[Leo_Leonardo]

Good day to you all, I come seeking some help upgrading my PC. Before I continue let me disclose my PC’s specs. I have a modified Gateway FX that has 12 gigs of ram, a 1^st gen Intel Core i7 860 processor (2.80GHz),  an EVGA GEFORCE GTX 780 (3GB of GDDR5), 750W Rosewill Hive power source, Netgear Wireless N – 300 USB Adapter, and I’m not sure about the internal hard drive or motherboard. The OS is Windows 7.

What I am looking at upgrading is the case, processor, motherboard, and maybe adding a small solid state hard drive to put my operating system on. If possible I’m trying not to go over $600 dollars, but realize this may not be possible. When it comes to the new case I’m looking for a big one with lots of fans and good airflow. I would like to get another i7 processor that is more current, I believe 4^th gen is the most recent. I’m not sure what I’m looking for in the motherboard, but was told it needed to be upgraded if I went to a 4^th gen i7. I would also like the motherboard to have 2 graphics card slots, I plan on putting in another GTX 780 next time they go on sale, and 3.0 USB. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestion on what I should get, and if anyone could point me in the right direction for installing these parts. 

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Gday Leo_Leonardo, welcome back.

Please give us a little more information so we can better help you.

In which country are you purchasing parts?

​Exact brand/model of the RAM? this needed to check compatibility with a new MB.

Is your OS type, OEM, Dell/HP branded, Full Retail?

Do you prefer a case, with windowed side or without?

[iammykyl]

Gday Leo_Leonardo, welcome back.

Please give us a little more information so we can better help you.

In which country are you purchasing parts?

​Exact brand/model of the RAM? this needed to check compatibility with a new MB.

Is your OS type, OEM, Dell/HP branded, Full Retail?

Do you prefer a case, with windowed side or without?

[Leo_Leonardo]

I am purchasing parts in the US. I have two types of RAM in my computer, two Corsair Vengeance 4 GIG sticks and two Kingston 2 GIG sticks with the code ACR256x64D3U1333C9. Unfortunately I am not knowledgeable enough to tell you the OS type. Could you point me in the right direction to get said info? As to whether I prefer windowed sides or not, I don't really care how it looks so long as the price is good and the product is efficient.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the update.

Please read the info on this site, then downlad and run the advisor.

> http://pcsupport.abo...isor-review.htm

When the scan is displayed, from the section Software Licence, right click, copy this part, 

Microsoft - Windows XP Home Edition    --  76477-OEM-0057986-42528 do not copy the key numbers that come after, paste into your reply. 

 

I will give you a build to consider this evening.

[iammykyl]

Gday.

Proposed build for your consideration.   I have included a OS which puts you over the budget.

Specified the top current CPU.

Latest Z97 platform.

I have not tried to to squeeze in a SSD by chopping down the above parts.   Use your existing HDD and later look at the newest generation SSD, (MB ready) or the current SSDs as their prices will drop more in the next year.

Case will take GPU up to 12.1/2" > video, http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

 

Proposed Build, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7Jq9t6

[Leo_Leonardo]

Thanks for the update.

Please read the info on this site, then downlad and run the advisor.

> http://pcsupport.abo...isor-review.htm

When the scan is displayed, from the section Software Licence, right click, copy this part, 

Microsoft - Windows XP Home Edition    --  76477-OEM-0057986-42528 do not copy the key numbers that come after, paste into your reply. 

 

I will give you a build to consider this evening.

 It says I'm running Microsoft - Windows 7 Home Premium (x64)

[Leo_Leonardo]

Gday.

Proposed build for your consideration.   I have included a OS which puts you over the budget.

Specified the top current CPU.

Latest Z97 platform.

I have not tried to to squeeze in a SSD by chopping down the above parts.   Use your existing HDD and later look at the newest generation SSD, (MB ready) or the current SSDs as their prices will drop more in the next year.

Case will take GPU up to 12.1/2" > video, http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

 

Proposed Build, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7Jq9t6

Please excuse my ignorance, but I didn't follow some parts of your reply. I'm not sure what a Z97 platform is or the part about squeezing in the SSD. When you say squeezing in the SSD do you mean budget wise or literally getting it to fit in the case. I would also like to thank you for compiling a parts list.

[Leo_Leonardo]

 

Gday.

Proposed build for your consideration.   I have included a OS which puts you over the budget.

Specified the top current CPU.

Latest Z97 platform.

I have not tried to to squeeze in a SSD by chopping down the above parts.   Use your existing HDD and later look at the newest generation SSD, (MB ready) or the current SSDs as their prices will drop more in the next year.

Case will take GPU up to 12.1/2" > video, http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

 

Proposed Build, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7Jq9t6

I have been looking around in some other places so as to have a diverse set of options and input when it comes to this project. If possible I would like your opinion on some other builds and advice I have been given. An individual from the STEAM community has suggested that I hold off on the SSD until the new M.2 64GB model drops in price. I have been told that it is significantly faster than the SATA SSD. Would you deem this to be sound advice? Also I have been given two other builds to consider. The first is as follows: I7 4790K, z97 gigabyte gaming 5, corsair 400D atx case. The second is as follows: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9YtH8d.

