Need help upgrading an old system

[Jack0f5pades]

I'm currently in the middle of upgrading an old OEM system to give to some family members who don't have a desktop at the moment. I specifically want to upgrade the CPU, PSU, graphics power, and install an SSD. It's mostly the CPU and graphics I need help with right now. First off, I need to find a CPU that is socket LGA1150, that is at least 4 cores (preferably with SMT) and can run DDR3-1600 memory. I make that specification because the CPU that's in this computer right now is locked to 1333, despite the memory being rated at 1600. Right now, I'm looking at the Xeon E3 1270-V3, as it seems to cover all the bases, but is almost as expensive as a modern 6-core AM4 processor, which I don't really understand but whatever. As for the GPU, I was planning on installing my old RX 570, but I heard that old boards can have issues recognizing newer cards, and seeing as how I don't think this board's bios has been updated in years, I'm worried about it recognizing my card. I don't even know where I would go about trying to update the bios on this thing.

 

So if anyone has suggestions for a better CPU to use, or advice on updating an OEM board bios, or if I even need to update the bios to get the card to work, anything would be greatly appreciated.

[asquirrel]

CPUs: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/cpu/#k=24

The 4790 is just a 4790k that can't be overclocked (well, it can, but it's a lot harder and less flexible).

But why spend $300 when you can get a brand new Ryzen CPU with 8 cores for the same cost? https://pcpartpicker.com/products/cpu/#s=59 I get that you have an existing motherboard, but really, are you going to spend $300 on a CPU that's 5+ years old when you could spend $120 more and get something *hugely* better? You do you, but the value prop just isn't there for socket 1150.

 

The next best option is to just buy old servers off Ebay and try to fabricobble something together from that. Keep in mind: you may need to swap the motherboard anyway. Dell and other OEMs are known for having motherboards that only support their specific hardware configs, and don't support upgrading. Consumer grade motherboards are much more flexible.

[Jack0f5pades]

1 minute ago, asquirrel said:

I get that you have an existing motherboard, but really, are you going to spend $300 on a CPU that's 5+ years old when you could spend $120 more and get something *hugely* better? You do you, but the value prop just isn't there for socket 1150.

 

This is my exact mindset. This is the first intel system I've ever tried to do anything with, because IMO AM4 is just so much simpler and easier to work with. Basically I got this system for free and I wanted to turn it into something usable for the least amount of money possible. That being $80 for the 1270v3, and $40 for the SSD, because I already have the PSU and GPU I planned on using. But it seems like it just might not be possible, or at least very expensive/not worth it to upgrade this system. I guess I'll pull the ram and cut ties with it, try and find another solution for making a cheap system later.

[merco]

27 minutes ago, Jack0f5pades said:

almost as expensive as a modern 6-core AM4 processor

I'm not sure what you are looking at but if you're trying to upgrade an old system your best bet is the used market. If I search for lga 1150 on the used market I find an I3 4160 for 20€ and an I5 4590 bundled with a Mugen 4 for 50€ for example.

[Jack0f5pades]

16 minutes ago, merco said:

I'm not sure what you are looking at

I was specifically referring to the Xeon E3 1270-V3 (4 core 8 thread) selling for $81 on Aliexpress, which is only $4 less than the Ryzen 5 1600 AF (6 core 12 thread) on Amazon right now. It just sounded strange is all. I'll look at those listings when I get home.

[merco]

1 minute ago, Jack0f5pades said:

I was specifically referring to the Xeon E3 1270-V3 (4 core 8 thread) selling for $81 on Aliexpress, which is only $4 less than the Ryzen 5 1600 AF (6 core 12 thread) on Amazon right now. It just sounded strange is all. I'll look at those listings when I get home.

Ah I see, well used parts from retailers tend to have ridiculous prices. I can't tell you where to look in the US since I am from Germany, but here I always check ebay-kleinanzeigen, which basically works like craigslist. But yeah no idea if craigslist is a good place to look for hardware in your area or what other options you would have, but I'm sure you will find something that aggregates private people selling hardware. Actually this forum has a classifieds section too, but I believe you need 100 posts to see it or something.