Need help in upgrading my current unit!

[xiaodouya]

Bought this under 2k at PC Themes in Aug 2013

- [SPOILT] Motherboard: Asrock H87M PRO4
- http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H87M Pro4/?cat=Specifications
- [SOLD] CPU: i5-4570(Haswell)
- GFX: MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frozr
- [SOLD] RAM: G.Skill RIPJAWS-X 12800/1600MHZ (8gb x 2) CL9
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB
- HDD: WD Caviar Blue (1TB)
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- [Sent for RMA] PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W
- DVD ROM: LG DVD-RW SATA OEM
- [SOLD] Sound: Asus Xonar DX 7.1

Now the shop has helped me to RMA PSU. I would like to upgrade the unit, sold CPU and RAM. I have changed the HDD and SSD too.

Usage:
- Gaming: I game on console so PC games that I play are on blizzard such as LoL, D3, SC2, hearthstone.
- Photoshop
- Powering a second Monitor

1) Does anyone buy in spoilt Motherboard?
Budget is a second priority, I would love to take a look at the options first. I am looking for a build that does not have loud fan noises and becomes hot when running games (my previous build has loud fan noise and becomes hot when running BF4 in 2013/14). I am not overclocking as well.
2) Do I have to get a build a step up above the average in order not to get the loud fan noises and being hot?
3) Can you recommend a build based on the parts remaining:
- MOTHERBOARD:
- CPU:
- RAM:
- GFX: MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frizzer
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB + HDD
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W
- DVD ROM: LG DVD-RW SATA OEM
4) I have explored options online though, thinking of these two?
- MOTHERBOARD: any other brands beside ASROCK as I have RMA before, experience not so good, if you think ASROCK is good, let me know your comments
- CPU: i5-8400 due to it being a good average performing processor?
- RAM: some brand + 2666MHz CL16 or 15?

 

[xonix]

1) Faulty motherboard ? Rarely.

2) Which fan ? If your only concern is just noise and temp, then either clean the fan or upgrade CPU fan to larger size with slower rpm. Also recommend re-apply processor thermal paste.

3) Base on the games you play, I'm not sure you need an upgrade. Maybe a GPU refresh would be enough.

 

[xiaodouya]

1) Faulty motherboard ? Rarely.

2) Which fan ? If your only concern is just noise and temp, then either clean the fan or upgrade CPU fan to larger size with slower rpm. Also recommend re-apply processor thermal paste.

3) Base on the games you play, I'm not sure you need an upgrade. Maybe a GPU refresh would be enough.

Well, things happened and my PSU was sent for RMA as it was under warranty. Sold my CPU and RAM + motherboard is probably faulty, didn't get the parts to try, shop not willing to risk either.

so now i do need help with recommendations for the next build!

 

[Psycovirus]

Bought this under 2k at PC Themes in Aug 2013

- [SPOILT] Motherboard: Asrock H87M PRO4
- http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H87M Pro4/?cat=Specifications
- [SOLD] CPU: i5-4570(Haswell)
- GFX: MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frozr
- [SOLD] RAM: G.Skill RIPJAWS-X 12800/1600MHZ (8gb x 2) CL9
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB
- HDD: WD Caviar Blue (1TB)
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- [Sent for RMA] PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W
- DVD ROM: LG DVD-RW SATA OEM
- [SOLD] Sound: Asus Xonar DX 7.1

Now the shop has helped me to RMA PSU. I would like to upgrade the unit, sold CPU and RAM. I have changed the HDD and SSD too.

Usage:
- Gaming: I game on console so PC games that I play are on blizzard such as LoL, D3, SC2, hearthstone.
- Photoshop
- Powering a second Monitor

1) Does anyone buy in spoilt Motherboard?
Budget is a second priority, I would love to take a look at the options first. I am looking for a build that does not have loud fan noises and becomes hot when running games (my previous build has loud fan noise and becomes hot when running BF4 in 2013/14). I am not overclocking as well.
2) Do I have to get a build a step up above the average in order not to get the loud fan noises and being hot?
3) Can you recommend a build based on the parts remaining:
- MOTHERBOARD:
- CPU:
- RAM:
- GFX: MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frizzer
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB + HDD
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W
- DVD ROM: LG DVD-RW SATA OEM
4) I have explored options online though, thinking of these two?
- MOTHERBOARD: any other brands beside ASROCK as I have RMA before, experience not so good, if you think ASROCK is good, let me know your comments
- CPU: i5-8400 due to it being a good average performing processor?
- RAM: some brand + 2666MHz CL16 or 15?

