Need Motherboard+RAM for i5-3570

[fabienne.ericher]

Hello,

My 5-year old build has recently failed on me and I need to get some new components. I need to make sure that what I pick will allow for an upgrade in the next couple of years -but don't really feel the need right now, based on my use.

Here's the build:
2013 CCL Elite Raven II gaming system
CPU: intel core i5-3570 cpu @ 3.4 GHz 3.80 quadcore
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7800 Series (XFX R7850)
RAM: Patriot DDR3 (2 x 4gb) 1600 Mhz - only (1 x 4GB) in use currently
SSD: Samsung 860 EVO 250GB ATA
HDD: Toshiba 1 TB ATA
PSU: Corsair VS 450

In the past few months it started coming up with blue screens at start-up, some now and then, and required restarting, but the system would run fine afterwards. Then the blue screens became more and more common (needing ~4 restart every startup) until I was not able to get into the system at all.

I reformatted (got myself an SSD for the new OS while I was at it), did the usual checks (BIOS update, drive check, RAM check etc.) but could not find the cause. What fixed it was to play with which RAM was in use in which slot:

RAM #1 in slot #1: Runs fine so far
RAM #2 in slot #1: Runs but will come up with blue screens at startup sometimes
any RAM in slot #2: Won't start

So I am currently down to 4gb (Odd, but turns out the Witcher 3 still runs ok, so I am coping 😀 )

I feel the motherboard is the main culprit, and might as well upgrade the RAM to 2 x 8 GB while I am at it (not sure I trust RAM #2 anymore). Does someone have a recommendation for a motherboard that would allow for upgrades? (I think I should only get DDR3 with my CPU? -This is my first time altering a build and I am really confused-)
I can spend £200-£300 for a fix and happy to consider extra for an upgrade now, if you think I should.
Also, what do you feel I am likely to need upgrading in the future? CPU? GPU?
Thanks!

 

[The Paladin]

well if your not looking to spend a lot, and don't care to "upgrade" and considering the age of the hardware type (3rd gen Intel) you will find that you are looking at the "used" or "refurbished" market;

HP and Dell have desktops units for a few hundred dollars that can be upgraded with your current components (video ram, Psu, etc.) as long as you get a tower model, or if your experienced with hardware you could do what I did when My z877 motherboard died, get a new refurbished motherboard from dell and make it work into your case. (dell inspiron 660s for example is a 3rd gen cpu compatible system)

the other option is trust the used market, and get a board that can run with your needs this web page will list any motherboard (aftermarket) that can run on it, the list is long, and all depends where you get it (eBay, LetGo etc.) you may have a board that will last you a few more years. http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/CPUs/Intel/Core_i5/i5-3570_motherboards.html

good luck

 

[fabienne.ericher]

Thanks!
I am happy to spend money if it makes sense in the long run. What you said makes me think my CPU is so ancient, I probably should get an upgrade rather than getting an old motherboard that accommodate it now and needing a new one in 2 years, then?
I am not experienced, so happy to go for a simple option. If that means I should start from scratch and get a new build I am happy to consider that as well.

 

[The Paladin]

yes, a I5-3xxx complete with case, power supply as a HP/dell system can be had for 130-150$ considering that intel is running 8th gen now..
depends on your budget of course, also should consider a Ryzen system, a little cheaper with good power for a desktop option.

 

[fabienne.ericher]

Perhaps I should go for the new version of CCL Raven then (can you tell I can't handle complexity 😀 ) and add my SSD into that ?
Does that sound like a plan?

https://www.cclonline.com/pc/gaming-pcs/raven/ccl-raven-gs-gaming-pc/

 

[The Paladin]

sounds like good plan actually.... it look like a solid system