Need recommendation for changing parts for Old PC (if needed)

  • Hi there and welcome to PC Help Forum (PCHF), a more effective way to get the Tech Support you need!
    We have Experts in all areas of Tech, including Malware Removal, Crash Fixing and BSOD's , Microsoft Windows, Computer DIY and PC Hardware, Networking, Gaming, Tablets and iPads, General and Specific Software Support and so much more.

    Why not Click Here To Sign Up and start enjoying great FREE Tech Support.

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
Status
Not open for further replies.

ReynardTheFox

PCHF Member
Apr 12, 2020
4
0
26
Hello,
I built my pc about 5 years ago and it has served me well for the past years. I am still happy with it and my goal now is to try to overclock the machine and try to gain as much performance as its possible until someday it dies on me. I am happy with the most of the components so I don't think I need to change most of them. What concerns me is the RAM (not sure whether its a good option) and the pc case (seems old and outdated, want to have an upgrade and better look for 2020).

My question is should I sell the RAM and find better option and if you know a better option what would you recommend? I currently have Corsair dominator platinum DDR4 2133 Mhz but looks like my motherboard support 2400 (or maybe even higher) and I'm not sure whether its worth the money to upgrade it.

Also could you please recommend a better case option which is more 2020 and can fit all the component (since the motherboard and the h100i water cooler have some headroom issues).

I know its a bit outdated but I am happy with the performance I get and my only goal is to get the best possible upgrades for the the current system with minimal cost (although I am willing to spend more on the case)

Here is the list of all my components:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/W3vGtp
 
the difference between 2133 and 2400 RAM would be so negligible that I doubt you would even notice.
and you already have a SSD which would have been my first 'quick fix upgrade' option.

those specs you provided not only would have been excellent 5 years ago, but they are still very good.
and seriously, a case is a case, but you're asking the wrong person, how a PC looks is not my thing, it's all about the best performance for the budget you've got.

not knowing what the history is with your PC, my suggestion would be to clear out 5 years of usage and do a fresh, clean install of Windows 10.
you'll get the PC back to whatever its original speed was.
but yes, of course you have to reload all your software, digging out all the CD's and downloaded files, finding serial and Product keys, and doing a backup of your files - and all that fun stuff! :)

but it's a good oppurtunity to streamline everything.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ReynardTheFox
Hello

What are you using the pc for? (games) or normal usage..

@Bruce
Originally I thought I would do mostly gaming but over the years I got less time time to play so I guess mostly editing full hd or sometimes 4k videos and gaming sometimes. Since the PC is already 5 years old and the specs are still great for 2020 I wanted to start overclocking and getting the most out of it while it is still powerful. I guess I don't really care for the lifespan of the components anymore.
 
the difference between 2133 and 2400 RAM would be so negligible that I doubt you would even notice.
and you already have a SSD which would have been my first 'quick fix upgrade' option.

those specs you provided not only would have been excellent 5 years ago, but they are still very good.
and seriously, a case is a case, but you're asking the wrong person, how a PC looks is not my thing, it's all about the best performance for the budget you've got.

not knowing what the history is with your PC, my suggestion would be to clear out 5 years of usage and do a fresh, clean install of Windows 10.
you'll get the PC back to whatever its original speed was.
but yes, of course you have to reload all your software, digging out all the CD's and downloaded files, finding serial and Product keys, and doing a backup of your files - and all that fun stuff! :)

but it's a good oppurtunity to streamline everything.
Thank you for your reply :)
Yeah, I agree. I guess overclocking would be the answer in this case, rather than buying new parts. What goes for the case, I have a problem of fitting the AIO water cooler and the motherboard in the case, since they are both bulky. I somehow managed to cramp them up but I'm not really happy with the jobI have done and other hand, this case is just a dust magnet. I can't seem to find why it collects so much dust. I tried turning off the rear fan since it's intake (it can't be changed to exhaust) and I just hate the side fans. They look ugly and I really like the current tempered glass look most of the cases have.I guess those are the reasons for me to change the case. The problem is I don't really know any cases or brands, since I've stopped following the market for the past 5 years. I have seen a couple of options but I'm not sure whether they would be able to fit my water cooler and the motherboard. I guess that would be my question, whether anyone knows a modern pc case that objectively looks good (for the current standards) and is capable of fitting bulky motherboards and AIO water coolers (preferably mid towers).
 
all fans can be intake or exhaust, you just spin them around and mount them 'backwards' so to speak.

OK, got you now with the case.
yeah, cramped components aren't a good look and not open to good airflow.
depending on your motherboard type - ATX, mini, micro etc will be the driving factor in your case choice.
then it just comes down to cosmetics.
stores that sell cases will have plenty of pictures and specs. if not get the make/model and go to the web site of the manufacturer for more pics and details.

as to dust - geez, good luck with that.
that is the Holy Grail of case design - they have to suck in air for cooling and with that comes the dust.
not knowing your house or room, but you must have a dirt road near by, or animals in the house, or carpet floors. hell, even tile floors are bad for dust.
you simply must have a lot of foot traffic going past the PC.
is it on the floor or on the desk?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ReynardTheFox
all fans can be intake or exhaust, you just spin them around and mount them 'backwards' so to speak.

OK, got you now with the case.
yeah, cramped components aren't a good look and not open to good airflow.
depending on your motherboard type - ATX, mini, micro etc will be the driving factor in your case choice.
then it just comes down to cosmetics.
stores that sell cases will have plenty of pictures and specs. if not get the make/model and go to the web site of the manufacturer for more pics and details.

as to dust - geez, good luck with that.
that is the Holy Grail of case design - they have to suck in air for cooling and with that comes the dust.
not knowing your house or room, but you must have a dirt road near by, or animals in the house, or carpet floors. hell, even tile floors are bad for dust.
you simply must have a lot of foot traffic going past the PC.
is it on the floor or on the desk?
Yeah I agree, but in this case the fan is just "glued" to the side panel. The funny thing is that it does't have any screw-holes so that I can turn the fan and mount it backwards :D
It's just such an idiotic design.
Yeap, I have it on the ground but trust me, I always keep my room really clean (I am a germaphobe and the dust is also not my best friend :D). I mean, yeah its fine if there is some dust accumulated over the years but the side fan is the main reason it collects so much dust. Even if I disconnect the fan, the side panel has so many holes, its just impossible for it to not collect some dust eventually.

The best option I found for my situation, was the Be quiet Dark Base. A great case and modular too but its just too expensive. I don't think I want to spend $250 for an old system, just to put it in a better case.

Thank you for your comments :) If you have/find any recommendations for a case please let me know ;)

BTW the motherboard is an ATX.
 

Attachments

  • 336.9 KB Views: 11
  • 443 KB Views: 10
  • 261.8 KB Views: 9
I'm certainly not saying you are wrong, but in all my years I've never seen a 'glued' on fan.
but hey, there has to be a first time for everything. :)

your pictures don't show enough detail but enough to see no screws, so I'm thinking they might use those 'push in' sort of rubbery clips.
try yanking the bastard off, don't be afraid to use force, who cares if you bugger it - we hates it anyways!.
if you wreck it - pphhh, it was a only ever a dust inducer, right? (y)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.