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
2x 1600x900 (19")
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
We are coming up on the magical Black Friday soon, probably not before then.
10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
This is also a big source of contention... moving to a new build will probably require me to go to W10, which I'm reluctant to do. I've dabbled with W10 and I don't like it. I understand W7 support is ending... I got that... and while it's not a big deal on my other PC's, data security is an issue on my business PC, and I understand the risks continuing with W7 after the sell-by date.
My thought is to build an ITX system with what is today's equivalent to my 2500K (either Intel or AMD, I don't care.) In real terms, my EVGA 760 is a dinosaur and very likely will be dropped, assuming the integrated graphics are capable, but I have to run twin monitors. I'm running 16K RAM now, which is totally adequate with the current system... would I need more with a new system?
I'm interested in comments for or against a new system... and what benefits there might be if I do.
Background: I built this computer in NOV of 2011 as my do-everything PC, where it has performed admirably. I have since split the gaming and HTPC duties off to new builds, so this is my primary business PC. It is still running W7, which I'm happy with, but the performance is a little lacking these days, which I'm not... and I don't really know if it's just a matter of older hardware with newer software. I've reloaded the OS several times, the current one is about 3 years old, and I have a new reload in the works now... but I wonder if it isn't time for a new build? I will say... this build has been as stable as any PC I've ever had, and one of the reasons I've run it as long as I have.
I have been completely out of circulation as far as computer tech for the past 4-5 years. except for upgrading RAM, GPU, and PSU, I haven't looked at anything since Haswell/Broadwell. My main purpose of this thread is to see if I even need to consider an upgrade for better performance, or am I just being picky about slower performance on a dated system.
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Business computer... internet browsing, QB software, spreadsheets, DVD ripper, some amount of photo and audio editing (at a hobbiest level.)
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
This upgrade would not be budget driven... i.e. I don't care how much it costs, what I spend is based on the correct components to do the job. (EDIT: this does not mean I want to spend $6K on a new PC, it means I'll spend a reasonable amount on what would be a 2019/2020 equivalent to my 2011 2500K system, all things being equal.)
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA, either Newegg or, MicroCenter
5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
I've always liked Intel, but as I understand it, AMD is the darling of the processor world right now. I like Gigabyte mobos, but have had good service from my Asus and ASRock boards, too. I am a Fractal case fanboy...
6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Everything that I can bring over from my old build... SSDs, HDDs, PSU (but probably won't fit in ITX case,) GPU (same-same,) and optical drive (dunno.)
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I am running OC'ed right now, but it's not necessary for a business computer... assuming the performance is there.
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
2x 1600x900 (19")
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
We are coming up on the magical Black Friday soon, probably not before then.
10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
This is also a big source of contention... moving to a new build will probably require me to go to W10, which I'm reluctant to do. I've dabbled with W10 and I don't like it. I understand W7 support is ending... I got that... and while it's not a big deal on my other PC's, data security is an issue on my business PC, and I understand the risks continuing with W7 after the sell-by date.
My thought is to build an ITX system with what is today's equivalent to my 2500K (either Intel or AMD, I don't care.) In real terms, my EVGA 760 is a dinosaur and very likely will be dropped, assuming the integrated graphics are capable, but I have to run twin monitors. I'm running 16K RAM now, which is totally adequate with the current system... would I need more with a new system?
I'm interested in comments for or against a new system... and what benefits there might be if I do.
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