Question System Upgrade for Light Gaming

[jobondur]

I have a computer that I built in 2019 that is still running strong but now is giving me a message that the processor does not meet the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. It is actually a build that has components that date back to 2009 when I built my first PC. The intent is to use it for light gaming (primarily F0rtn!te with my son) and then basic internet, MS Office functionality, and other home office work. No intense graphics processing required, just a fun and useful home PC that will occasionally get used. Below is the current makeup of the system and I'm more than fine using the components that are still working (i.e. everything except the CPU which IS working but not capable of being upgraded).

Question 1 - What is the bare minimum I can swap out to upgrade this and what would you recommend I use? (e.g. only CPU needs to be replaced and recommend XXX)

Question 2 - What would you recommend I do to upgrade this system given a budget of $500? OS and peripherals do not need to be considered.

Motherboard - ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

• CPU Socket Type: AM4
• Option: B450M PRO4

CPU - AMD RYZEN 3 2200G Quad-Core 3.5 GHz (3.7 GHz Max Boost) Socket AM4 65W YD2200C5FBBOX Desktop Processor

*Case - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

*PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Memory - G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4 2800 (PC4 22400) Desktop Memory Model F4-2800C15D-8GVRB

Hard Drive - 240 GB SSD, don't remember the make but I WILL be getting a new SSD and using the current one as a secondary drive

*DVD Burner - LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 - OEM

Note - the items with the * are the items that were used from my 2009 build and are still currently working fine. The items without the * are from roughly 2019, not sure when the Hard Drive was purchased.

Note 2 - I played F0rtn!te on this system last night and everything seemed to run fine.

 

[Lutfij]

Is this the PSU you're working with now;

Corsair CX400W Power Supply

The well-known memory brand morphed in recent years to become a major player in retail power supplies. While Corsair offers kilowatt PSUs, a 400W model rounds out the opposite end of its line. Dec 15, 2009 by Mike Vass Product Corsair Power 400W (CMPSU-400CX) Computer Power Supply Brand Corsair...

silentpcreview.com

?

If so, that needs to go. Outside of your CPU upgrade. You can update the BIOS to the latest version, then drop in any AM4 socket APU from the 5000 series. You will need to look at a DDR4-3600MHz to take advantage of your platform though. If you decide to go with a processor, you will need a discrete GPU tog et display output.

 

[punkncat]

Considering that you have until Oct of '25 to be concerned about W11, my opinion would be to purchase a nice modern graphics card with your monitor res/framerate in mind, and a suitable power supply.

Alongside that, would just watch out for good deals on either 3xxx or 5xxx if your motherboard supports the latter with BIOS updates and pick something up at a good price, even used. I would point out that on the motherboard you are using I probably would not consider going above something like 5600X or a non X skew if R7/9.

 

[artk2219]

I have a computer that I built in 2019 that is still running strong but now is giving me a message that the processor does not meet the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. It is actually a build that has components that date back to 2009 when I built my first PC. The intent is to use it for light gaming (primarily Fort____ with my son) and then basic internet, MS Office functionality, and other home office work. No intense graphics processing required, just a fun and useful home PC that will occasionally get used. Below is the current makeup of the system and I'm more than fine using the components that are still working (i.e. everything except the CPU which IS working but not capable of being upgraded).

Question 1 - What is the bare minimum I can swap out to upgrade this and what would you recommend I use? (e.g. only CPU needs to be replaced and recommend XXX)

Question 2 - What would you recommend I do to upgrade this system given a budget of $500? OS and peripherals do not need to be considered.

Motherboard - ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

• CPU Socket Type: AM4
• Option: B450M PRO4

CPU - AMD RYZEN 3 2200G Quad-Core 3.5 GHz (3.7 GHz Max Boost) Socket AM4 65W YD2200C5FBBOX Desktop Processor

*Case - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

*PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Memory - G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4 2800 (PC4 22400) Desktop Memory Model F4-2800C15D-8GVRB

Hard Drive - 240 GB SSD, don't remember the make but I WILL be getting a new SSD and using the current one as a secondary drive

*DVD Burner - LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 - OEM

Note - the items with the * are the items that were used from my 2009 build and are still currently working fine. The items without the * are from roughly 2019, not sure when the Hard Drive was purchased.

