Question Need to Build a New Windows 11 Desktop PC - my 3rd Gen Intel i5 isn't compatible...out of the PC parts game for 10ish years - get me back to speed!

[hondaf17]

Hi Everyone,
As title says, been out of the PC parts game for 10-ish years and need to get back to speed. My Desktop PC (signature) isn't compatible for Windows 11. CPU isn't supported, Secure Boot isn't supported, and TPM isn't supported. I've built probably 7-8 computers over the years, but most recently was 10+ years ago (current signature).

1. Just general desktop use. Windows 11. E-mails, photos, very rare gaming (3 kids, don't have time).

2. Don't really have a budget. I like quality components and don't have any interest in saving $50 to buy some knock off brand or roll the dice on RAM with higher failure. Don't want to unnecessarily blow $$$ but quality/fast that will last another 10 years.

3. USA

5. Brand preference is AMD. I'm an AMD Shareholder since 2008 and I believe them to be the current leader. No brand preference on other parts.

6. I intend to use current PSU, Case, graphics card (unless any of these won't be compatible with modern motherboards)

7. I used to overclock a lot, don't plan to bother with it now, unless it's still ungodly easy by increasing multiplier in bios and still stable and takes 30 seconds. I don't have time to tinker with everything like I used to.

8. 3 monitors, all running 1920x1080

9. Plan to build in next 30-ish days.

I'm planning on Motherboard, CPU, RAM, and SSD (for OS and photos/videos). I live very close to a Microcenter so I can check out stuff in person.

Is there a current consensus on best CPU/RAM/Mobo for my use case? Will my GPU work with Windows 11? I know GPUs are crazy expensive now - no idea how much I'd have to spend to get a noticeable upgrade.

I suppose I'll need a new heatsink too!

TYIA!

 

[Quintessa]

1. Just general desktop use. Windows 11. E-mails, photos, very rare gaming (3 kids, don't have time).

You don't need bleeding-edge specs for that. Stability and responsiveness matter more than raw power.

2. Don't really have a budget. I like quality components and don't have any interest in saving $50 to buy some knock off brand or roll the dice on RAM with higher failure. Don't want to unnecessarily blow $$$ but quality/fast that will last another 10 years.

Think solid midrange Ryzen and B-series board. It'll chew through anything productivity-related and stay relevant for years.

5. Brand preference is AMD. I'm an AMD Shareholder since 2008 and I believe them to be the current leader. No brand preference on other parts.

Same boat, Ryzen 7000 series is strong right now. 7700 (non-X) or even 7600 is more than enough and includes iGPU for fallback.

6. I intend to use current PSU, Case, graphics card (unless any of these won't be compatible with modern motherboards)

Double check the PSU age/wattage and 24-pin + EPS support. As long as it's a known-brand 500W+ with decent rails, you're probably good. GPU-wise, if it's PCIe, it'll work. Windows 11 compatibility depends on driver support, not just interface.

7. I used to overclock a lot, don't plan to bother with it now,

Good. Ryzen auto-boosts are solid out of the box. Manual OC isn't worth it anymore for desktop daily use.

8. 3 monitors, all running 1920x1080

Any modern GPU or even Ryzen iGPU (on non-X chips) can drive that easily. Your old card might still work fine unless it's pre-GCN AMD or pre-Kepler NVIDIA.

9. Plan to build in next 30-ish days.

Great timing. Microcenter often has CPU + motherboard + RAM combo deals that crush online prices.

Is there a current consensus on best...

For your use:
CPU: Ryzen 5 7600 or Ryzen 7 7700
Mobo: B650 (Asus, MSI, or Gigabyte, get Wi-Fi model if needed)
RAM: 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30-36 (EXPO certified)

Will my GPU work with Windows 11? I know GPUs are crazy expensive now - no idea how much I'd have to spend to get a noticeable upgrade.

As long as drivers are available for it on Win11, it'll work. You can also test it in advance on another Win11 system if unsure. But yeah, if it's something like GTX 700/900 or RX 500 series, no problem.

I suppose I'll need a new heatsink too!

Yup. AM5 socket has slightly different mounting pressure, so make sure the heatsink you pick officially supports AM5.

 

[mikeymikec]

@hondaf17 Your current PC can be made to run Windows 11, it's not complicated. You'll need to feed it the yearly feature updates yourself, which also isn't complicated. I just thought I'd point that out if the only reason for the upgrade was Win10 EOL.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Don't build a new computer only because of the requirements of the bloated, disgusting and spyware-laden Windows 11.

Build a machine IF and ONLY WHEN your needs are no longer covered. Like a game or a program that absolutely requires new hardware. Or if you feel that your computer is too slow for your work.

Very few people seem to be aware that Windows 10 Enterprise IoT will be supported until 2032. That's no less than seven years from now!

 

[hondaf17]

Here is what I bought at Microcenter:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700x = $196 as bundle
Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 = $150 as bundle
G. Skill Flare X5 32 GB DDR5-6000 = $83 as bundle, total $429.99.

