Motherboard is dead... needing to upgrade and have questions

[nzae]

Hi,

My motherboard the AsRock H97 Pro4 is dead, it was due to me not using standoffs with it for the 2+ years that I used it, (at least I think this is what caused it) because it was my first PC I built when Iw as 14 yrs old and didn't understand standoffs. So I need to get a new motherboard, I've tested and made sure it's not the PSU that is dead from starting up my PSU with a paperclip.

However I built my PC in 2014 and it has these parts:

Motherboard -> AsRock H97 Pro4
CPU -> Intel i5-4590
GPU -> GTX 1080
PSU -> EVGA 600B (80+ BRONZE)
RAM -> 2x 4GB DDR3 ADATA XPG V2
Case -> Phantom R70 by NZXT

I've tried going on PC part picker again to find compatibilities, but it seems like almost all of the motherboards that would be compatible with my old processor are very expensive and not really being produced anymore. I'm wondering if I should get a new CPU + motherboard because of this.

I mainly use my PC for gaming and studying. I was thinking of getting a new processor and newer motherboard and was wondering if I would notice lesser performance if I get a:

CPU -> Intel Core i3-8100

and new motherboard to go with it. Or if I should just buy an oudated motherboard to work with my old CPU. I'm also wondering if my 2x 4GB Crosshair DDR3 ram will work with a potential new motherboard I get that would go with the new intel i3-8100 CPU or if I will have to buy new RAM as well?


Thanks for your time

 

[coozie7]

You won't be able to reuse the RAM, all current systems are using DDR4 memory.

Cheapest overall option would probably be to hunt through places like Craiglist and E-bay for either a replacement motherboard or complete system you can cannibalise.

What would be your top budget for a CPU/MB/RAM upgrade?
What display are you using? That big GTX1080 can drive 2K 144Hz displays!

 

[nzae]

I use a samsung TV and play at 2K usually!

I see I have to make the decision to either go big and spend around $300+ for new RAM, new mobo, new processor or find an older motherboard that works with my processor and RAM which will cost between 50-150$.

My upper limit is $300 with upgrades and etc. I wouldn't want to even spend that much. Thanks for your help, any suggestions you can further provide are appreciated.

 

[nzae]

You won't be able to reuse the RAM, all current systems are using DDR4 memory.

Cheapest overall option would probably be to hunt through places like Craiglist and E-bay for either a replacement motherboard or complete system you can cannibalise.

What would be your top budget for a CPU/MB/RAM upgrade?
What display are you using? That big GTX1080 can drive 2K 144Hz displays!

So I actually narrowed it down to one area of the motherboard (the bottom right corner where the screw would go in next to the cord that links the case power button to my motherboard +PWRBTN area. If I don't put that screw in, all of the issues that were previously occuring (not starting up, starting up again randomly after being powered down) no longer occur.

Obviously this means something is very wrong with my motherboard, but my PC is working fine now that I removed that one screw.

Do you think it's better now to buy a replacement AsRock H97 Pro4 motherboard on ebay or just go all in and get a new processor (i3-8100), Mobo (any that fits), RAM 8GB which costs around $280.


I can find my old motherboard on eBay for $80 used (but who knows the quality of this "used" mobo, or new for ~$150. If I'm going to be sp[ending ~$150 for an outdated piece of equipment I'm wondering which is the better options and would appreciate some opinions. Thanks a lot.

 

[dontlistentome]

If you were happy with the performance of your i5 before this happened, I'd buy a used motherboard for the system you have now. Use this as the opportunity to buy the motherboard that has the features you always wanted but couldn't afford back then.

If you are going with a new CPU/motherboard/DDR4 ram setup, then I'd buy an i5 8400 at least, or Ryzen 5 if going with AMD. Since you'd be buying new, and you have a 1080, and you'll already be spending a chunk of money, I don't see the sense in buying another 4 core/4 thread CPU.

 

[nzae]

If you were happy with the performance of your i5 before this happened, I'd buy a used motherboard for the system you have now. Use this as the opportunity to buy the motherboard that has the features you always wanted but couldn't afford back then.

If you are going with a new CPU/motherboard/DDR4 ram setup, then I'd buy an i5 8400 at least, or Ryzen 5 if going with AMD. Since you'd be buying new, and you have a 1080, and you'll already be spending a chunk of money, I don't see the sense in buying another 4 core/4 thread CPU.

I won't need to buy a 1080 again though right? lol...

Can use my current 1080 and just buy a new mobo, cpu, and ram?

Also how could I find a bettter version of my motherboard in 2014 since many aren't made anymore and I would have to buy a dated one?

 

[coozie7]

I'd just leave well alone for now and start saving for a larger upgrade in the future, swapping to a current i3 won't be much of a upgrade.

Good news is that you won't need to purchase anything else, but do make sure you have a Microsoft account and you link your current Windows install/license to it, it's advisable to do a full system reinstall after such a major update and linking your current license this way will allow you to activate the fresh install more easily.