PC upgrade what I have or new?

[p900learner]

Thanks ever so much in advance - senior citizen, good understanding of PC use, file management, etc. No understanding of PC specs, hardware, etc.

That said, I would appreciate direction in order to make decisions regarding my PC - should I update and improve the one I have or look for a new one.

PC: purchased 2017 - refurb. for $180. HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Desktop powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 with a speed of 3.1GHz, and 500 GB storage. Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system. Never had any issue with it. Monitor - nothing special at all - an ASUS

USE: Over time since this purchase I have become more involved in photo post-processing, shooting RAW and using more sophisticated software such as Affinity Photo. Also Nikon NX Studio. And yesterday installed free version of Luminar 4.

Luminar 4 would not open - message: Open GL 3.3 and later is required. I followed some YouTube directions to update the graphics /display drivers from Device Manager - said all up to date. I had this Open GL xxx with another software some time ago and just ignored it and didn't do a trial for that software.

Then downloaded the Intel Driver and Support Assistant - results for Intel HD Graphics

• Version9.17.10.4459
• Date5/19/2016
• Device is running properly

I'm very unsure if I should have a local PC shop do an upgrade to this PC so its more up to date with more RAM. Or just seek suggestions for a new or refurb desktop PC?

Budget: Not interested in high end PC - but not cheap rock bottom. I don't know enough to provide a range of what I would want to spend on a new PC.

Thanks for your ideas. Overall, because this PC is aging, and my PC use has changed I feel like this is something I should attend to before I have problems.

Ev --
https://evsphotos.smugmug.com/

 

[ClaudeVoyage]

I would buy a new PC. Now the CPU I5 tops at 4GHz or above.

Don’t overlook average gamer PC. They can have good specs for not much more money and a dedicated graphics card. The modern software use them.

 

[Austinian]

Thanks ever so much in advance - senior citizen, good understanding of PC use, file management, etc. No understanding of PC specs, hardware, etc.

That said, I would appreciate direction in order to make decisions regarding my PC - should I update and improve the one I have or look for a new one.

PC: purchased 2017 - refurb. for $180. HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Desktop powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 with a speed of 3.1GHz, and 500 GB storage. Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system. Never had any issue with it. Monitor - nothing special at all - an ASUS

USE: Over time since this purchase I have become more involved in photo post-processing, shooting RAW and using more sophisticated software such as Affinity Photo. Also Nikon NX Studio. And yesterday installed free version of Luminar 4.

Luminar 4 would not open - message: Open GL 3.3 and later is required. I followed some YouTube directions to update the graphics /display drivers from Device Manager - said all up to date. I had this Open GL xxx with another software some time ago and just ignored it and didn't do a trial for that software.

Then downloaded the Intel Driver and Support Assistant - results for Intel HD Graphics

• Version9.17.10.4459
• Date5/19/2016
• Device is running properly

I'm very unsure if I should have a local PC shop do an upgrade to this PC so its more up to date with more RAM. Or just seek suggestions for a new or refurb desktop PC?

Budget: Not interested in high end PC - but not cheap rock bottom. I don't know enough to provide a range of what I would want to spend on a new PC.

Thanks for your ideas. Overall, because this PC is aging, and my PC use has changed I feel like this is something I should attend to before I have problems.

I see that your i5-2400 CPU dates from 2011. I'd certainly say it's time to buy an entire new PC.

It would be helpful if you could tell us how much you could spend on a new PC without hurting your other needs; price largely determines PC performance. Having said that, your needs don't appear to justify a really high-end model. Somewhere around $1000, maybe?

 

[p900learner]

Thanks ever so much in advance - senior citizen, good understanding of PC use, file management, etc. No understanding of PC specs, hardware, etc.

That said, I would appreciate direction in order to make decisions regarding my PC - should I update and improve the one I have or look for a new one.

PC: purchased 2017 - refurb. for $180. HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Desktop powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 with a speed of 3.1GHz, and 500 GB storage. Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system. Never had any issue with it. Monitor - nothing special at all - an ASUS

USE: Over time since this purchase I have become more involved in photo post-processing, shooting RAW and using more sophisticated software such as Affinity Photo. Also Nikon NX Studio. And yesterday installed free version of Luminar 4.