If you're purely gaming, go for Intel Processor. I would like to suggest a K series chip paired with Z series motherboard for the chance to overclock.

RAM prices are high at the moment. If you're comfortable getting from online, newegg has sales for DDR4 rams that are much better priced than those in SLS. If not, best budget one is KLEVV CRAS II.

You can reuse these parts:
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB
- HDD: WD Caviar Blue (1TB)
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- [Sent for RMA] PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W

• CPU+Mobo: i5-8600K + MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon - S$651
• RAM: KLEVV CRAS II 16GB Kit - $259 (Carousell) or Alternatively,
• Corsair Vengenace 16GB Kit DDR4 3200 C16 RGB LED - $339 (PC Themes)
• CPU Cooler: Cryorig H7 Quad Lumi - $99

Total Damage : $1089 calculated with Corsair RAM

Prices are quoted from PC Themes.

Additional stuff might be,

Change fans to quieter ones like Noctua or Corsair ML series.
Add bigger m.2 SSD for boot drive, Aka Samsung 960 Evo m.2...

 

[xiaodouya]

If you're purely gaming, go for Intel Processor. I would like to suggest a K series chip paired with Z series motherboard for the chance to overclock.

RAM prices are high at the moment. If you're comfortable getting from online, newegg has sales for DDR4 rams that are much better priced than those in SLS. If not, best budget one is KLEVV CRAS II.

You can reuse these parts:
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB
- HDD: WD Caviar Blue (1TB)
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- [Sent for RMA] PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W

• CPU+Mobo: i5-8600K + MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon - S$651
• RAM: KLEVV CRAS II 16GB Kit - $259 (Carousell) or Alternatively,
• Corsair Vengenace 16GB Kit DDR4 3200 C16 RGB LED - $339 (PC Themes)
• CPU Cooler: Cryorig H7 Quad Lumi - $99

Total Damage : $1089 calculated with Corsair RAM

Prices are quoted from PC Themes.

Additional stuff might be,

Change fans to quieter ones like Noctua or Corsair ML series.
Add bigger m.2 SSD for boot drive, Aka Samsung 960 Evo m.2...

Nice! I am not planning to overclock as I am not interested in it (I feel its risky and overclocked processor has to undergo certain tests such as stability). I am looking for out-of-the-box parts and am not interested in RGB LED as well. I even off the blue lights on my nzxt case.

Is it possible for you to recommend another build?
Also, is the proposed cooler supposed to replace the heatsink? Heatsink, by default, comes with CPU right?

 

[Psycovirus]

Nice! I am not planning to overclock as I am not interested in it (I feel its risky and overclocked processor has to undergo certain tests such as stability). I am looking for out-of-the-box parts and am not interested in RGB LED as well. I even off the blue lights on my nzxt case.

Is it possible for you to recommend another build?
Also, is the proposed cooler supposed to replace the heatsink? Heatsink, by default, comes with CPU right?

The K version of the CPUs doesn't come with a heatsink. Non-K version does.

Since you do not need any RGB stuff, lets take them out.

• CPU+MB: i5-8400 + Gigabyte Z370XP SLI - $492
• Cooler: Intel Stock Cooler - Free | OR | Cryorig M9i - $39
• RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX 3000MHZ CL15 ( 8GBx2pcs ) - $309
• Optional SSD: SAMSUNG EVO 960 M.2 250GB SSD - $189

Total Damage without SSD/Cooler - $801 | with SSD+Cooler - $1029

Chose the Gigabyte Z370XP SLI for its lower price point without any fancy RGB but still retains good Audio ALC1220. Has good m.2 placement above the GPU. Dual Bios is a plus.

m.2 SSD is a small candy stick that is just screwed onto the motherboard thus you'll not need any SATA cables or power for it.

