Need some advice on possible first build

dn89lx

Member
Sorry in advance - this will probably be long.

I have a custom PC that last week the hard drive failed (I am assuming that is what happened as it cannot recognize an OS). It is about 5-7 years old.

The important specs I know:
Thermaltake Tower (unsure of model - Picture attached)
Thermaltake 450W PSU model TT-450NL2NK
MSI GF-615M-P31 MOBO
Zalman CPU cooler
Galaxy Geforce 210 1GB DDR2 GPU
Patriot DDR3-1333MHz 2 X 4GB Ram (PSD34G13332)

I am unsure of the CPU other than it being a Phenom II.

I also have from a laptop with a busted screen an OCZ Vertex3 120GB SSD drive that could be re-purposed for a new build.

Uses of this computer: There is no gaming, video editing, or photoshop .. There is heavy (to me) multi-tasking in that there could be 10-15 Excel files open along with 25-30 web browsers/tabs going at any given time.

My first question - would it be worth just reformatting my OCZ drive and reinstalling Windows 7 and carrying on with life or is this system due for an upgrade?

Next - if I upgrade - is there any reason not to use the Graphics card, case, power supply, SSD drive that I already have?

Also - my 8GB of RAM at 1333MHz - would this be reason enough to upgrade to faster speed RAM or does it not really matter for my uses?

I have put together a few possible systems using Pcpartpicker reusing the items above (except the SSD drive that I forgot I had lol) Which of these would be recommended if you feel an upgrade is warranted?

I have to admit part of me has always been nervous to build a computer myself and part of me has always wanted to tackle it.

Here are the links:

AMD FX-6300 Build
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Vbyz9W

I5-4460 Build (Assumes buying 1600MHz ram, save $56 if I reuse my RAM)
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mDwQgL

I5-7500 Build
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/CGHghq

Thanks in advance. I guess it is really a what makes the most sense question.



PC Case - front view.jpeg
 

mistersprinkles

Active Member
Throw your GT210 in the garbage. The iGPU in the 7500 is better. Get 16GB of RAM. Don't reuse your vertex they were crappy.
 

Deadpool

Active Member
As everyone said, get the 7500.

The Integrated graphics from the 7500 is like 800% better than that 210 so get rid of it. http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compar...Intel-HD-630-Desktop-Kaby-Lake/m7740vsm178724

Keep the PSU if it is not too old and damaged. It´s pretty good if you are not planning on overclocking. 16Gb RAM (2x8Gb, the 2666MHz sticks have the best price, usually), and since it´s an office-like build, get a bigger SSD, 500Gb if you can afford it. If you need it. I don't know what other software you use.

Recommended models for your budget:

1- Samsung 850 EVO
2- PNY CS2211, Crucial MX300, Mushkin Reactor, OCZ Trion 150

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/gbhz9W
 
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dn89lx

Member
Thanks for the replies. I am by no means married to using the 210 card. Really was only using it for multiple monitor support - so if the Motherboard can do it better - one less thing to worry about/go bad. Looks like the consensus is to go ahead with the I5-7500. The PSU is as old as the computer - maybe 6ish years - but never had any issues. Is there any problem with re-using my case? Also - my current setup has/had no case fans installed other than on top of the CPU. At what point is one/multiple necessary?
 

Deadpool

Active Member
Your motherboard is a mATX. Probably so is your case. If it is any mATX motherboard should fit. Try to find out your model by searching the Thermaltake site. I'd do it myself but I'm on my phone and it's hell.

The build I gave you used an ATX but can be changed easily. Just click the "from parametric filter" link under the motherboard and change at will, preferably the size section only because the rest is though to be optimal. I usually prefer ATX because of the 4 RAM slots being the standard. There are mATX with 4 but they are not the norm.
 

dn89lx

Member
Might as well just start all over lol. It looks like really I have 2 choices - just buy a new hard drive and reinstall Windows for approx. $50 or spend $700+ on a new system and try to build my first computer.

If I go the new system route - I have taken what I have read on this thread and other posts and come up with this list - how does it look?

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/dn89lx/saved/nrgK8d
 
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