So, i am in the fortunate position where I have a grand I can slump onto a PC over the next few weeks and wondered if the performance of PC's has improved such that the investment would be worth it. So ill start at the beginning, my current PC spec; Processor: Intel i5 750 2.6ghz (4 core, non-HT) (base clock as overclock broke something) Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2 Ram: 8GB of DDR3 (running at default speed due to OC failing) HDD: 1x SSD 256gb & 1x 1TB HDD (this needs expanding). GPU: GTX 750ti (Powering 1x 4k Monitor) Late last year I purchased a Dell XPS 15 which is quite frankly fantastic, apart from one issue, it overheats while encoding video's which I plan to do much more of over the next year or so. Things I would like; USB3/Thunderbolt (anything to improve transfer speeds from memory cards) Support for 2 or more monitors. My question is, would I see a noticeable performance increase upgrading to a newer spec PC? Video encoding time doesn't affect me as I can quite happily walk away from the PC and let it do it's thing, however general usability and responsiveness would certainly increase my productivity on the PC. I am probably answering my own question, however I would like to see other peoples opinions on the matter before
First up - do you abolutely positively have to have thunderbolt? Mainly as it limits you to a small selection of relatively expensive intel boards... or a mac. USB 3.x is no biggie as even toasters have a plethora of such ports. Secondly, you'll see a speed bump over the i5 750 as unless you really cheap out, any cpu you pick with have more threads [and likely more clock speed] than what you have now. RAM and GPU [if applicable] prices are the killer atm, so bear that in mind.
I would keep the existing GPU. Especially if you do not game on it. Ryzen 1600 £142 https://www.amazon.co.uk/AMD-Ryzen-...TF8&qid=1524484644&sr=8-1&keywords=ryzen+1600 B350 strix £95 https://www.amazon.co.uk/ROG-STRIX-...TF8&qid=1524484671&sr=1-1&keywords=b350+strix 8gb DDR4 (for 16gb get two kits) £68.99 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/team...l-channel-kit-grey-tlgd48g2400-my-08g-tg.html PSU £39.97 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP...4484797&sr=8-3&keywords=600+watt+power+supply And then the storage of your choice. Prices *are* falling and bargains on gen 1 Ryzen are spectacular ATM.
Assuming you're recycling some bits [case/psu mainly] this is what ~£1k gets you: This [AMD] - https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/pXjYHh or this [intel], but only if you absolutely, positively have to have thunderbolt... - https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/hkFWbX full-ATX AMD options can be had cheaper if you case can accommodate it/intend to buy a new case, for intel if you want TB that's basically your only choice of board [or trying to find one of the expensive add-on cards]. potential cost reduction/corner cutting - the gpu, as V-T says you can either stick with your current GPU, opt for a cheaper GPU or even, mobo output permitting, run off the IGP [you'll need to grab the 2400G if going AMD as regular Ryzen doesn't have an igp]
If you do go down a Ryzen path, which I strongly recommend as you can get more cores for less cash, then you will need a decent board and fast RAM. 3200 is a must to get the best out of it. After that, it becomes more difficult to use the memory to its full potential.