Edited by Leo_Leonardo, 18 June 2014 - 08:12 PM.

[iammykyl]

Gday.

Please excuse my ignorance, but I didn't follow some parts of your reply. I'm not sure what a Z97 platform is or the part about squeezing in the SSD. When you say squeezing in the SSD do you mean budget wise or literally getting it to fit in the case. I would also like to thank you for compiling a parts list.

Apologies, should have made things clearer.   Yes I did mean squeezing in, budget wise.

The Z97 Platform > http://www.techspot....d-z97-platform/

 

 

An individual from the STEAM community has suggested that I hold off on the SSD until the new M.2 64GB model drops in price. I have been told that it is significantly faster than the SATA SSD. Would you deem this to be sound advice?

 

Yes, as I said, "Use your existing HDD and later look at the newest generation SSD, (MB ready) or the current SSDs as their prices wil drop over the year"

 

Also I have been given two other builds to consider. The first is as follows: I7 4790K, z97 gigabyte gaming 5, corsair 400D atx case.

Edit, was wrong, The MB only has 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 so no good for a second video card (the card is very good, being Micro ATX, is a bit cramped, not much space between the PCI-E slots, may effect the first GPU if the second one dumps heat on it) the case is not big, as you specified, max ATX MB, and has poorer initial air flow than the Rosewill.
 

 The second is as follows: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9YtH8d.

I have no idea of how experienced another person on another site has in configuring system, nor any way of checking.

You get more for your money on that build, but it has an i5 CPU, it does not take into account your i7 request, or plan to include a second video card which will bottleneck them in anything but medium setting.   The case again is a mid tower and would need more fans later.

 

Re. OS.  Please look around your case for any labels, one may be COA,the other may show your key and OS. 

 

This post has been edited. 

[Leo_Leonardo]

Gday.

Please excuse my ignorance, but I didn't follow some parts of your reply. I'm not sure what a Z97 platform is or the part about squeezing in the SSD. When you say squeezing in the SSD do you mean budget wise or literally getting it to fit in the case. I would also like to thank you for compiling a parts list.

Apologies, should have made things clearer.   Yes I did mean squeezing in, budget wise.

The Z97 Platform > http://www.techspot....d-z97-platform/

 

 

An individual from the STEAM community has suggested that I hold off on the SSD until the new M.2 64GB model drops in price. I have been told that it is significantly faster than the SATA SSD. Would you deem this to be sound advice?

 

Yes, as I said, "Use your existing HDD and later look at the newest generation SSD, (MB ready) or the current SSDs as their prices wil drop over the year"

 

Also I have been given two other builds to consider. The first is as follows: I7 4790K, z97 gigabyte gaming 5, corsair 400D atx case.

Edit, was wrong, The MB only has 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 so no good for a second video card (the card is very good, being Micro ATX, is a bit cramped, not much space between the PCI-E slots, may effect the first GPU if the second one dumps heat on it) the case is not big, as you specified, max ATX MB, and has poorer initial air flow than the Rosewill.
 

 The second is as follows: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9YtH8d.

I have no idea of how experienced another person on another site has in configuring system, nor any way of checking.

You get more for your money on that build, but it has an i5 CPU, it does not take into account your i7 request, or plan to include a second video card which will bottleneck them in anything but medium setting.   The case again is a mid tower and would need more fans later.

 

Re. OS.  Please look around your case for any labels, one may be COA,the other may show your key and OS. 

 

This post has been edited. 

Thank you for your detailed and well worded response. It would seem that your build is by far the best option. To answer the OS question both my case and Belarc Advisor tell me I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium (x64). While on the topic of my OS I would like to ask if it is possible to carry my current operating system over to my new build. Also I forgot to mention I would be using this rig for video editing and rendering in addition to using it for gaming. Would your proposed build perform fairly decently at these tasks or would I need to make a few changes in light of this? Once again I am very appreciative of all your help.

Edited by Leo_Leonardo, 20 June 2014 - 07:09 AM.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the update.

RE. OS.   If your Windows is a retail version, you can install it to a different computer, providing that you remove it from the present system.   Unfortunately still not clear what you have.

Please right click on My Computer, > select Properties, look for an ID number, (this is not a activation key, so is safe to post) should look like this, 

76477-xxx-0057986-42528 Please copy and paste into your next reply.

 

I forgot to mention I would be using this rig for video editing and rendering in addition to using it for gaming. Would your proposed build perform fairly decently at these tasks or would I need to make a few changes in light of this?

The proposed MB, CPU with your single GPU will be a great base for an enthusiast video editing system.  Depending on what software you are using and the codecs, RAM may need to be increased.   Again, depending on software, the number of HDDs should be reviewed. 

 

You are most welcome.

[Leo_Leonardo]

Thanks for the update.

RE. OS.   If your Windows is a retail version, you can install it to a different computer, providing that you remove it from the present system.   Unfortunately still not clear what you have.

Please right click on My Computer, > select Properties, look for an ID number, (this is not a activation key, so is safe to post) should look like this, 

76477-xxx-0057986-42528 Please copy and paste into your next reply.

