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Need to replace 9 year old motherboard in Cooler Master ATCS 840 case

2K views 44 replies 12 participants last post by  Dopamin3 
#1 ·
I have a Cooler Master ATCS 840 case I used to build a computer 9 years ago. Computer is a bit long in the tooth and getting glitchy.

Here is the build:

Here was my build:

EVGA X58 3X SLI Classified A760
i7 920 OC to 4.035GHz
Radeon ATI 5970
Sound Blaster Card
CorsairDominator 12 GB 6 x 2 GB 1600MHz
2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1 TB (Raid 1)
OCZ Z-Series GOLD OCZ-Z1000 1000W
Cooler Master V8 Core i7 1366 CPU Cooler
Cooler Master ATCS 840 Full Tower Case
3x Gateway FHX2300 bmd 23-Inch Widescreen LCD Display

I want to use as the current case and as many pieces as possible. I want to replace the mainboard, processor, and the cool master V8 which does not seem to cool like the olden days. (maybe the memory if that would be required for optimum performance with a newer motherboard)

Only thing changed over the years is a new graphics card that doesn't heat up my office - ASUS Radeon R7 260X 2 GB and can run 3 monitors - Also I have had a few HDs die in the raid array that have been replaced.

Sorry, I have been out of the loop since I built this computer. I had a good 8 years out of it but the last year it is showing it's age.

Suggestions? 9 years later, I should be able to get faster and cheaper if Moore's law is still going on. I don't need super duper overclocked max speed, I don't play video games anymore but want a snappy desktop for crunching data and some photoshop.
 
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#2 ·
8600K, really any Z370 motherboard, and a 16GB of kit of DDR4 and call it a day.

Throw in a GPU too if you aren't happy with the performance of the 260X.

I'd personally grab an SSD too, seeing as it's 2018 and using an HDD as a boot drive should be a crime.
 
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#3 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Pook View Post

8600K, really any Z370 motherboard, and a 16GB of kit of DDR4 and call it a day.

Throw in a GPU too if you aren't happy with the performance of the 260X.

I'd personally grab an SSD too, seeing as it's 2018 and using an HDD as a boot drive should be a crime.
Maybe something like this combo https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3723791 ?

The main thing, would it work with my case? As I remember, motherboard sizes keep changing making cases obsolete.

What good, but cheap cooling fan for the processor would you recommend?

Thank you for you input. I have been out of the game so long, I am just looking for expert opinions to get me up and running quickly.
 
#4 ·
Nothing changed with standard case size/mobo sizes. ATX is still ATX. That'd fit in your case fine.

Some HEDT mobos are E-ATX, but the vast majority are all still ATX/mATX/ITX.

Cryorig H7 is a good cheap heatsink for $25-$30. Cools my i5 6400 and 7700K more than fine.
 
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#5 ·
Honestly your current system will literally transform before your eyes with just a solid SSD setup. Kind of shocked you didn't already have one already. The SSD alone would will solve what you've been missing, but can you expand a little on "crunching data?" Because if you're compiling data regularly depending on what your using an 8600K won't cut it. It's only a 6 thread CPU.
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlawleZ View Post

Honestly your current system will literally transform before your eyes with just a solid SSD setup. Kind of shocked you didn't already have one already. The SSD alone would will solve what you've been missing, but can you expand a little on "crunching data?" Because if you're compiling data regularly depending on what your using an 8600K won't cut it. It's only a 6 thread CPU.
An 8600K would beat his i7 920 in single and multithreaded work loads by a huge margin.

Not sure how an 8600K "wouldn't cut it."

Go for an 8700K if it's in your budget and you'd use the HT, but an 8600K is gonna be an upgrade in itself.
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Pook View Post

An 8600K would beat his i7 920 in single and multithreaded work loads by a huge margin.

Not sure how an 8600K "wouldn't cut it."

Go for an 8700K if it's in your budget and you'd use the HT, but an 8600K is gonna be an upgrade in itself.
Yes the 8600K is certainly faster than the i7 920. The only reason I stated the 8600K may not be worthwhile is he mentioned "Crunching data." Depending on the workload he would most certainly want more than just 6 threads.
 
#8 ·
Depends on the budget when it comes to the 8700K versus the 8600K.

@OP: What specifically is your normal usecase?

I would def. go for the 8700K if i had the money, paired with a decent Z370 motherboard and at least some 3000-3200 mhz mem. Pref. 16GB, if not more.

But the 8600K is perfectly fine!
 
