What PC Parts Nowadays?

[Toolbox]

Hello everyone,

I have been out of the computer game for a very long time now and no longer know what's better. However, I am in need of a new computer and I would like some good advice. I have been very successful here getting good pointers and am hoping for the same.

So, my current computer (the one I'm using now) is about 6 years old. I've got an Intel i7 3820, Asus P9X79 Deluse, 64GB DDR3 and two 480GB Corsair Force 3 SATA SSD's. It still works very well but I do believe it is time for a proper upgrade.

I already know what processor and motherboard to use but I am bit confused as to the storage options. I'd like to know what runs faster in terms of transfer speeds: M.2 SATA (the one that looks like a RAM Stick) or, should I use the SSD Drive that plugs into the PCI-E slot.

Are their any pros and cons to either of these options?

I definitely want a Mini-ITX case for a small PC.

Additionally, for Videocards, can the on-board video controller of an Asus ROG Strix Z370 handle 4K resolutions or must I get a separate videocard.

The answers and comments you guys put will help me determine how many PCI-E slots I will need before I finalize my choice.

Thank you, one and all.

 

[Huge]

a ™ sighting!

I have the same mobo as you but running a 3930k. Almost bit the bullet and built a ryzen 1700x, but it still dishes out what I throw at it (need to upgrade ram though)

I would get a mobo that has dedicated m.2 slots (generally you'll get at least 2 of them). Then you can raid them for insane speeds. I have the intel 750 nvme pci-e and it is way faster than ssd's, but m.2 is the future.

mini-itx is not my forte so hopefully someone else can chime in about that.

You could probably run 4k off the cpu but I would get a dedicated gfx card. I can run doom2016 about 45-55 fps on a 980ti @ 4k (picked up a 1080; need to install it)

HTH

 

[Toolbox]

HUGE! How are you? So good to see an old friend.

I just checked and I have a 3820... I love the stability of this motherboard and the fact that I can always count on it to work but it has been quite some time.

As for the storage, I am certainly getting two different drives as this is always how I have things setup. What do you think of think of the ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING? It has two M.2 Slots which is what I need.

Mini ITX isn't my thing either but I really want to try one of these small PC's and see how it goes. I can always get a GFX Card later if I need one but I don't do any type of gaming. I simply just do work but my love for hardware is still getting the best of me.

Thanks a million and I'll be around.

 

[Huge]

Seems nice; I don’t think you ever can go wrong with asus (unless maybe it’s a rev.1.board). Been using them for years. I would just read a few reputable reviews just to be sure.