It was this time last year that I increased the RAM from 8GB to 16GB in my PC, and replaced the ageing GeForce GTX 650Ti 2GB, with a relatively better GTX 1050Ti 4GB. The PC is based around an Intel Quad Core i5-3340 3.10GHz processor, which is a third generation Ivy Bridge model circa 2013. Yet despite being five years old, it is still adequate for my gaming, writing and editing podcasts needs. At present, the 2TB Seagate hybrid SSHD that I installed in November 2016 is performing very poorly. Boot up times have grown longer in recent months and despite using the manufacturers diagnostic tools, I cannot find a specific technical problem with the drive or the Windows 10 start-up sequence. So, I have decided to replace the drive with a new SSD and install the operating system on it, then reformat the older SSHD and re-use it for data storage (mainly music and videos).

My current PC is nearly four years old (I know it’s shocking isn’t it?). I bought a bare bones system from Zoostorm back in January 2014 and have made several upgrades to it since then. At present the PC is built around an Intel Quad Core i5-3340 3.10GHz and has 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Storage is handled by a 2TB Hybrid Hard Drive and the graphics card is a GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB. I also replaced the standard PSU with a Cooler Master 500W 12V Elite Power 500 Power Supply Unit. So far, this PC has served me well and until recently has handled pretty much all the tasks I’ve thrown at it. However, it labours when taxed and struggles to run some of the more recent games at what I consider to be an acceptable level. So, I’ve been considering my options as to whether to replace the entire PC or to upgrade it further. Although money is not a major issue, it would be more fiscally prudent to replace a few components rather than buy a new system. Older Ivy Bridge processors such as mine are still viable, so I’ve decided to increase the RAM and replace the graphics card.