I suggest you add a cooler to reduce the noise. Intel cooler will be noisy because it is a small fan which spins at high RPMs during load and will make a whiney noise.

RAM is Low Profile, no fancy stuff RAM. You may choose the 2666 Mhz for $10 less but 3000 Mhz is supported by your motherboard. Faster ram = faster PC.

 

[xiaodouya]

The K version of the CPUs doesn't come with a heatsink. Non-K version does.

Since you do not need any RGB stuff, lets take them out.

• CPU+MB: i5-8400 + Gigabyte Z370XP SLI - $492
• Cooler: Intel Stock Cooler - Free | OR | Cryorig M9i - $39
• RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX 3000MHZ CL15 ( 8GBx2pcs ) - $309
• Optional SSD: SAMSUNG EVO 960 M.2 250GB SSD - $189

Total Damage without SSD/Cooler - $801 | with SSD+Cooler - $1029

Chose the Gigabyte Z370XP SLI for its lower price point without any fancy RGB but still retains good Audio ALC1220. Has good m.2 placement above the GPU. Dual Bios is a plus.

m.2 SSD is a small candy stick that is just screwed onto the motherboard thus you'll not need any SATA cables or power for it.

I suggest you add a cooler to reduce the noise. Intel cooler will be noisy because it is a small fan which spins at high RPMs during load and will make a whiney noise.

RAM is Low Profile, no fancy stuff RAM. You may choose the 2666 Mhz for $10 less but 3000 Mhz is supported by your motherboard. Faster ram = faster PC.

Great stuff! You even gave the reason for choosing the parts. I still have more questions based on your proposed specs.

1) You proposed to get SLI motherboard mostly because of good audio?
2) If I do not plan to go with dual graphics card, do I still need to go for SLI?
3) The suggestion of adding cooler to reduce the noise is good when I only need to top up an additional <100! What do you do with the intel stock cooler then? Still usable elsewhere in the build? Or selling it, how much can you sell it?

RAM: thats true.. thanks for letting me know that its only $10 price difference, I watched reviews and felt benchmarks only increase by a little, thats y I chose 2666Mhz. Interesting too that RAM prices are high at the moment.
4) Do you know in the trends that RAM prices is going to go down anytime soon?
5) I see you guys import from Amazon, now that there is no more FSSG, is it still worth it to import from Amazon? (imo, I checked the prices, mostly lower by a 10/20 but we are forfeiting warranty)

 

[xonix]

Barring a collapse in the mobile devices market, the price isn't going to go down anytime soon. The nand manufacturers laughing to the bank right now. They are not going to hurt their profit margin by ramping up production.

I only buy overseas when the saving is huge or it's easy to ship back for RMA. Otherwise don't risk it, buy local.

 

[Psycovirus]

Great stuff! You even gave the reason for choosing the parts. I still have more questions based on your proposed specs.

1) You proposed to get SLI motherboard mostly because of good audio?
2) If I do not plan to go with dual graphics card, do I still need to go for SLI?
3) The suggestion of adding cooler to reduce the noise is good when I only need to top up an additional <100! What do you do with the intel stock cooler then? Still usable elsewhere in the build? Or selling it, how much can you sell it?

RAM: thats true.. thanks for letting me know that its only $10 price difference, I watched reviews and felt benchmarks only increase by a little, thats y I chose 2666Mhz. Interesting too that RAM prices are high at the moment.
4) Do you know in the trends that RAM prices is going to go down anytime soon?
5) I see you guys import from Amazon, now that there is no more FSSG, is it still worth it to import from Amazon? (imo, I checked the prices, mostly lower by a 10/20 but we are forfeiting warranty)

1 & 2) Z370XP "SLI" is just the name Gigabyte gave it. You don't have to get two graphics card. I choose it for the price and features it brings.
Lower price boards like Gigabyte Z370M-DH3 has ALC892 codec.
MSI Gaming Plus has fewer phases in power design, only 1 m.2 slot, no USB 3.1 Type C
Similar priced Asus Prime Z370-P has worst Audio, ALC887 and no USB 3.1 Type C port.
And you don't want ASRock boards.

