Suggestions for a Replacement Motherboard, CPU & RAM

Dacs on 27/08/2016 - 07:14
Last edited 27/08/2016 - 15:53

Hi

I've got desktop PC I built 7 years ago. It's now giving some problems and I'm having trouble figuring out if it's the drives, my Windows installation or the motherboard/RAM. It would be nice to replace the guts anyway though to get faster Wifi, USB 3 sockets, faster RAM etc. I've already got an SSD, 3 other internal HDDs and am happy with the other components (Antec NSK4480B-II case compatible with Mini-ITX, microATX and Standard ATX, EarthWatts 380W P/S, wireless keyboard & mouse, DVD, monitor).

I've got 3 Amex Mwave offers available ($40 back on $100 or more spend), then there's also the 20% eBay discount ending this weekend so now might be a good time.

I don't use it for gaming at all but use it for heavy browser work (I usually have hundreds of tabs open with resource-heavy pages), raw photo editing, lots of spreadsheets, printer server, backup server for my other PCs and devices, and it's my TV/PVR/media centre. Usually all at the same time. And it stays running 24/7.

So I'm looking for

  • A reasonably snappy but cool-running & energy efficient CPU
  • A motherboard with built-in graphics, 802.11ac wifi, at least 6 SATA ports and 10 USB ports, and whatever other features will ensure it be useful for several years
  • At least 8GB RAM with option to add more later (ie not to fill all RAM slots in the motherboard)

What could I get for a few hundred bucks?

Computing

Comments

  • Diji1 on 27/08/2016 - 10:14

    There's just no way you're going to get that with your budget I'm sorry.

    CPU alone is ~$240 if you went for an i5-6500.

    Motherboard: ~$130

    RAM: $65

    These are guesstimates.

    You might be able to throw together something second hand that's suitable.

    Just FYI, internal GPU is on the CPU although you plug the monitor into the motherboard when you use iGPU.

    • Dacs on 27/08/2016 - 10:26

      You're right, I should have said "a few hundred bucks".

      Just looked at this post again which has had some comments added with component suggestions. Will check those out later today.
      But please add any suggestions or warnings you can offer.

      Thanks

      • Dacs on 27/08/2016 - 15:52

        Oh, I see I had said "a few hundred bucks" :-)
        Yeah, $240 + $130 + $65 = $435 so that kind of price would be okay

        • allegiance86 on 27/08/2016 - 19:13
          +1

          Diji1 is about spot on there with components. You're not going to get anything amazing but you have a minimal budget :)

          For reference I just spent over $500 on my motherboard alone. However I game a fair bit ;)

          CPU: Intel Core i5 6500 $279
          Mobo: Gigabyte B150M-D3H $129
          RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4-2133 C13 $59

          Copied from whirlpool PC Suggestions :)

  • scrimshaw on 27/08/2016 - 20:51

    I should point out, that there is a very cheap way of obtaining very fast Wifi AC connectivity for your desktop computer. Using $38 dollars worth of parts.

    You need to first buy one of these PCI to PCIE adapters. $9 AUD
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Mini-PCI-E-to-PCI-E-Express-X…

    Then you need to get a Intel Mini AC7260 PCIE Wifi adapter for $29 dollars.
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Intel-Dual-Band-Wireless-AC-7260-…

    combine and you will have pretty much the cheapest PCIE-based Wifi adapter you can get your hands on.

  • The Magic Pudding on 28/08/2016 - 00:34

    It could be your power supply.
    Or maybe probably it's gnomes.
    You search the board cm by cm.
    They see your light coming,
    just duck behind a capacitor.
    Ye order a new board and bits.
    But containment your old board,
    in the special silver plastic.
    Or don't if you don't believe.
    Old board infecting your new,
    usually take about 14 months.

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