[SOLVED] Upgrading my pre-built

[RamenBowl]

Hello, I would like to upgrade my current pre built pc, into a new case, and I thought I might as well put in a few upgrades while I'm at it.
I only recently switched over to pc gaming and got this pc 2nd hand, which means that I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes top building pc's.
Therefore, I would like to get some advise as to what I should pay attention to and what my options are generally.
Also, is it even worth it to try upgrading on basis of the CPU and GPU I currently have?

My current PC is a HP Compaq Elite 8300 CMT, it has a intel i7 3770 core, ASUS Turbo GTX 1060 6GB GPU and 4x4 GB DDR3 RAM that I would like to transplant into the new case.
I'll be getting a new case because it currently looks like a school/office computer and I hate it. But I couldn't find anything about the specs for the motherboard, like size/format etc. which makes it hard to look for a fitting case, which is why I think about getting a new motherboard and cooler that fit my current CPU. I think I might have to throw in a new PSU as well, because my current one is only 320watt

My budget right now is around 500 euros, but as it isn't anything urgent, I can delay upgrading to gather some more funds as well.

 

[Dj0gany]

How about you move on from that old i7,which is still a beast dont get me wrong,and move on to something newer and better.
Something like this:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3Bfm7X
The i5 10400f is much stronger than the i7 3770 in terms of everything.
Pairing that i5 is a good motherboard that has a way 'newer' stuff like m.2 ssd capability,PCIe 3.0 gpu slot,better vrm's (atlhough that doesnt matter as much since this is a locked cpu),and over all nicer design,and im pretty sure it will be compatible with the new Rocket Lake cpu's which will be launching this year.
I went with a classic 2x8gb 3200mhz corsair vengeance ram sticks,perfectly compatible with the motherboard and the cpu.
I went with Phanteks P300A mesh since the case is good ariflow and looks wise,and a 600W psu for future upgrades.

 

[RamenBowl]

How about you move on from that old i7,which is still a beast dont get me wrong,and move on to something newer and better.
Something like this:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3Bfm7X
The i5 10400f is much stronger than the i7 3770 in terms of everything.
Pairing that i5 is a good motherboard that has a way 'newer' stuff like m.2 ssd capability,PCIe 3.0 gpu slot,better vrm's (atlhough that doesnt matter as much since this is a locked cpu),and over all nicer design,and im pretty sure it will be compatible with the new Rocket Lake cpu's which will be launching this year.
I went with a classic 2x8gb 3200mhz corsair vengeance ram sticks,perfectly compatible with the motherboard and the cpu.
I went with Phanteks P300A mesh since the case is good ariflow and looks wise,and a 600W psu for future upgrades.

Thanks for the quick response! I've looked into it and it does seem like a massive improvement, with lots of space for future upgrades.
You left a new cooler out, so I can only assume that I should be using my old one? Or does the motherboard come with a stock cooler?
And the new/extra RAM is because DDR3 is incompatible with DDR4 boards right?

 

[Dj0gany]

Thanks for the quick response! I've looked into it and it does seem like a massive improvement, with lots of space for future upgrades.
You left a new cooler out, so I can only assume that I should be using my old one? Or does the motherboard come with a stock cooler?
And the new/extra RAM is because DDR3 is incompatible with DDR4 boards right?

The 10400f comes with a stock cooler,so no worries there.It can get loud but if you have the money now,we can discuss on a possible aftermarket cooler.
Motherboards dont come with stock coolers,processors do,well some processors.
And yes 10400F,LGA 1200 socket requires DDR4 ram,and you cant use DDR3 ram when the motherboard requires DDR4.

 

[geofelt]

Do not live with a case that you hate.
Likely your motherboard is a standard size.
Count the number of expansion slots on the rear i/o panel.
If it is 7 then you have ATX size.
If it is 4, then you have MATX.

Then look at the psu dimensions.
If the rear opening is 150mm x 85mm then it is a standard atx size which will fit in an atx case.
Unfortunately, your motherboard does not take a standard 24 pin main power lead. So the psu may be an issue.
Your i7-3770 processor is still a good one, but I do not think it worthwhile to buy a compatible standard motherboard for it.

I think I would sell the whole pc excepting the graphics card for whatever you can get for it and build anew.
Your i7-7700 has 8 threads and a passmark rating of 8638. That is when all 8 threads are fully utilized.
The single thread rating is decent at 2483; that is what most games depend on.
An equivalent 10th gen intel i3-10100 will have 8 threads and a rating of 8949/2648.
In the US, $250 buys you a i3-10100 , a lga 1200 motherboard and a 2 x 8gb ddr4 ram kit.
The i5-10400f mentioned above will have 12 threads and a rating of 12582/2588. Essentially similar but with more threads.
It is hard for games to effectively utilize more than 4-6 threads.
Here is a gaming review of the i3-10100:
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i3-10100/15.html
Both processors come with a standard intel cooler.
Since you will not be overclocking, the cooling needs are minimal.

You will need a new psu. Consider this as a long term investment.
Buy a quality psu in the 650w range with a 7 to 10 year warranty.
It will serve you for many upgrades.