3) For the intel stock cooler, it doesn't fetch much price even if you try to sell it. You should keep it as backup in case you need to send in the aftermarket cooler for repair.

4) I can't foresee the future but most likely not see much decrease first half of 2018. News Article: Samsung increases DRAM production, cheaper prices 2H 2018
Previously, only Desktops and Servers were using DDR4. Most Laptops and Mobile Phones used DDR3. Last year, Laptops and Mobile Phones started to use DDR4 thus causing high demand and price increases.

5) Yes, Amazon isn't worth anymore to import due to no free shopping. But when Newegg has sales for certain rams, the prices are around $230-$250 including shipping, making it worth to import. I usually check reddit.com/r/buildapcsales for up to date sales. Prices can be checked on newegg.com/global/sg

 

[xiaodouya]

Barring a collapse in the mobile devices market, the price isn't going to go down anytime soon. The nand manufacturers laughing to the bank right now. They are not going to hurt their profit margin by ramping up production.

I only buy overseas when the saving is huge or it's easy to ship back for RMA. Otherwise don't risk it, buy local.

thanks for your input I asked for these info, not kept up with the trends..

1 & 2) Z370XP "SLI" is just the name Gigabyte gave it. You don't have to get two graphics card. I choose it for the price and features it brings.
Lower price boards like Gigabyte Z370M-DH3 has ALC892 codec.
MSI Gaming Plus has fewer phases in power design, only 1 m.2 slot, no USB 3.1 Type C
Similar priced Asus Prime Z370-P has worst Audio, ALC887 and no USB 3.1 Type C port.
And you don't want ASRock boards.

3) For the intel stock cooler, it doesn't fetch much price even if you try to sell it. You should keep it as backup in case you need to send in the aftermarket cooler for repair.

4) I can't foresee the future but most likely not see much decrease first half of 2018. News Article: Samsung increases DRAM production, cheaper prices 2H 2018
Previously, only Desktops and Servers were using DDR4. Most Laptops and Mobile Phones used DDR3. Last year, Laptops and Mobile Phones started to use DDR4 thus causing high demand and price increases.

5) Yes, Amazon isn't worth anymore to import due to no free shopping. But when Newegg has sales for certain rams, the prices are around $230-$250 including shipping, making it worth to import. I usually check reddit.com/r/buildapcsales for up to date sales. Prices can be checked on newegg.com/global/sg

Ah! that is why you recommend that motherboard (yes, not looking for asrock as I am current using it, quite a bad experience and would like to try a new one). The Gigabyte Z370XP SLI has a lot of features, takes time for me to absorb. Now I read it, no wonder you mention M.2 SSD else it might have been a missed feature, also doesn't justify spending the $ for this mobo

still have more questions though
1) I am using a Dell 2408WFP with 6ms (and can't find Mhz online), not sure to upgrade to see this build's optimised performance?
2) Can i use a second monitor with the proposed build? One connected via mobo's hdmi and the other connected via GPU's hdmi right?
3) Is it worth it to upgrade my GPU for the time now? Can I go say two graphics card with my current(MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frozr) + a GTX 1080 on a SLI mobo?
4) The mobo Z370XP has a USB 3.1 port which will likely be placed at the back, if I need the usb port to replace one of the usb ports at the front of the case(theres 2x usb3.0 + 2x usb2.0), I have to let the shop know? Will there be costs incurred for an additional cable inside?

 

[singupingu]

thanks for your input I asked for these info, not kept up with the trends..



Ah! that is why you recommend that motherboard (yes, not looking for asrock as I am current using it, quite a bad experience and would like to try a new one). The Gigabyte Z370XP SLI has a lot of features, takes time for me to absorb. Now I read it, no wonder you mention M.2 SSD else it might have been a missed feature, also doesn't justify spending the $ for this mobo

still have more questions though
1) I am using a Dell 2408WFP with 6ms (and can't find Mhz online), not sure to upgrade to see this build's optimised performance?
2) Can i use a second monitor with the proposed build? One connected via mobo's hdmi and the other connected via GPU's hdmi right?
3) Is it worth it to upgrade my GPU for the time now? Can I go say two graphics card with my current(MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frozr) + a GTX 1080 on a SLI mobo?
4) The mobo Z370XP has a USB 3.1 port which will likely be placed at the back, if I need the usb port to replace one of the usb ports at the front of the case(theres 2x usb3.0 + 2x usb2.0), I have to let the shop know? Will there be costs incurred for an additional cable inside?