#9 ·
If that psu is around 9 years old, I would replace that as well.
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlawleZ View Post

Honestly your current system will literally transform before your eyes with just a solid SSD setup. Kind of shocked you didn't already have one already. The SSD alone would will solve what you've been missing, but can you expand a little on "crunching data?" Because if you're compiling data regularly depending on what your using an 8600K won't cut it. It's only a 6 thread CPU.
How would I best use an SSD? Put Windows and programs on the SSD and everything else on the Hard Drives? What SSD should I look at that gives the best bank for the buck. I have not looked into SSDs much. BTW: Since I got windows 10 on this machine through the free upgrade, how do I get Windows 10 again on the upgraded computer without buying it? Maybe load and old version of windows and upgrade it by logging into MS to get my digital key? I'd rather load a clean copy of Windows 10.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GreedyMuffin View Post

Depends on the budget when it comes to the 8700K versus the 8600K.

@OP: What specifically is your normal usecase?

I would def. go for the 8700K if i had the money, paired with a decent Z370 motherboard and at least some 3000-3200 mhz mem. Pref. 16GB, if not more.

But the 8600K is perfectly fine!
On occasion I work with some fairly large Access data sets for clients. Current computer on a good day does fine with them, some days not so well and will crash if it is working too long. It is not a regular thing I do. 90 % of my work is web based with the occasional Blue-ray encoding, so top gaming type performance is not needed and up until the past year my current set up was perfectly acceptable. Mainly, I want to start the upgrade process before this computer completely dies. I give this computer another year tops.

Quote:
Originally Posted by keikei View Post

If that psu is around 9 years old, I would replace that as well.
My power supply was the last thing I thought would need upgrading. As far, as I can tell it has been fine and I have never pushed it very hard.

Thanks everyone for your help. I have not kept up or thought about this for a while because everything just worked.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Special Ed View Post

How would I best use an SSD? Put Windows and programs on the SSD and everything else on the Hard Drives? What SSD should I look at that gives the best bank for the buck. I have not looked into SSDs much. BTW: Since I got windows 10 on this machine through the free upgrade, how do I get Windows 10 again on the upgraded computer without buying it? Maybe load and old version of windows and upgrade it by logging into MS to get my digital key? I'd rather load a clean copy of Windows 10.

Thanks everyone for your help. I have not kept up or thought about this for a while because everything just worked.
Best case scenario is just buy a new SSD and reload Windows. For starters, something like the Samsung 850 Evo would be a great all around SSD. Newegg has a good deal on the 500GB versions here:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820147373
Yes, your SSD should always have your OS and your programs and as many of the games you need/can fit. Pictures, Videos, data files, literally everything else that doesn't necessarily need the high speed access should be stored on the old spinners.They have SSD for all sizes and budgets so it really just depends on how much space YOU need and what your budget for said space is.

For your install, you can literally download Windows 10 for free from MS website. They have an all in one tool that will even let you create a bootable USB thumb drive to install from and once you connect to the internet to activate it will detect your existing product key and register just as it is right now. It's a very simple process.
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlawleZ View Post

Best case scenario is just buy a new SSD and reload Windows. For starters, something like the Samsung 850 Evo would be a great all around SSD. Newegg has a good deal on the 500GB versions here:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820147373
Yes, your SSD should always have your OS and your programs and as many of the games you need/can fit. Pictures, Videos, data files, literally everything else that doesn't necessarily need the high speed access should be stored on the old spinners.They have SSD for all sizes and budgets so it really just depends on how much space YOU need and what your budget for said space is.

For your install, you can literally download Windows 10 for free from MS website. They have an all in one tool that will even let you create a bootable USB thumb drive to install from and once you connect to the internet to activate it will detect your existing product key and register just as it is right now. It's a very simple process.
Great information. I have Backblaze cloud backup and backup to an external drive so other than reloading programs, it should not take long to get up and running.

This is a business computer, so I need to turn the upgrade around over a weekend. I have laptops and a Surface Pro I can use in a pinch, but to do real work I need my desktop with 3 monitors
smile.gif
 
#13 ·
I am up to about $800 - adding an SSD because if I am going to reload Win 10 and all my programs, now would be the time to do it.

Here is my newegg wishlist https://secure.newegg.com/Wishlist/MyWishlistDetail?ID=27420009

I think it should be viewable.

Whadaya think? Any corners I could cut that would result in minimal loss of computing power and speed.

I looked at the step below montherboard, but for $100 more this motherboard seems so much better/cooler. Maybe, cheaper RAM. Not sure if I need fancy red ram
smile.gif


I *think* I will hold off on a new power supply for now. Is it possible to test the power supply? I bought a good one, because I believe the computer before this the power supply was stock with an off the shelf computer and it fried out, taking out hard drives and most internals with it. So maybe a 9 year old power supply is not smart?