Luminar 4 would not open - message: Open GL 3.3 and later is required. I followed some YouTube directions to update the graphics /display drivers from Device Manager - said all up to date. I had this Open GL xxx with another software some time ago and just ignored it and didn't do a trial for that software.

Then downloaded the Intel Driver and Support Assistant - results for Intel HD Graphics

• Version9.17.10.4459
• Date5/19/2016
• Device is running properly

I'm very unsure if I should have a local PC shop do an upgrade to this PC so its more up to date with more RAM. Or just seek suggestions for a new or refurb desktop PC?

Budget: Not interested in high end PC - but not cheap rock bottom. I don't know enough to provide a range of what I would want to spend on a new PC.

Thanks for your ideas. Overall, because this PC is aging, and my PC use has changed I feel like this is something I should attend to before I have problems.

I see that your i5-2400 CPU dates from 2011. I'd certainly say it's time to buy an entire new PC.

It would be helpful if you could tell us how much you could spend on a new PC without hurting your other needs; price largely determines PC performance. Having said that, your needs don't appear to justify a really high-end model. Somewhere around $1000, maybe?

Thank you Austinian. Oh my 2011 CPU - I'd say I got my $180 worth. My immediate thought regarding price would be somewhere around $800.

There is a well established computer repair and services, local firm near me. Do you think its best to have a PC built for you and your needs, as opposed to going to a local chain computer place, or an online firm? The local firm offers 2 year part and labor warranty plus they assist you in moving your data. I always wondered if you really got more for your $ having one built to your needs?

Ev

 

[Austinian]

Thanks ever so much in advance - senior citizen, good understanding of PC use, file management, etc. No understanding of PC specs, hardware, etc.

That said, I would appreciate direction in order to make decisions regarding my PC - should I update and improve the one I have or look for a new one.

PC: purchased 2017 - refurb. for $180. HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Desktop powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 with a speed of 3.1GHz, and 500 GB storage. Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system. Never had any issue with it. Monitor - nothing special at all - an ASUS

USE: Over time since this purchase I have become more involved in photo post-processing, shooting RAW and using more sophisticated software such as Affinity Photo. Also Nikon NX Studio. And yesterday installed free version of Luminar 4.

Luminar 4 would not open - message: Open GL 3.3 and later is required. I followed some YouTube directions to update the graphics /display drivers from Device Manager - said all up to date. I had this Open GL xxx with another software some time ago and just ignored it and didn't do a trial for that software.

Then downloaded the Intel Driver and Support Assistant - results for Intel HD Graphics

• Version9.17.10.4459
• Date5/19/2016
• Device is running properly

I'm very unsure if I should have a local PC shop do an upgrade to this PC so its more up to date with more RAM. Or just seek suggestions for a new or refurb desktop PC?

Budget: Not interested in high end PC - but not cheap rock bottom. I don't know enough to provide a range of what I would want to spend on a new PC.

Thanks for your ideas. Overall, because this PC is aging, and my PC use has changed I feel like this is something I should attend to before I have problems.

I see that your i5-2400 CPU dates from 2011. I'd certainly say it's time to buy an entire new PC.

It would be helpful if you could tell us how much you could spend on a new PC without hurting your other needs; price largely determines PC performance. Having said that, your needs don't appear to justify a really high-end model. Somewhere around $1000, maybe?

Thank you Austinian. Oh my 2011 CPU - I'd say I got my $180 worth.

Yes, indeed.

My immediate thought regarding price would be somewhere around $800.

You should be able to get a useful PC for that. I can't make specific model recommendations, as I haven't bought a new PC in years, but hopefully others better informed on the choices will have suggestions.

There is a well established computer repair and services, local firm near me. Do you think its best to have a PC built for you and your needs, as opposed to going to a local chain computer place, or an online firm? The local firm offers 2 year part and labor warranty plus they assist you in moving your data. I always wondered if you really got more for your $ having one built to your needs?

The moving the data part would be handy. It might be useful to get a detailed quote from them with exactly what hardware they'd provide for your budget, then others here could comment on that. It would also give you a reference point for alternative choices.

At this point in time, one thing I'd suggest for a limited budget would be to check out the factory refurbished PCs direct from the major manufacturers only; not from third-party resellers.

