[SOLVED] Upgrade Help

[petrichorlite]

Hi everyone, I'm not exactly tech savvy so this may sound really dumb but I have this PC (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberp...b-hdd-240gb-ssd-black/6362425.p?skuId=6362425) which is p bad I know 😦 so I'm planning on getting the CPU and graphics card changed (Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 TI) Can anyone tell if me that seems like a good/viable pair up and/or if there's anything else I should change? For reference my budget for a CPU is under $300 (GPU too). I'm hoping to add another 8GBs of RAM but the one I have right now is a Ballistix Sport LT 3000; should I get the same thing or get a Corsair Vengeance 3000? Would that work? Or would something else be better? And what are the steps I need to take before I get the parts changed? Thanks.
(This is my monitor if that helps with anything: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberp...b-hdd-240gb-ssd-black/6362425.p?skuId=6362425)

 

[Newtonius]

That CPU and GPU combo are fine, neither should hinder the other's full performance. No issues here.

As for memory you'll want to focus on these details:

• 16GB for best gaming results
• 3000MHz clock speed or above for better performance with Ryzen CPU's
• CL14, CL15, or CL16 variant (CL stands for CAS latency, this is the latency it takes the memory to read the next data set, CL14 means it takes 14 nano seconds, CL15 means 15 nano seconds, etc. The lower the better.)

And before you even do anything:
What motherboard is in this PC? I can't find the details on that. In order for the motherboard to be compatible with AMD 3000 series CPUs it's going to need a supported BIOS version (software for the BIOS to utilize physical hardware installed on it). You can find the motherboard model by typing 'System information' in windows search > Select system information app > Look for the "BaseBoard" label. That will be the manufacturer and the model of your motherboard. With that info you can google search for the webpage of that board and download the latest firmware in the driver support section. (Please do this once you already have the new CPU at the ready).

• To install everything simply unplug and switch off the power supply
• Unplug any video cables going into your current GPU
• Swap out parts
• Plug everything back in.

Obviously there are more steps so I recommend watching a youtube video guide. Hope this info helps.

 

[petrichorlite]

That CPU and GPU combo are fine, neither should hinder the other's full performance. No issues here.

As for memory you'll want to focus on these details:

• 16GB for best gaming results
• 3000MHz clock speed or above for better performance with Ryzen CPU's
• CL14, CL15, or CL16 variant (CL stands for CAS latency, this is the latency it takes the memory to read the next data set, CL14 means it takes 14 nano seconds, CL15 means 15 nano seconds, etc. The lower the better.)

And before you even do anything:
What motherboard is in this PC? I can't find the details on that. In order for the motherboard to be compatible with AMD 3000 series CPUs it's going to need a supported BIOS version (software for the BIOS to utilize physical hardware installed on it). You can find the motherboard model by typing 'System information' in windows search > Select system information app > Look for the "BaseBoard" label. That will be the manufacturer and the model of your motherboard. With that info you can google search for the webpage of that board and download the latest firmware in the driver support section. (Please do this once you already have the new CPU at the ready).

• To install everything simply unplug and switch off the power supply
• Unplug any video cables going into your current GPU
• Swap out parts
• Plug everything back in.

Obviously there are more steps so I recommend watching a youtube video guide. Hope this info helps.

Oh right sorry my motherboard is A320M-HDV R.40; I found the page for it here: https://www.asrock.com/mb/amd/a320m-hdv r4.0/index.asp#BIOS; Is there a specific version I need to download or just the latest one? Do I download before I shut down and change anything or do I download after changing the parts?

 

[Newtonius]

Oh right sorry my motherboard is A320M-HDV R.40; I found the page for it here: https://www.asrock.com/mb/amd/a320m-hdv r4.0/index.asp#BIOS; Is there a specific version I need to download or just the latest one? Do I download before I shut down and change anything or do I download after changing the parts?

It looks like your motherboard supports the 3000 series. I recommend going into your BIOS first to see what version you do have. To do this you'll first want to restart your computer and while it's booting up (the moment you see the boot logo screen) press F2 or DEL key to enter the bios UEFI (the BIOS interface). Follow your manual to navigate the BIOS https://download.asrock.com/Manual/A320M-HDV R4.0.pdf Instructions for updating the BIOS is on page 45.

The BIOS that supports the 3600 is version 2.30. Refer to this link https://download.asrock.com/Manual/A320M-HDV R4.0.pdf and follow the instructions for 2.30. IF your BIOS is already 2.30 or Above, ignore this. IF NOT, then install 2.30 FIRST then install the latest version (4.0).

You will need to download the files before restarting your computer, so keep that in mind. The BIOS file will need to be put on a flashdrive. When you download it, it will come compressed as a .zip. Simply right click and extract the file to the USB. You can now restart the PC and go into BIOS to perform the update.

EDIT:
I would recommend doing this WHEN YOU ARE READY TO INSTALL THE NEW PARTS. Update the BIOS BEFORE you install the new CPU.