Upgrade system or wait?

[pixelsoup]

Ok, I know there are quite a few threads on the subject, but as times change advice becomes obsolete

Use case: I'm a (games) developer (Unreal Engine, Unity, C++) so I'll need a relatively strong system, but I don't care for latest-and-greatest stuff or graphics. Gamer, but not so much AAA titles.

Current system:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5GHz [Socket 775]
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz XMS3 Memory Kit CL9 unbuffered
MB: Asus P5E3 Intel X38
GPU: Radeon HD 5870 [1GB]
HDD: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM Caviar

The above lasted me 7.5 years, so I can't complain. My main problems are the RAM (fixable) and the hard disk (semi-fixable). I was thinking to upgrade to SSD, but my MB does not support SATAIII, so I was not so sure about the benefit, I've read that it's worth it. I've thought about the following options:

Option 1:
Keep the system as it is, upgrade RAM to 16GB and get a recent SSD -- thinking about SanDisk SDSSDXPS-480G-​G25 Extreme PRO 480GB. SSD will not perform at it's max, but it will keep me going for at least a year. Then, I'll upgrade the whole system (DDR4, etc). RAM will go to waste.

Option 2:
Get a new system now:

CPU: Intel Core i5 4690K Processor (3.5 GHz, 6 MB Cache, LGA1150 Socket)
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws-X Memory Arbeitspeicher 32GB (1600MHz, 240-polig, 4x 8GB, CL10) DIMM DDR3-RAM Kit
MB: ASRock Mod 1150 ASRock Z97X Killer ATX
HDD: SanDisk SDSSDXPS-480G-​G25 Extreme PRO SSD 480GB
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CXM 750W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PSU

... which I hope it lasts a minimum of 5 years. Yes, it's DDR3 and i5, but it's not like so far DDR4 and Skylake look that tempting. GPU will be upgraded at some point, but I don't think I need to change it now.

While I was originally tempted for Option 2, after considering the cost and writing all this it seems that Option 1 is the wiser choice. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

 

[Hawkshot]

Ok, I know there are quite a few threads on the subject, but as times change advice becomes obsolete

Use case: I'm a (games) developer (Unreal Engine, Unity, C++) so I'll need a relatively strong system, but I don't care for latest-and-greatest stuff or graphics. Gamer, but not so much AAA titles.

Current system:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5GHz [Socket 775]
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz XMS3 Memory Kit CL9 unbuffered
MB: Asus P5E3 Intel X38
GPU: Radeon HD 5870 [1GB]
HDD: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM Caviar

The above lasted me 7.5 years, so I can't complain. My main problems are the RAM (fixable) and the hard disk (semi-fixable). I was thinking to upgrade to SSD, but my MB does not support SATAIII, so I was not so sure about the benefit, I've read that it's worth it. I've thought about the following options:

Option 1:
Keep the system as it is, upgrade RAM to 16GB and get a recent SSD -- thinking about SanDisk SDSSDXPS-480G-​G25 Extreme PRO 480GB. SSD will not perform at it's max, but it will keep me going for at least a year. Then, I'll upgrade the whole system (DDR4, etc). RAM will go to waste.

Option 2:
Get a new system now:

CPU: Intel Core i5 4690K Processor (3.5 GHz, 6 MB Cache, LGA1150 Socket)
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws-X Memory Arbeitspeicher 32GB (1600MHz, 240-polig, 4x 8GB, CL10) DIMM DDR3-RAM Kit
MB: ASRock Mod 1150 ASRock Z97X Killer ATX
HDD: SanDisk SDSSDXPS-480G-​G25 Extreme PRO SSD 480GB
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CXM 750W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PSU

... which I hope it lasts a minimum of 5 years. Yes, it's DDR3 and i5, but it's not like so far DDR4 and Skylake look that tempting. GPU will be upgraded at some point, but I don't think I need to change it now.