 

[p900learner]

Thanks ever so much in advance - senior citizen, good understanding of PC use, file management, etc. No understanding of PC specs, hardware, etc.

That said, I would appreciate direction in order to make decisions regarding my PC - should I update and improve the one I have or look for a new one.

PC: purchased 2017 - refurb. for $180. HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Desktop powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 with a speed of 3.1GHz, and 500 GB storage. Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system. Never had any issue with it. Monitor - nothing special at all - an ASUS

USE: Over time since this purchase I have become more involved in photo post-processing, shooting RAW and using more sophisticated software such as Affinity Photo. Also Nikon NX Studio. And yesterday installed free version of Luminar 4.

Luminar 4 would not open - message: Open GL 3.3 and later is required. I followed some YouTube directions to update the graphics /display drivers from Device Manager - said all up to date. I had this Open GL xxx with another software some time ago and just ignored it and didn't do a trial for that software.

Then downloaded the Intel Driver and Support Assistant - results for Intel HD Graphics

• Version9.17.10.4459
• Date5/19/2016
• Device is running properly

I'm very unsure if I should have a local PC shop do an upgrade to this PC so its more up to date with more RAM. Or just seek suggestions for a new or refurb desktop PC?

Budget: Not interested in high end PC - but not cheap rock bottom. I don't know enough to provide a range of what I would want to spend on a new PC.

Thanks for your ideas. Overall, because this PC is aging, and my PC use has changed I feel like this is something I should attend to before I have problems.

I see that your i5-2400 CPU dates from 2011. I'd certainly say it's time to buy an entire new PC.

It would be helpful if you could tell us how much you could spend on a new PC without hurting your other needs; price largely determines PC performance. Having said that, your needs don't appear to justify a really high-end model. Somewhere around $1000, maybe?

Thank you Austinian. Oh my 2011 CPU - I'd say I got my $180 worth.

Yes, indeed.

My immediate thought regarding price would be somewhere around $800.

You should be able to get a useful PC for that. I can't make specific model recommendations, as I haven't bought a new PC in years, but hopefully others better informed on the choices will have suggestions.

There is a well established computer repair and services, local firm near me. Do you think its best to have a PC built for you and your needs, as opposed to going to a local chain computer place, or an online firm? The local firm offers 2 year part and labor warranty plus they assist you in moving your data. I always wondered if you really got more for your $ having one built to your needs?

The moving the data part would be handy. It might be useful to get a detailed quote from them with exactly what hardware they'd provide for your budget, then others here could comment on that. It would also give you a reference point for alternative choices.

At this point in time, one thing I'd suggest for a limited budget would be to check out the factory refurbished PCs direct from the major manufacturers only; not from third-party resellers.

I phoned the firm - discussion of current PC set-up, software requirements for photo editing, current software, budget, etc. She's going to look up the specs on requirements for Affinity Photo, Luminar 4, and Topaz Denoise and/or Sharpen and get back with me on some suggestions.

Good idea - I'll get the exact details on what hardware they would be providing for further research and comparison.

I've had good luck with Dell refurbished directly from them so when I get more info I can check there.

I'll follow up when I know more. Thanks again. Ev

 

[BobKnDP]

(snip)

I phoned the firm - discussion of current PC set-up, software requirements for photo editing, current software, budget, etc. She's going to look up the specs on requirements for Affinity Photo, Luminar 4, and Topaz Denoise and/or Sharpen and get back with me on some suggestions.

Good idea - I'll get the exact details on what hardware they would be providing for further research and comparison.

I've had good luck with Dell refurbished directly from them so when I get more info I can check there.

I'll follow up when I know more. Thanks again. Ev

If you'd care to look at hardware requirements yourself, see:

Affinity Photo

Topaz AI

Luminar 4

One area of possible confusion: the specs are written as if for a discrete graphics card. For the past couple of years, prices have been very high on those.

As regards recommendations, I'm biased: I have been assembling my desktop PCs since 1997.

I believe that appliance PCs (Dell, HP, etc.) probably offer the best values, as long as you don't require the maximum flexibility as regards future major upgrades (like motherboard replacement). Refurbs would be even better values, as improvements in processor generations appear to be incremental.

