Piecemeal upgrade or just replace everything?

[Jeeebus]

With the recent Microcenter deal on the i7-4770k, I decided it was time for some upgrades. I'm coming from an i7-920, and have already bought the CPU, motherboard, new RAM, new videocard, SSD. Now I'm stuck with deciding whether I should just go ahead and buy a new HDD, PSU, and case and move the 'old' computer to the bedroom to replace the 'older' computer, or just swap out pieces in the current rig.

My thinking is it's probably easier to tinker around with everything new as there won't be any time pressure to get everything working - can pretty much do it at my own schedule. But would you spend the extra $300 - $400 on the remaining pieces to do so...

Best I can recall, below is current system and what is already bought:

i7-920 ---> i7-4770k
some mobo ---> ASRock Z87 Extreme4
12gb RAM ---> 4 x Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3
HD 5800 ---> R9 280x
old soundcard ---> probably just relying on mobo sound
HAF 932 case ---> ???
no idea PSU ---> ???
2TB HDD ---> ???

 

[Termie]

There's nothing wrong with that case, but you haven't indicated the PSU. If you're not sure what it is or if it's high quality, I'd get a new one. The 4770K and R9 280x can use a lot of power when overclocked.

Also, you should absolutely add an SSD into your budget. They are basically essential for a modern computer. Your 2TB hard drive would work fine for a data/games drive.

You have a pretty nice older system there - if you have a use for it, definitely salvage it. In that situation, yes, it's easiest to just move it to another room and start from scratch on the new system, but then you'll need a case, PSU, hard drive, and SSD. There are lots of case choices, and I'll let others chime in on that. For the hard drive, Seagate has some good values in the 2TB/3TB space, and Corsair/Seasonic are great for power supplies. I'd aim for a 650W unit with your setup, perhaps the Seasonic x650 if you can catch it on sale, or the Corsair TX650 models (there are a few). Also, if you act fast, you can get a great deal at Amazon on the Samsung 840 250GB SSD right now.

 

[Jeeebus]

I've already bought a Toshiba 512gb SSD (not sure why I didn't include it above). Planning to use that for programs and either the 2TB HDD for storage or a new HDD yet to be bought.

I certainly wouldn't scrap the 'old' system - it definitely moves to the bedroom if I decide to buy a new case, HDD, and PSU. I love the HAF 932, so may just get another one of those. I have no idea what PSU is in there - I'm inclined to say it's a decent Corsair from 3 or so years ago. I doubt I would have cheaped out on that.

 

[Termie]

I've already bought a Toshiba 512gb SSD (not sure why I didn't include it above). Planning to use that for programs and either the 2TB HDD for storage or a new HDD yet to be bought.

I certainly wouldn't scrap the 'old' system - it definitely moves to the bedroom if I decide to buy a new case, HDD, and PSU. I love the HAF 932, so may just get another one of those. I have no idea what PSU is in there - I'm inclined to say it's a decent Corsair from 3 or so years ago. I doubt I would have cheaped out on that.

Sounds like you're all set. You have the SSD, and just need the new case, hard drive, and power supply. I'd avoid the new Corsair RS power supplies - they haven gotten pretty low marks from reviewers. Stick with the TX650 or HX750 (the HX650 isn't as good).

I personally like Corsair cases, like the 300R/400R/500R, but if you're comfortable with the HAF, then definitely feel free to get another one.

BTW, don't forget that you'll need another OS license.

 

[Aithos]

Never piecemeal upgrade. Do it all or do none. Now that doesn't mean you can't re-use parts from a former build, I used my PSU (corsair hx1000) in a couple builds in a row without thinking twice. I just would never consider buying a couple parts and then "waiting" for the rest. I've done that before, those parts never got used and I ended up throwing them away, it was a complete waste of money.

Now I don't build unless I can put it all together within the amount of time it takes to get parts shipments...

 

[VirtualLarry]

BTW, don't forget that you'll need another OS license.

Don't forget that with 32GB of physical RAM, you need Win7 Pro or above. Win7 Home only supports 16GB of RAM. (Another stupid Microsoft arbitrary limitation.)

 

[Jeeebus]

Never piecemeal upgrade. Do it all or do none.

I should have picked a better word. I was simply saying should I swap out what I already bought and just keep the PSU, case, and HDD,

-or-

should I just go ahead and buy another PSU, case, and HDD, allowing me to move the entire computer to the bedroom and just build a brand new one.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would build an all-new one, if I could afford it.

Do you have anyone in the family that could use the old PC?

 

[Jeeebus]

I would build an all-new one, if I could afford it.

Do you have anyone in the family that could use the old PC?

Yes - we keep a second PC in the bedroom. Doesn't get used nearly as much, but if anyone is on main PC the second one is available to myself, my wife, the kids, the great danes, etc.

 

[Papa Hogan]

What are you using to cool the processor?

Yours sounds very much like the machine I'd like to get going.

 

[mfenn]

Given that you don't know what PSU is in the old PC and that the HAF 932 is kind of dated, I would get a new PSU and case. If you have any older HDD's laying around, you might throw one of them into the old PC and move the 2TB to your new one.

Here's what I'd look at:

Antec TP-650C $100
Corsair 400R $100
Seagate 2TB 7200RPM $100 - if necessary

 

[Sleepingforest]

Just to add to what mfenn is saying: look at the warranty length of your old HDD. If it's expired, it's probably time to replace it, since the risk of an HDD failure increases greatly after the warranty period. Otherwise, you probably don't need an upgrade in that area.