Note 2 - I played Fort____ on this system last night and everything seemed to run fine.

A few options, and you will need to update your BIOS before you go for any of these. I dont really recommend the bare minimum one, but a mix of the others should work, youll really want to conside upgrading that powersupply, its not a great one. Thats especially true if you want anything above an RX 6600, and even then that RX 6600 is pushing up a little closer than I would like to the limit on that 400w psu (350w ish power consumption with everything going at 100%). You want to keep within 20% of the rated power for a power supply at full load, thats within less than 15%, thats tolerable, but not great. If you have a microcenter near you i would check there, they typically have better CPU pricing and open box deals on parts.

Bare minimum ($180):
$120 - 140 Ryzen 5 5600G
https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-5-5600g-ryzen-5-5000-g-series/p/N82E16819113684?Item=9SIASGMJ1T6139

$40 2 x 8gb DDR4 3200 RAM
https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-16gb...820231941?Item=N82E16820231941&SoldByNewegg=1

Better option ($395 - 413):

$135 Ryzen 5 5600

https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-5-5600-ryzen-5-5000-series/p/N82E16819113736?Item=N82E16819113736

(Optional)
$18 CPU Cooler
https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Assassin-Heatpipes-Technology-TL-C12C/dp/B0BJYXLZLL/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&keywords=Computer+CPU+Cooling+Fans&qid=1707422676&refinements=p_89:Thermalright&rnid=2528832011&s=pc&sr=1-3&ts_id=11036281&th=1

$65 2 x 16GB Ram

https://www.newegg.com/crucial-32gb/p/N82E16820156326?Item=N82E16820156326&SoldByNewegg=1

$195 RX 6600

https://www.newegg.com/powercolor-r...d6-3dh/p/N82E16814131791?Item=N82E16814131791

Budget of $495 - 515

$135 Ryzen 5 5600

https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-5-5600-ryzen-5-5000-series/p/N82E16819113736?Item=N82E16819113736

(optional)
$18 CPU Cooler
https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Assassin-Heatpipes-Technology-TL-C12C/dp/B0BJYXLZLL/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&keywords=Computer+CPU+Cooling+Fans&qid=1707422676&refinements=p_89:Thermalright&rnid=2528832011&s=pc&sr=1-3&ts_id=11036281&th=1

$65 2 x 16GB Ram

https://www.newegg.com/crucial-32gb/p/N82E16820156326?Item=N82E16820156326&SoldByNewegg=1

$235 RX 6600 XT
https://www.newegg.com/asrock-radeo...pgd-8g/p/N82E16814930064?Item=N82E16814930064

$70 650W PSU
https://www.newegg.com/corsair-cx-series-cx650-650-w/p/N82E16817139322?Item=N82E16817139322

Higher budget ($583)

$180 Ryzen 7 5700X
https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-7-5700x-ryzen-7-5000-series/p/274-000M-001T7?Item=9SIASGMJJ03011

$18 CPU Cooler
https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Assassin-Heatpipes-Technology-TL-C12C/dp/B0BJYXLZLL/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&keywords=Computer+CPU+Cooling+Fans&qid=1707422676&refinements=p_89:Thermalright&rnid=2528832011&s=pc&sr=1-3&ts_id=11036281&th=1

$65 2 x 16GB Ram
https://www.newegg.com/crucial-32gb/p/N82E16820156326?Item=N82E16820156326&SoldByNewegg=1

$250 RX 6650 XT
https://www.newegg.com/xfx-rx-665x8dfdy/p/N82E16814150870?Item=9SIAD2CJEK7016

$70 650W PSU
https://www.newegg.com/corsair-cx-series-cx650-650-w/p/N82E16817139322?Item=N82E16817139322

Forget the rest, lets GPU it up ($530)

$79 Ryzen 5 4500
https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-5-5500-ryzen-5-5000-series/p/N82E16819113737?Item=N82E16819113737