It was this bundle, which was $429.99
https://www.microcenter.com/product...ies-32gb-ddr5-6000-kit,-computer-build-bundle

The guy said it is one of the newer versions of the Ryzen lineup processor, runs cooler, and higher turbo. He said for my use case it is plenty and can handle games just fine. I mean, my current setup is fine for the games I get to play, so I imagine it'll be lightyears faster.

Then I bought a Samsung 990 pro 2tb NVMe SSD for $170:
https://www.microcenter.com/product...-3-bit-mlc-pcie-gen-4-x4-nvme-m2-internal-ssd

And a Thermalright Phantom Spirit cooler for $38:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR3JQTSN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Not going to assemble anything for a few days; so have time to return/buy elsewhere. I've read some so/so reviews of the motherboard...

How did I do?

TYIA!!

 

[manly]

I often use hardware for way longer than necessary, but at some point, you just have to draw the line. It's my frugal nature, but upgrades are also a lot more meaningful the larger the leap taken.

OP has had nearly a 12-year run with Ivy Bridge, so I'd certainly draw the line once the free consumer ESU option ends (Oct 2026).

Notice there's no SSD listed in the signature; that is a lot of waiting on disk I/O over a decade!

IMHO OP should build a modern AM5 system on a budget (or possibly buy a prebuilt from Micro Center). I wouldn't re-use anything except the GPU, since he wants triple monitors. My understanding is he'll have to use the Win10 driver. The alternative would be to buy a used GPU.

I don't think LTSC or IoT options work for most consumers.

Amazing AMD Bundle Deals | Micro Center

Shop bundle deals with featuring processors and more!

www.microcenter.com

Either the 7700X or 9700X bundles look like pretty good choices for an affordable new build.

Edit:
Ninja'd by OP!

You'd have to act FAST but looks to me like a "Like New" 990 PRO 2TB is $129.46 on Amazon. But 20% off at checkout for Prime Day.

And here's a reasonable PSU:

650W MSI MAG A650GL 80 Plus Gold Power Supply $59.99 + Free Shipping w/ Prime

Woot [woot.com] has 650W MSI MAG A650GL 80 Plus Gold Power Supply for $59.99. Shipping is free w/ Prime. Otherwise shipping is $6.

slickdeals.net

 

[hondaf17]

@manly - glad you recommended a 9700x bundle, which is what I selected. My only concern would be that I'd probably buy an Asus board if not for the Microcenter bundle.

Any reason to get that new PSU? It does seem like a good deal. My current PSU is a Corsair TX650. It's been great. My new PC may be even less power hungry than current with the CPU on 65W? I guess my Corsair TX650 was released in 2008....holy crap it's 17 years old?!?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Definitely time for a new PSU.

That's a great combo you picked. Remember to be patient the first time you turn it on. Memory training can take a few minutes sometimes. There is a small chance the board does not have a new enough bios for Zen 5, if that happens. You can use the Q-Flash feature on the board to update the bios from USB without CPU, ram, or video card installed.

 

[hondaf17]

Definitely time for a new PSU.

What about this Seasonic 650 fully modular 80+ Gold, $90 at Amazon. I remember Seasonic was always a top brand PSU manufacturer 15ish years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DP9M9VWD/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Otherwise Corsair RM750e modular for $100 (after $15 coupon).

Corsair on Amazon

Or be Quiet! Pure Power 12 - 750W for $95.

 

[Quintessa]

Seasonic 650 fully modular 80+ Gold,
Otherwise Corsair RM750e modular
Pure Power 12 - 750W

Honestly, can’t go wrong with any of the three. All would crush your old TX650. Hahaa

 

[hondaf17]

Bought the Corsair 750. $90 after a random $15 coupon on Amazon and 10% back with my Prime CC. My current Corsair is still going strong after 15+ years figured I'd reward the brand with another purchase.

Here I am mid 40s with kids geeking out about power supplies like the old days. Fun again!

 

[manly]

Samsung 990 PRO 2TB for $170 is on the high side.

I'd order the open box, Like New from Amazon for $129.46 less Prime 20% discount.

Also reasonable prices for BNIB:

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Internal-Gaming-Desktop-Compatible/dp/B0CK2TC9XQ/

 

[hondaf17]

Got everything up and running. A few annoyances here and there but I figured it out. Biggest thing is it would be nice to have a printed color copy of the MB layout in the box (man I sound old). A lot of stuff has changed in 10+ years...never even seen an M2 drive before.

EXPO is running (enabled it in MB UEFI but then had to enable it in Ryzen Master as well which says Expo Mode is persistent and profile is EXPO 1. Also using Ryzen Master to "Auto OC" and leaving it at that. Idle temp is ~44 C. Max temp I've seen is about 77 C. Colored fans are fun. W11 is activated.

All seems good. Thanks all. I'll try to be a bit more active and contribute to the forums.