This computer I overclocked, however this time I am going for stability and will not be trying to eeek any extra speed out of it. I hope to get 8 or 9 years out of it at which time I'll upgrade to a virtual reality AI quantum computer with a linked brain chip
biggrin.gif


Edit: with the SSD, how do I fit it in a drive bay slot? Is there some kind of adapter I need.
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Special Ed View Post

I am up to about $800 - adding an SSD because if I am going to reload Win 10 and all my programs, now would be the time to do it.

Here is my newegg wishlist https://secure.newegg.com/Wishlist/MyWishlistDetail?ID=27420009

I think it should be viewable.

Whadaya think? Any corners I could cut that would result in minimal loss of computing power and speed.

I looked at the step below montherboard, but for $100 more this motherboard seems so much better/cooler. Maybe, cheaper RAM. Not sure if I need fancy red ram
smile.gif


I *think* I will hold off on a new power supply for now. Is it possible to test the power supply? I bought a good one, because I believe the computer before this the power supply was stock with an off the shelf computer and it fried out, taking out hard drives and most internals with it. So maybe a 9 year old power supply is not smart?

This computer I overclocked, however this time I am going for stability and will not be trying to eeek any extra speed out of it. I hope to get 8 or 9 years out of it at which time I'll upgrade to a virtual reality AI quantum computer with a linked brain chip
biggrin.gif


Edit: with the SSD, how do I fit it in a drive bay slot? Is there some kind of adapter I need.
Your wishlist isn't viewable unfortunately. If you open your wish list, in the upper left corner there's a settings button where you can change it to be publicly viewable. Then paste the new link here.

The reason your power supply would be recommended to change is they are known to slowly deteriorate over time. The caps will swell and the power delivery will start to become inconsistent. What's worse is they have been known to take down motherboards and/or peripherals with them when they go down. Your current power supply could very well live on another 3,4, or 5+ years there's no real way to know for sure. It's just something you have to determine if its worth the risk.

For your SSD, you want to buy a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter. It's going to run you around $5 extra and you can choose between a lot of them here:

https://www.newegg.com/SSD-HDD-Accessories/SubCategory/ID-43
 
#15 ·
#16 ·
How about using an NVME M.2 SSD such as the Samsung 960 Evo? https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820147594 Should be a lot faster than that 850 Evo.

I'd also recommend getting faster ram if you can afford it such as DDR4 3200.
Examples for ram might be https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232409 or https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232205 or https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232485 or https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232410, all of the CL14 latency G skills are Samsung B die which is desirable.
They should say:
DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)
Timing 14-14-14-34
CAS Latency 14
Voltage 1.35V
Not essential but if you have the budget might as well get the best ram too.
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vario View Post

How about using an NVME M.2 SSD such as the Samsung 960 Evo? https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820147594 Should be a lot faster than that 850 Evo.

I'd also recommend getting faster ram if you can afford it such as DDR4 3200.
Examples for ram might be https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232409 or https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232205 or https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232485 or https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232410, all of the CL14 latency G skills are Samsung B die which is desirable.
They should say:
DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)
Timing 14-14-14-34
CAS Latency 14
Voltage 1.35V
Not essential but if you have the budget might as well get the best ram too.
Looks good but price going up, not cutting corners. I never saw that type of SSD. It just plugs into the board? Any type of heat sync needed? Sounds like it would provide almost instant boot up.

Now I wake up, turn on computer, make a cup of coffee, and by then maybe my computer is ready to roll.
 
#18 ·
Unless you're moving tons of data around constantly, a normal SATA SSD is more than enough. You're going to maybe shave off a second off of boot time going for NVME over a SATA or an M2 drive that connects though the SATA bus.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Special Ed View Post

Looks good but price going up, not cutting corners. I never saw that type of SSD. It just plugs into the board? Any type of heat sync needed? Sounds like it would provide almost instant boot up.

Now I wake up, turn on computer, make a cup of coffee, and by then maybe my computer is ready to roll.
Yes it plugs into the M2 slot on the board. The performance is substantially better than the SATA3 variety in benchmarks.

960 Evo vs 850 Evo: http://ssd.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Samsung-960-Evo-NVMe-PCIe-M2-250GB-vs-Samsung-850-Evo-250GB/m200373vs2977
960 Pro vs 850 Evo http://ssd.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Samsung-960-Pro-NVMe-PCIe-M2-1TB-vs-Samsung-850-Evo-1TB/m200815vs3576

I don't know how much it actually carries forward into real world scenarios but it is the future. I don't own one, I just have a regular SSD from 2013 that is reasonably faster than a HDD. I am planning to upgrade to an NVME boot drive at some point. You can buy heatsinks for them , I do not know if they are needed though, pretty sure you can run them without a heatsink...
 