$40 2 x 8gb DDR4 3200 RAM
https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-16gb...820231941?Item=N82E16820231941&SoldByNewegg=1

$340 RX 6700 XT
https://www.newegg.com/asrock-radeo...d-12go/p/N82E16814930054?Item=N82E16814930054

$70 650W PSU
https://www.newegg.com/corsair-cx-series-cx650-650-w/p/N82E16817139322?Item=N82E16817139322

Max CPU ($593)

$320 Ryzen 7 5800X3D
https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-7-...series/p/N82E16819113734?Item=N82E16819113734

$18 CPU Cooler
https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Assassin-Heatpipes-Technology-TL-C12C/dp/B0BJYXLZLL/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&keywords=Computer+CPU+Cooling+Fans&qid=1707422676&refinements=p_89:Thermalright&rnid=2528832011&s=pc&sr=1-3&ts_id=11036281&th=1

$65 2 x 16GB Ram
https://www.newegg.com/crucial-32gb/p/N82E16820156326?Item=N82E16820156326&SoldByNewegg=1

$120 RX 580 8GB (I loathe recommending this GPU since it is so old now, but there is literally no better option in its price range, the $120 market could use some love)

https://www.newegg.com/xfx-radeon-rx-580-rx-580p8dfd6/p/N82E16814150803?Item=9SIAD2CK165496

$70 650W PSU
https://www.newegg.com/corsair-cx-series-cx650-650-w/p/N82E16817139322?Item=N82E16817139322

Higher end balanced CPU and GPU ($673)

$180 Ryzen 7 5700X
https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-7-5700x-ryzen-7-5000-series/p/274-000M-001T7?Item=9SIASGMJJ03011

$18 CPU Cooler
https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Assassin-Heatpipes-Technology-TL-C12C/dp/B0BJYXLZLL/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&keywords=Computer+CPU+Cooling+Fans&qid=1707422676&refinements=p_89:Thermalright&rnid=2528832011&s=pc&sr=1-3&ts_id=11036281&th=1

$65 2 x 16GB Ram
https://www.newegg.com/crucial-32gb/p/N82E16820156326?Item=N82E16820156326&SoldByNewegg=1

$340 RX 6700 XT
https://www.newegg.com/asrock-radeo...d-12go/p/N82E16814930054?Item=N82E16814930054

$70 650W PSU
https://www.newegg.com/corsair-cx-series-cx650-650-w/p/N82E16817139322?Item=N82E16817139322

 

[Why_Me]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($131.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($56.97 @ Amazon)
Video Card: *XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Core Radeon RX 7600 8 GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: *Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 (2024) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $528.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-02-08 14:56 EST-0500

 

[artk2219]

Also if your only concern is being able to install windows 11, i would just double the ram and force the upgrade. The work arounds aren't too difficult, and as always, make sure everything is backed up beforehand. The only issue is that you wont automatically get the version pack upgrades they kick out once or twice a year, but you can still force those through in the same way you forced the original upgrade.

Also a decent 1TB SSD if you wanted that instead of your 240GB one.

$75 Crucial P5 Plus
https://www.newegg.com/crucial-1tb-p5-plus/p/N82E16820156280?Item=9SIA1K6GKS8199

Windows 11 upgrade on unsupported hardware

How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC

Does Windows 11 say your PC isn't supported? We've got the fixes.

www.howtogeek.com

Fresh windows 11 install using a USB flash drive and rufus

How to Use Rufus to Bypass TPM and Secure Boot Requirements in Windows 11

There are a few ways to bypass Windows 11's requirements, but Rufus is one of the best options available.

www.makeuseof.com

 

[jobondur]

So nobody likes my 15 year old power supply? She's been a beast.....

Lots of great stuff here, I'll try to digest it all and work through what I'd like to do. Much appreciate the quick help from everyone and will toy with updating the BIOS and working through getting Windows 11 installed. If that works, maybe I'll just upgrade the hard drive and focus on not getting my butt kicked by my son and his friends in F0rtn!te.

Also, how critical is the GPU here? It seems like its always going to be the most expensive part and the game seemed to work fine last night without one. Am I going to see a drastic improvement with a GPU versus the onboard graphics chip of my mobo?