While I was originally tempted for Option 2, after considering the cost and writing all this it seems that Option 1 is the wiser choice. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

your system doesn't need updating just yet, I would say option 1 but seriously there is no need for 16GB of Ramm I have a highspec computer including the New i7(Skylake) and I only use 8gb and that's still more than enough, an SSD is never a bad thing to invest in, you can look at the Samsung Evo or maybe HyperX SSD's as well compare prices and go for which one you prefer

 

[jumbolkna]

Ok, I know there are quite a few threads on the subject, but as times change advice becomes obsolete

Use case: I'm a (games) developer (Unreal Engine, Unity, C++) so I'll need a relatively strong system, but I don't care for latest-and-greatest stuff or graphics. Gamer, but not so much AAA titles.

Current system:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5GHz [Socket 775]
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz XMS3 Memory Kit CL9 unbuffered
MB: Asus P5E3 Intel X38
GPU: Radeon HD 5870 [1GB]
HDD: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM Caviar

The above lasted me 7.5 years, so I can't complain. My main problems are the RAM (fixable) and the hard disk (semi-fixable). I was thinking to upgrade to SSD, but my MB does not support SATAIII, so I was not so sure about the benefit, I've read that it's worth it. I've thought about the following options:

Option 1:
Keep the system as it is, upgrade RAM to 16GB and get a recent SSD -- thinking about SanDisk SDSSDXPS-480G-​G25 Extreme PRO 480GB. SSD will not perform at it's max, but it will keep me going for at least a year. Then, I'll upgrade the whole system (DDR4, etc). RAM will go to waste.

Option 2:
Get a new system now:

CPU: Intel Core i5 4690K Processor (3.5 GHz, 6 MB Cache, LGA1150 Socket)
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws-X Memory Arbeitspeicher 32GB (1600MHz, 240-polig, 4x 8GB, CL10) DIMM DDR3-RAM Kit
MB: ASRock Mod 1150 ASRock Z97X Killer ATX
HDD: SanDisk SDSSDXPS-480G-​G25 Extreme PRO SSD 480GB
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CXM 750W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PSU

... which I hope it lasts a minimum of 5 years. Yes, it's DDR3 and i5, but it's not like so far DDR4 and Skylake look that tempting. GPU will be upgraded at some point, but I don't think I need to change it now.

While I was originally tempted for Option 2, after considering the cost and writing all this it seems that Option 1 is the wiser choice. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

your system doesn't need updating just yet, I would say option 1 but seriously there is no need for 16GB of Ramm I have a highspec computer including the New i7(Skylake) and I only use 8gb and that's still more than enough, an SSD is never a bad thing to invest in, you can look at the Samsung Evo or maybe HyperX SSD's as well compare prices and go for which one you prefer

Agree, your system now is still very useable. Skip the RAM upgrade and add an SSD, you will see immediate performance benefits

 

[cub_fanatic]

Option 3 - get a new midrange GPU like a GTX 950, GTX 750ti or R7 370 AND an SSD and 4GB more RAM.

 

[sizzling]

I see in option 2 a new PSU, if you did go this way dont get a CX PSU, they are low quality and have poor reputation. This will give you a better idea of better quality units http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

 

[Rogue Leader]

I think a lot of people here not recommending RAM are forgetting the first line that he is a game developer, he needs the RAM trust me. And a new GPU??? What??? He did say he is not developing AAA graphic titles. I think Option 1 will give you some good gains and you will probably be able to squeeze a couple more years of life out of that system. However being that the system is 7.5 years old and you're on a consumer hard drive you're reaching the point I would no longer trust it. It may be fine, but to me if I get 5 years out of a consumer hard drive I got my moneys worth, they are the only mechanical part of your PC (besides the fans) and they are running, sometimes a lot. My other thing is you will now be buying parts (RAM) that you won't need in a year or two. Even when you install the SSD I'm assuming you are still going to rely on the hard drive for storage of your older projects and other things as well.

So that presents a dilemma. IMO the system you designed (other than that PSU its junk, don't buy it. Get the EVGA 750B2 if you want that much power) will last you 5 years, you won't be spending money on something you will later not need, and you get past the hard drive problem.