1) Resolution is 1920 x 1200. That's slightly more than Full HD. You do not need a new monitor to see the performance of this upgraded rig.
2) Why not? But the 2nd/new monitor need to be output from your gpu, not mobo. Use a DVI cable for it.
3) No, you can't. SLI only works with the same model (gtx 770 to gtx 770, gtx 1080 to gtx 1080, gtx 980 ti to gtx 980 ti, and so on). Upgrading gpu means you gotta put your gtx 770 aside. If you decide to upgrade, treat that gtx 770 as a backup gpu.
4) There isn't many chassis with USB 3.1 gen 2 support yet. If you want to use it with a compatible device, you gotta plug from the back io panel on mobo. You can't add to the chassis, unless you install a 5.35" bay with USB 3.1 gen 2 ports in front, provided the chassis you choosing have 5.35" bay and you manage to find a front USB Bay with USB 3.1 gen 2. The built-in USB 3.0 (or 3.1 gen 1) cannot be altered just like that and shop won't do it for you too.

Sent from Finally Unbanned using GAGT

 

[xiaodouya]

1) Resolution is 1920 x 1200. That's slightly more than Full HD. You do not need a new monitor to see the performance of this upgraded rig.
2) Why not? But the 2nd/new monitor need to be output from your gpu, not mobo. Use a DVI cable for it.
3) No, you can't. SLI only works with the same model (gtx 770 to gtx 770, gtx 1080 to gtx 1080, gtx 980 ti to gtx 980 ti, and so on). Upgrading gpu means you gotta put your gtx 770 aside. If you decide to upgrade, treat that gtx 770 as a backup gpu.
4) There isn't many chassis with USB 3.1 gen 2 support yet. If you want to use it with a compatible device, you gotta plug from the back io panel on mobo. You can't add to the chassis, unless you install a 5.35" bay with USB 3.1 gen 2 ports in front, provided the chassis you choosing have 5.35" bay and you manage to find a front USB Bay with USB 3.1 gen 2. The built-in USB 3.0 (or 3.1 gen 1) cannot be altered just like that and shop won't do it for you too.

Sent from Finally Unbanned using GAGT

Awesome! Pretty clear and concise answers! Thank you

 

[xiaodouya]

Hi guys, need some help here, I am thinking to go AMD

Usage:
- Gaming: I game on console so PC games that I play are on blizzard such as LoL, D3, hearthstone + Steam games mostly indie or RainbowSixSiege.
- Photoshop
- Powering a second Monitor

I have rounded up the recommendations for my previous Intel build:
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z2370XP-SLI $492 bundle
- CPU: Intel i5 8400 2.8Ghz
- RAM: G.Skill RIPJAWS V 2666MHZ CL15 (8GB x 2) - $309
paired with existing rig below
- GFX: MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frozr
- SSD: Plextor M5S 128GB
- HDD: WD Caviar Blue (1TB)
- Casing: NZXT Phantom 410 (White-Blue)
- PSU: FSP 80+ Platinum 650W
- DVD ROM: LG DVD-RW SATA OEM @


if I am going AMD,
1) can I still use the MSI GTX 770 2GB Twin Frozr?
2) What Mobo/CPU + RAM do you recommend with/without the GTX in the picture?
3) been looking around news on ryzen in forums, is there a new one releasing next month?

 

[Rashkae]

You can use the 770 but it will be your gaming bottleneck.

No need for a high end x370 board if you are not going SLI. Just get a B350 board.

Yeah there's an updated version coming. Best to wait a but.

Get good DDR4 RAM.

 

[xiaodouya]

You can use the 770 but it will be your gaming bottleneck.

No need for a high end x370 board if you are not going SLI. Just get a B350 board.

Yeah there's an updated version coming. Best to wait a but.

Get good DDR4 RAM.

sure, whats a good DDR4 ram in your opinion?