And if I jump into another game, like COD will my system puke the way it is now?

 

[jobondur]

Is this the PSU you're working with now;

Corsair CX400W Power Supply

The well-known memory brand morphed in recent years to become a major player in retail power supplies. While Corsair offers kilowatt PSUs, a 400W model rounds out the opposite end of its line. Dec 15, 2009 by Mike Vass Product Corsair Power 400W (CMPSU-400CX) Computer Power Supply Brand Corsair...

silentpcreview.com

?

If so, that needs to go. Outside of your CPU upgrade. You can update the BIOS to the latest version, then drop in any AM4 socket APU from the 5000 series. You will need to look at a DDR4-3600MHz to take advantage of your platform though. If you decide to go with a processor, you will need a discrete GPU tog et display output.

Yep, that looks like the right one.

 

[jobondur]

@artk2219 You list an optional CPU cooler but the CPUs you recommend come with a fan. Are you listing the cooler because the included one isn't the greatest?

 

[artk2219]

So nobody likes my 15 year old power supply? She's been a beast.....

Lots of great stuff here, I'll try to digest it all and work through what I'd like to do. Much appreciate the quick help from everyone and will toy with updating the BIOS and working through getting Windows 11 installed. If that works, maybe I'll just upgrade the hard drive and focus on not getting my butt kicked by my son and his friends in F0rtn!te.

Also, how critical is the GPU here? It seems like its always going to be the most expensive part and the game seemed to work fine last night without one. Am I going to see a drastic improvement with a GPU versus the onboard graphics chip of my mobo?

And if I jump into another game, like COD will my system puke the way it is now?

So, as an example, the old RX 580 8GB below, is about 5 times faster than the GPU in your 2200G, and thats a slow GPU compared to modern ones.

https://www.newegg.com/xfx-radeon-rx-580-rx-580p8dfd6/p/N82E16814150803?Item=9SIAD2CK165496

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-vega-8.c3042

 

[artk2219]

@artk2219 You list an optional CPU cooler but the CPUs you recommend come with a fan. Are you listing the cooler because the included one isn't the greatest?

Pretty much, the included cooler will work, but its not an amazing cooler, and you can have some temperature spikes if it gets dirty or if the CPU isn't the best binned.

 

[jobondur]

So as an example, the old RX 580 8GB below, is about 5 times faster than the GPU in your 2200G, and thats a slow GPU compared to modern ones.

https://www.newegg.com/xfx-radeon-rx-580-rx-580p8dfd6/p/N82E16814150803?Item=9SIAD2CK165496

https://www.newegg.com/xfx-radeon-rx-580-rx-580p8dfd6/p/N82E16814150803?Item=9SIAD2CK165496

I get that it's a lot better than what I have, but will someone playing lower end games really notice the difference? Kinda like saying well this Bugatti Veyron is much faster than your current Volkswagen Jetta to a little old lady (I'm the little old lady in this analogy).

 

[artk2219]

I get that it's a lot better than what I have, but will someone playing lower end games really notice the difference? Kinda like saying well this Bugatti Veyron is much faster than your current Volkswagen Jetta to a little old lady (I'm the little old lady in this analogy).

Hah more like saying a Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit is a bit better than a moped. You would notice the difference, games will be more responsive, they will look better, and youll be able to play many more games in general. That said, if you're good with what you have for now, you can roll with it for a while longer as is, its just an option for the future.


https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-vega-8.c3042

 

[Lucky_SLS]

if its just fortnite, a 5700G would do the job.

If you want to play more games, something like what @Why_Me suggested.

 

[jobondur]

Quick question - since I already have 8 GB of RAM and 2 empty slots, could I just get two more sticks of 8 GB each, keep my old RAM and then have 24 GB? I could get something from the same manufacturer like below. Or is that not advisable?

https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-16gb...820231941?Item=N82E16820231941&SoldByNewegg=1

 

[Lucky_SLS]

No, thats not advisable. Your ram might run at the lowest possible speed instead even if you set the XMP profile.