Ok, here we go. I just completed upgrading my Lenovo H50-55 and discovered all its limitations.
Here’s what I did:
• 16GB G. Skill V series RAM replaced a mix of 8GB Hynix and 8GB Pacific Bay RAM.
o It remains limited to PC3 12800 DDR3 1600Hz
• Corsair RM650x PSU replaced an ACBel 180W PSU
• MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti replaced an integrated AMD A10-7800 graphics system (Radeon 7) (Actually, the AMD GPU is still there but Windows is using the new GPU as primary)
• Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SSD which I migrated the Seagate HDD to. Now have both. ( And both are seen in file manager and Disk manager.)
• CoolerMaster Gemini V series FM2+ CPU heatsink and fan replaced stock. (I still have to install this)
• Corsair 120mm exhaust fan (would you believe there were NO fans in this thing?)
• Vantek 2 x 70mm GPU cooling fan (not sure it does any good)
The system now runs fast and cooler than before. I am quite pleased with myself in taking this on and having a working lower quality or capability box. The thing is perfect for what I do. No high-end gaming here (or even possible) but I wasn’t looking for that. I feel that I maxed out the H50-55 and am thrilled that it went together so well. But one of the limitations (I mentioned it has some right?) is lack of space and that means messy cables.
I was thinking, you know, we get bored once we finish something like this, so build a bigger one and use some of the components I already have!
I can reuse the PSU and SSD. If I was to build a current machine, I’d need a
• Motherboard
• CPU (Maybe an i5 would suffice - is i7 better for common tasks like surfing, playing FB games, etc?)
• New DDR4 RAM of some sort, I assume
• Case to put the stuff in which has enough room for cable maintenance
• Maybe new GPU but I’m not a big gamer so maybe not?
• Probably change keyboards. I don’t need the lights but backlit would be good like DasKeyboard Prime or something.
What I need is ideas on what MB and CPU I’d need (Intel) and what RAM and case to buy. If money was no option, what would you buy? I don’t need a rocket ship, just a dependable middle level machine that can accomplish limited gaming and hold it’s own in every other way.
So to you, what CPU on what MB in what case etc.
I’m really glad I found this group. You all have been so knowledgeable. Thank you.
Here’s what I did:
• 16GB G. Skill V series RAM replaced a mix of 8GB Hynix and 8GB Pacific Bay RAM.
o It remains limited to PC3 12800 DDR3 1600Hz
• Corsair RM650x PSU replaced an ACBel 180W PSU
• MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti replaced an integrated AMD A10-7800 graphics system (Radeon 7) (Actually, the AMD GPU is still there but Windows is using the new GPU as primary)
• Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SSD which I migrated the Seagate HDD to. Now have both. ( And both are seen in file manager and Disk manager.)
• CoolerMaster Gemini V series FM2+ CPU heatsink and fan replaced stock. (I still have to install this)
• Corsair 120mm exhaust fan (would you believe there were NO fans in this thing?)
• Vantek 2 x 70mm GPU cooling fan (not sure it does any good)
The system now runs fast and cooler than before. I am quite pleased with myself in taking this on and having a working lower quality or capability box. The thing is perfect for what I do. No high-end gaming here (or even possible) but I wasn’t looking for that. I feel that I maxed out the H50-55 and am thrilled that it went together so well. But one of the limitations (I mentioned it has some right?) is lack of space and that means messy cables.
I was thinking, you know, we get bored once we finish something like this, so build a bigger one and use some of the components I already have!
I can reuse the PSU and SSD. If I was to build a current machine, I’d need a
• Motherboard
• CPU (Maybe an i5 would suffice - is i7 better for common tasks like surfing, playing FB games, etc?)
• New DDR4 RAM of some sort, I assume
• Case to put the stuff in which has enough room for cable maintenance
• Maybe new GPU but I’m not a big gamer so maybe not?
• Probably change keyboards. I don’t need the lights but backlit would be good like DasKeyboard Prime or something.
What I need is ideas on what MB and CPU I’d need (Intel) and what RAM and case to buy. If money was no option, what would you buy? I don’t need a rocket ship, just a dependable middle level machine that can accomplish limited gaming and hold it’s own in every other way.
So to you, what CPU on what MB in what case etc.
I’m really glad I found this group. You all have been so knowledgeable. Thank you.