 

I forgot to mention I would be using this rig for video editing and rendering in addition to using it for gaming. Would your proposed build perform fairly decently at these tasks or would I need to make a few changes in light of this?

The proposed MB, CPU with your single GPU will be a great base for an enthusiast video editing system.  Depending on what software you are using and the codecs, RAM may need to be increased.   Again, depending on software, the number of HDDs should be reviewed. 

 

You are most welcome.

Re. OS. It say "Product ID: 00359-OEM-8992687-00006"

 

Re. Video Editing. I mostly use Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0 and Adobe After FX for my film needs. When moving files from After FX to Vegas Movie Studio I use the codec XNxHD so as to prevent loss of quality. 

 

Just A heads up, I'm going to be away on a trip for the next two days. I will resume correspondence with you on June 23. 

[iammykyl]

Gday.

I know I banged on a bit about the OS version and it has turned out a bummer.   The OEM in the code means it is a Original Equipment Manufacturer licence version.   Once activated on a system, it is permanently tied to the MB and cannot be transferred to a different MB/system.   It will install on another system but when you activate via Microsoft, Activation would be denied.   You will need to buy a new OS installation disc, included in the build.

 

Later upgrades.

You should have a min of 2 hard drives in the system, 3 would be useful for Vegas.

AE, 3 min, more if you can afford it. Info, > https://www.video2br...zing-hard-disks

More.

> https://forums.adobe.com/thread/878520

>  http://helpx.adobe.c...erformance.html

General, >http://wwwimages.ado...-whitepaper.pdf

 

RAM.   You have mixed brands and although they have the same specs and work on your system, there is no guarantee they will work together on the new MB/CPU.   I would advise installing the 8GB first, get the system running/test, then add the other 4GB. 

[Leo_Leonardo]

Gday.

I know I banged on a bit about the OS version and it has turned out a bummer.   The OEM in the code means it is a Original Equipment Manufacturer licence version.   Once activated on a system, it is permanently tied to the MB and cannot be transferred to a different MB/system.   It will install on another system but when you activate via Microsoft, Activation would be denied.   You will need to buy a new OS installation disc, included in the build.

 

Later upgrades.

You should have a min of 2 hard drives in the system, 3 would be useful for Vegas.

AE, 3 min, more if you can afford it. Info, > https://www.video2br...zing-hard-disks

More.

> https://forums.adobe.com/thread/878520

>  http://helpx.adobe.c...erformance.html

General, >http://wwwimages.ado...-whitepaper.pdf

 

RAM.   You have mixed brands and although they have the same specs and work on your system, there is no guarantee they will work together on the new MB/CPU.   I would advise installing the 8GB first, get the system running/test, then add the other 4GB. 

Re. OS. That is a real bummer indeed. Considering the price of the OS is included in the price of the computer you would think they would give the buyer a little more leeway. Oh well, it can't be helped. Thanks for letting me know so it didn't become a nasty surprise at the end of my project. On that note I have another OS question. I was wondering if I should buy windows 7 again instead of shelling out for Windows 8. I have heard the improvement in performance Windows 8 offers is marginal. 

 

Re. Hard Drives. So are you saying that new hard drives would improve my video editing capabilities, but I don't necessarily need them right away?

 

Re. RAM. Understood, I will make sure to remember that.

 

Processor. I know just enough about computers to ascertain what parts are good, but not why they are good. For example I know that the higher the hertz on a processor the better it usually is, but I don't know why that makes it better. Could you explain for me why the traits of the Core i7-4790K make it a good processor? Technically this information isn't mission critical for completing this project, I am just asking out of curiosity. In light of this I understand if you would prefer not to explain.  

Edited by Leo_Leonardo, 23 June 2014 - 09:15 PM.

[iammykyl]

Was the readon I banged on so, did'nt want you to get that nasty suprise.

 

 

another OS question. I was wondering if I should buy windows 7 again instead of shelling out for Windows 8. I have heard the improvement in performance Windows 8  \

A.   I have not used w8/8.1, Phillpower2 say's w8 was not a great improvement but swears by W8.1, friendly interface, can be highly personalized, even bring back the old start menu, if you wish, very fast, seems to have very few bugs.   I will be building a new system soon and installing W8.1  

 

Re. Hard Drives. So are you saying that new hard drives would improve my video editing capabilities, but I don't necessarily need them right away?

A.   Yes to both.   Will improve a little with Vagas and should make a big difference with Adobe software.

Re. CPU speed.

Info, simple, > http://simple.wikipe...processing_unit

Discussion, > http://superuser.com...peed-and-cycles

> http://www.howtogeek...ter-performance

The $$ nearly always contrain a build.

For a gamer with a top GPU,  I would have selected a i5.   with 2 GPUs or a home workstation, the i7 in the build.   For Photo/video work, from the links, you known that the number of cores is important + the amount of L3 cache.   The longer processing Data can be kept in the CPU before having to pass it to and fro from, RAM (slower) then to discs (crawling) the better performance will be.

I will be using a i7-4820K 3.7GHz with 10MB of L3 cache.