 

[NickZ2016]

. I always wondered if you really got more for your $ having one built to your needs?

If you spec it out correctly you get what you need. There are always compromises even with a high budget but if you buy a prebuilt it's somebody else guessing at what compromises will sell best and be most profitable.

The other issue is you tend to get a machine that's easier to upgrade and keep running. Standard parts are far easier to find and replace than something proprietary.

The problem as mentioned is GPU prices are still high.

 

[Rambow]

Your office pc doesn't cut it anymore. It wasn't great even when new.

If you have ~$700-$800 to spend you can get something really decent that should hold you for at least 5 years, but forget about office computers from Dell or HP. Those have personalized parts that are difficult to replace and upgrade.

Buy a standard computer made with standard parts.

I'll give an example:

https://www.newegg.com/ibuypower-slatemono-239i/p/N82E16883227966

 

[BobKnDP]

Your office pc doesn't cut it anymore. It wasn't great even when new.

If you have ~$700-$800 to spend you can get something really decent that should hold you for at least 5 years, but forget about office computers from Dell or HP. Those have personalized parts that are difficult to replace and upgrade.

Buy a standard computer made with standard parts.

I'll give an example:

https://www.newegg.com/ibuypower-slatemono-239i/p/N82E16883227966

I suggest reading the reviews for that model.

Things sold online usually have at least a few 1 star reviews, but 22%? That's high. Makes me wonder about the quality of the components they use. (They don't list specific pieces.)

In dealing with Newegg, there's another alternative: they offer a PC Builder utility. Allows you to choose specific parts. (They offer default choices.) They'll assemble them for $99. One caveat: for assembly, all of the parts must come from the same California warehouse. That approach may not be as cost-effective as a prebuilt package, but at least you'd know what pieces are present.

 

[colbyk491]

If you are a simple guy that doesn't care to get top-spec stuff and i assume you just need your photos processed i would highly recommend one of the cheaper hp Pavilion Gaming Pc Prebuilds on Amazon as they would vastly improve your performance and their much much new for around 500 to 800 depending on the package you get but even the 500 dollars one will get you about 3 years of tip-top performance ... well not tip-top but gamer ready allowing you to do anything you need.

 

[colbyk491]

It might Require graphics software that is not supported by the integrated graphics that comes with your CPU

 

[p900learner]

To follow-up the local computer shop has given me this recommendation - somehow I don't have a good feeling about it.

They said now is not a good time for them building me a PC - parts and in particular the video card is a problem - scarce and costly. They recommend this refurbished Dell - for running the most intensive photo editing software on my list Luminar 4. Said they have a refurb. vendor they get them from.

Dell Optiplex 7050 | Intel 7th Gen i7-7700 Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | AMD RadeonR7 450 4GB | Win 10 Pro Refurbished $698
Plus an additional 1TB SSD SATA 6Gb/s for Storage $129

Tax $65 TOTAL = $892.75

Isn't this the same PC @ Amazon for $495 without the 2nd 1 TB SSD or is there something I'm missing -

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiple...optiplex+7050+i7+7700+quad+core,aps,90&sr=8-3

Thanks.

Ev

https://evsphotos.smugmug.com/

 

[Austinian]

To follow-up the local computer shop has given me this recommendation - somehow I don't have a good feeling about it.

They said now is not a good time for them building me a PC - parts and in particular the video card is a problem - scarce and costly. They recommend this refurbished Dell - for running the most intensive photo editing software on my list Luminar 4. Said they have a refurb. vendor they get them from.

Dell Optiplex 7050 | Intel 7th Gen i7-7700 Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | AMD RadeonR7 450 4GB | Win 10 Pro Refurbished $698
Plus an additional 1TB SSD SATA 6Gb/s for Storage $129

Tax $65 TOTAL = $892.75

Whoa! That doesn't look good to me. For one thing, I don't think that CPU is supported for Windows 11, so you'd likely have a problem when Windows 10 goes out of support in a few years.

Isn't this the same PC @ Amazon for $495 without the 2nd 1 TB SSD or is there something I'm missing -

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiple...optiplex+7050+i7+7700+quad+core,aps,90&sr=8-3

I wouldn't buy that PC either, for the same reason.