#21 ·
Like you I'm planning on upgrading my very dated X58 system but I'm waiting for AMD 7nm (Zen 2) or Intel 10nm (Ice Lake) expected next year - maybe sooner for Intel.

In the meantime, to keep me semi-competitive, I've upgraded my X58 system from an i7-920 (quad core) to a Xeon X5660 (hex core) $60.00 ebay.com

The Xeon upgrade has made a huge performance difference to my system especially for work related activity including: database development, programming, graphics, video editing, etc. It's also boosted my game performance especially as I play battlefield at 1080p @144Hz and the i7-920 was bottlenecking the GPU at high frame rates.

I also purchased a couple of new SSDs which you can also use in your new build but I don't think your motherboard supports Sata3 so purchase a PCI-e Sata3 card such as Syba Sata3 4 port PCI-e 2.0 x2 with RAID support costing $40.00 so you get 6 Gbits vs. Sata2 3 Gbits.

Currently you could pick up a Samsumg 850 EVO 500GB for approx. $140.00.

I wouldn't bother with RAID anymore just run your OS and applications from the new SSD and use your existing mechanical drives for your libraries/documents with a partition for an IMAGE of your C: drive.

Cost so far $240.00 including: Xeon X5660/X5675 $60.00, Sata 3 PCI-e $40.00 and SSD $140.00.

You may also decide to purchase a new PSU, GPU etc but I'd probably hold off until you fully upgrade to 7/10nm and buy the parts then - hopefully prices for RAM and GPUs will have returned to normal around then.

My advice is to wait it out until something worthy of an X58 upgrade comes along next year from Intel or AMD.

Cinebench R15 multi
  • i9-7900X (10 cores) = 2192
  • Ryzen 7 1700X (8 cores) = 1527
  • Ryzen 5 1600X (6 cores) = 1245
  • i7-8700K (6 cores) = 1230
  • Xeon X5660 (6 cores) = 951
  • i7-7700K (4 cores) = 960
  • i7-6700K (4 cores) = 879
  • i7-4790K (4 cores) = 810
  • i7-920D0 (4 cores) = 436
Cheers
 
#23 ·
Ok I have my new motherboard, processor, cooler, 16 gig DDR4 RAM and SSD. Total cost ~$751
Here are the exact items - https://secure.newegg.com/Wishlist/PublicWishlistDetail?ID=27420009

Now looking for the best strategy to get Windows 10 on this PC that I will upgrade this weekend.

I was looking at this page https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

It sounds like I can only get a free copy of Win 10 if I am upgrading from and earlier version of windows. Windows 10 on this machine was obtained during the free upgrade from Win 7 to Win 10.

Do I need to buy a new copy of Win 10? I do have a licence key for windows on this PC, will it transfer to the upgraded "new" PC?

I do have a 32 gig to download windows set up to, but what do I do when I boot up the upgraded PC for the first time?

Sorry for the basic questions. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. Maybe a quick step by step.
 
#24 ·
Do I need to buy a new copy of Win 10? I do have a licence key for windows on this PC, will it transfer to the upgraded "new" PC?
I'd do a clean install of windows 10 - you can get a very cheap legit windows 10 pro key on kinguin.
 
#26 ·
Windows going to the SSD, how do I move my current Raid 1 hard drives over seamlessly.
 
#28 · (Edited)
Would you consider selling me the board? $50 shipped?

Also if you just want to amp up the systems performance, simply install a 6-core / 12-thread Intel Xeon...

The Xeons are real good because of 1st cooler running 95w vs 130w & dual 6.4GT/s QPI Link... So 12.8GT/s QPI vs i7 920 4.8GT/s so big time increase in performance, actually huge increase absolutely smokes 4.8ghz i7 930 at stock speeds.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SLBV3-Inte...104382&hash=item2f144360d5:g:4hkAAOSwqaJaXlUt
x5650 = 3.06ghz boost 12 threads = $32 = Cinebench R15 4Ghz like 1,000

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Six-...625040&hash=item284efb8935:g:ljUAAOSwcN1abDIA
x5675 = 3.5ghz boost 12 threads = $42 = Cinebench R15 4.5Ghz like 1,200
 
#29 ·
Would you consider selling me the board? $50 shipped?
Are you asking me? You want my old EVGA X58 3X SLI Classified A760 after I upgrade?

EDIT: nvm

I'm not sure you can move a raid setup from one board to the other.
Hard to get a good answer. Since both disks are mirrors of each other, can I put in one of the hard drives in the new build and would it act as a normal single drive?
 
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