Start Finish

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

I recently upgraded to the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X processor, moving up from the Intel Core i5-8400. The Ryzen 7 2700X, with its 8 cores, 16 threads, and 3.7 GHz base clock, has been a game-changer for multitasking and productivity tasks like video editing. Compared to the i5-8400, which has 6 cores, 6 threads, and a 2.8 GHz base clock, the Ryzen offers significantly better performance for demanding workloads. While the i5-8400 served me well for gaming with its integrated graphics and lower 65W TDP, the 2700X’s raw power and multithreading capabilities have made it the perfect choice for my current needs.

ROG Strix B450-F Gaming

Upgrading to the ROG Strix B450-F motherboard has been a game-changer for my build. Compared to the B360M Bazooka, which is more suited for budget-friendly Intel systems, the ROG Strix B450-F offers everything I need for a high-performance AMD setup. With support for Ryzen processors, overclocking capabilities, and an ATX form factor that provides plenty of room for expansion, it’s perfect for my needs. Features like dual M.2 slots, robust VRM cooling, and customizable RGB lighting through ASUS Aura Sync add both performance and style. This upgrade has taken my system to the next level, ensuring it’s ready for anything I throw at it.

16GB Teamgroup T-Force Vulcan X 2

8GB PNY XLR8 Gaming X 2

I’ve got 2 - 16GB sticks of Teamgroup T-Force Vulcan and 2 - 8GB sticks of PNY XLR8 Gaming DDR4 RAM in my system, for a total of 48GB of RAM across four sticks. The T-Force Vulcan typically runs at speeds between 2666MHz and 3600MHz, offering solid overclocking potential and low latency, while the XLR8 Gaming runs between 2400MHz and 3200MHz, prioritizing stability. Both have heat spreaders for cooling, with the T-Force featuring a sleeker design. Since the RAM sticks are mixed, they run at the speed and timings of the slower module unless adjusted in the BIOS. Dual-channel placement ensures the best performance from this setup.

ASRock Arc A770 Phantom OC 16GB

I upgraded from the Radeon RX 580 Armor 4G to the Intel ARC A770 Phantom OC 16GB for a significant boost in performance and features. The A770 offers 16GB of GDDR6 memory, advanced ray tracing support, and AV1 encoding, making it ideal for 1440p gaming and modern workflows. In comparison, the RX 580, with its 4GB of GDDR5 memory and older Polaris architecture, was sufficient for 1080p gaming and less demanding tasks but lacked the power and features to handle today’s requirements. The upgrade has greatly improved my system’s capability for gaming and creative tasks.

Samsung 990 EVO SSD

When I upgraded to the 2TB Samsung 990 EVO SSD, it felt like stepping into the future. My old 1TB HDD served me well, but it was like relying on an old bicycle when I could have been driving a race car. The SSD is blazing fast, loading everything in seconds, while the HDD used to take its time, with its spinning platters and clicking noises. The best part? No more waiting around for things to load or dealing with the occasional lag—this SSD makes everything silent, smooth, and lightning-fast. It’s more durable, energy-efficient, and has double the storage, which is a game-changer for my upgraded system. The HDD is still handy for backups, but for everyday performance, the SSD blows it out of the water.

PowerSpec 750 BSM

Switching to the PowerSpec 750 BSM has been a noticeable upgrade. The Channel Well GPT500S-A was fine for a while, but it felt limited by its 500W output, and the non-modular cables were a hassle to manage. With the PowerSpec, I get 750W of power, which is a much better fit for my system now. The semi-modular design has made a huge difference—fewer cables cluttering up the case means better airflow and less mess. It’s just more reliable overall, and it gives me the confidence to push my setup without worrying about power constraints.

Be Quiet Pure Rock Slim 2

So, I just upgraded to the Be Quiet! Pure Rock Slim 2 from the Intel E97379-002 stock cooler, and the difference is night and day. The Be Quiet fan is so much better—it’s got heat pipes for better heat dissipation, handles way more heat with its 130W TDP, and runs almost silently. Meanwhile, the Intel stock cooler was fine for basic use, but it could barely keep up under load, got noisy, and wasn’t really meant for anything beyond light tasks. The upgrade was totally worth it for better performance and peace of mind.