As you mentioned Dell refurbs, see what you can get for similar $ on this page:

https://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlin...x?brandid=2202&c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&frid=197

I'd much rather have one of those than what the local shop wants to sell you.

 

[colbyk491]

If you're having somebody build you a pc they are going to charge an arm and a leg for it, in fact, we are also coming out of this GPU shortage and tbh might get into another one in the coming year. we can now find GPU prices around only 10%upcharge which is not bad. But i would encourage you if you are somebody who just needs a good new pc to get a Dell HP Pavillon As they have been known to make reliable little gaming PCs that can just about get any job done or play any game. They also give you the options to get better specs on some of the Pavillons. In fact, this was the original PC I had and I loved it.

Hoped this Helps.

 

[BobKnDP]

To follow-up the local computer shop has given me this recommendation - somehow I don't have a good feeling about it.

They said now is not a good time for them building me a PC - parts and in particular the video card is a problem - scarce and costly. They recommend this refurbished Dell - for running the most intensive photo editing software on my list Luminar 4. Said they have a refurb. vendor they get them from.

Dell Optiplex 7050 | Intel 7th Gen i7-7700 Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | AMD RadeonR7 450 4GB | Win 10 Pro Refurbished $698
Plus an additional 1TB SSD SATA 6Gb/s for Storage $129

Tax $65 TOTAL = $892.75

Isn't this the same PC @ Amazon for $495 without the 2nd 1 TB SSD or is there something I'm missing -

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiple...optiplex+7050+i7+7700+quad+core,aps,90&sr=8-3

Thanks.

Ev

https://evsphotos.smugmug.com/

I think you're correct. The shop isn't doing you any favors.

The I7-7700 is not supported under Windows 11, if you care about that. Windows 11 Intel CPUs (It's 7th generation. Very few 7th gen CPUs support 11.)

The additional charge for a 1TB SATA SSD is moderately expensive, depending on what model they provide. Newegg retail . Not sure what a fair price is for installing it. Heck, if I was your neighbor, I'd do it for free. If I went slowly, it'd take me a half hour.

 

[p900learner]

To follow-up the local computer shop has given me this recommendation - somehow I don't have a good feeling about it.

They said now is not a good time for them building me a PC - parts and in particular the video card is a problem - scarce and costly. They recommend this refurbished Dell - for running the most intensive photo editing software on my list Luminar 4. Said they have a refurb. vendor they get them from.

Dell Optiplex 7050 | Intel 7th Gen i7-7700 Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | AMD RadeonR7 450 4GB | Win 10 Pro Refurbished $698
Plus an additional 1TB SSD SATA 6Gb/s for Storage $129

Tax $65 TOTAL = $892.75

Isn't this the same PC @ Amazon for $495 without the 2nd 1 TB SSD or is there something I'm missing -

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiple...optiplex+7050+i7+7700+quad+core,aps,90&sr=8-3

Thanks.

Ev

https://evsphotos.smugmug.com/

I think you're correct. The shop isn't doing you any favors.

The I7-7700 is not supported under Windows 11, if you care about that. Windows 11 Intel CPUs (It's 7th generation. Very few 7th gen CPUs support 11.)

The additional charge for a 1TB SATA SSD is moderately expensive, depending on what model they provide. Newegg retail . Not sure what a fair price is for installing it. Heck, if I was your neighbor, I'd do it for free. If I went slowly, it'd take me a half hour.

Thanks for the heads-up on the I7-7700 not being supported under Win 11 - that's no good. It would have never dawned on me that you couldn't update to Win 11. The link is appreciated. I'm happy I checked with you guys before just plunging ahead and purchasing something just because the shop recommended it.

Your help and time is much appreciated.

Ev

 

[p900learner]

To follow-up the local computer shop has given me this recommendation - somehow I don't have a good feeling about it.

They said now is not a good time for them building me a PC - parts and in particular the video card is a problem - scarce and costly. They recommend this refurbished Dell - for running the most intensive photo editing software on my list Luminar 4. Said they have a refurb. vendor they get them from.

Dell Optiplex 7050 | Intel 7th Gen i7-7700 Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | AMD RadeonR7 450 4GB | Win 10 Pro Refurbished $698
Plus an additional 1TB SSD SATA 6Gb/s for Storage $129

Tax $65 TOTAL = $892.75

Whoa! That doesn't look good to me. For one thing, I don't think that CPU is supported for Windows 11, so you'd likely have a problem when Windows 10 goes out of support in a few years.

Isn't this the same PC @ Amazon for $495 without the 2nd 1 TB SSD or is there something I'm missing -

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiple...optiplex+7050+i7+7700+quad+core,aps,90&sr=8-3

I wouldn't buy that PC either, for the same reason.

As you mentioned Dell refurbs, see what you can get for similar $ on this page:

https://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlin...x?brandid=2202&c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&frid=197

I'd much rather have one of those than what the local shop wants to sell you.

I see what you are saying Austinian - I'm going to look through these options today from Dell outlet and see what I can find. From what you and other poster noted I can do better than what the local shop is offering.

So appreciative of your help on this.

Ev

 

[Austinian]

I see what you are saying Austinian - I'm going to look through these options today from Dell outlet and see what I can find. From what you and other poster noted I can do better than what the local shop is offering.

One thing I should add, since your current budget is limited:

Some features of these desktop PCs are easily and cheaply user-upgraded, like memory and disk storage. Others like the power supply (more power needed for many graphics cards) may be proprietary and not so easy. Some of your applications are Topaz AI's, which seem to like discrete graphics cards.

So when choosing a particular PC, I'd suggest sacrificing memory and storage in favor of one with a decent graphics card if necessary to meet your budget, then planning to upgrade them later. Of course, it's easier if you can find one that has all you need at once!

So appreciative of your help on this.

Glad to help. Unlike some visitors, you've provided good feedback on your needs and spending limits.

 

[Bob Janes]

Thanks ever so much in advance - senior citizen, good understanding of PC use, file management, etc. No understanding of PC specs, hardware, etc.

That said, I would appreciate direction in order to make decisions regarding my PC - should I update and improve the one I have or look for a new one.

PC: purchased 2017 - refurb. for $180. HP Compaq 8200 Elite SFF Desktop powered by the Intel Core i5-2400 with a speed of 3.1GHz, and 500 GB storage. Windows 10 Professional 64-bit operating system. Never had any issue with it. Monitor - nothing special at all - an ASUS

USE: Over time since this purchase I have become more involved in photo post-processing, shooting RAW and using more sophisticated software such as Affinity Photo. Also Nikon NX Studio. And yesterday installed free version of Luminar 4.

Luminar 4 would not open - message: Open GL 3.3 and later is required. I followed some YouTube directions to update the graphics /display drivers from Device Manager - said all up to date. I had this Open GL xxx with another software some time ago and just ignored it and didn't do a trial for that software.

Open GL 3.3 dates from about 10 years ago. I'm surprised your currentt PC didn't have it from the start.

Sorry to ask the obvious, but have you looked into whether you could install a later version of OPen GL?

Then downloaded the Intel Driver and Support Assistant - results for Intel HD Graphics

• Version9.17.10.4459
• Date5/19/2016
• Device is running properly

I'm very unsure if I should have a local PC shop do an upgrade to this PC so its more up to date with more RAM. Or just seek suggestions for a new or refurb desktop PC?

Budget: Not interested in high end PC - but not cheap rock bottom. I don't know enough to provide a range of what I would want to spend on a new PC.

Realistically a new i5 or AMD equivalent should be fine for most applications.

If you assemble your own parts you do get extra freedom to upgrade bits as you go along.

Considerations

Are you OK with the idea of disconnecting and reconnecting a motherboard & disks? If so you could take the best bits of what you have now and upgrade as required. Strangely I'd advise to start with a decent sized new case (the ones from Compaq/Dell/HP tend to be a bitt snug and less easy to work with) and a decent power supply. You can then move new components in as they are needed. It is easier than it might sound.

If that sounds a little daunting - the off the shelf units from Dell etc are quite good. For my wife's editorial business, we just went for a recent generation i5 machine - opening it up before the warranty is up probably voids it, but it should keep you going for 5+ years.

Thanks for your ideas. Overall, because this PC is aging, and my PC use has changed I feel like this is something I should attend to before I have problems.

Ev --
https://evsphotos.smugmug.com/