Sweet, thanks...and from there > 7.00 then 7.03 ?

is there any reason you need to upgrade it any more? what features do you need from it? do you overclock or anything like that.

most recommend you dont touch the bios unless you absolutely have to

See page 1 - toejam said the BIOS would need to be upgraded to the latest version for my machine to be upgraded using the same motherboard.

I've got it to 7 now - will try and get it to 7.03 later.

read the notes next to each one version 5.60 is all you need to run a 5600

Oh well, I've got version 7 now, so should be okay.

Query - if I did want to replace my motherboard, what's the next step up from what I have currently?

do you need to replace it? motherboards are pretty reliable these days.

most would only upgrade if there are new features they want/need

No, probably not, but I thought I could give this machine to my Mum who doesn't have a PC at all. But I think she would probably prefer a laptop anyway.

quickymart:

 

Query - if I did want to replace my motherboard, what's the next step up from what I have currently?

 

So, circling back to this question...

@toejam316 - can you recommend a motherboard for this setup? I think I'd like to give my old machine to my Mum so will probably need to replace (almost) everything.

I have since purchased a new case from PB Tech and have it next to me. Next step is to start building up the rest of the machine.

Uh, that makes things a little more complicated. Do you want to spend a fair chunk more for a modern platform that will last you similarly to the motherboard you have now, which will give you opportunities to upgrade, or do you want to just get something better than what you have?

Also, to save me rereading the whole thread, what are you actually going to use this system for? If all you're going to do is general computer use, if you're getting an entirely new system, you could consider a laptop with a dock, or you could consider an Intel NUC, the only reason you'd need a larger traditional desktop is to fit a graphics card, or mechanical drives in there.

Once I know your end goal, and what part(s) you will retain, I can give you a better idea.

Yep, just general use. A laptop wouldn't be suitable - I have one already - this is for working from home and doing stuff that requires a desktop (also yes re mechanical drives).

I suppose I could just get a new motherboard and put it inside my Mum's (prospective) machine? I guess that's an option too.

I'd most likely retain my optical drive, keyboard, mouse, mechanical drives. Everything else (including the monitor - eventually) would be replaced.

Any reason why you think a Laptop wouldn't suit? It doesn't sound like you need a ton of power, just a modern fast processor. Everything else could be easily attached with a dock. Are you attached to Windows 10, or would you try Windows 11? I assume you will need a new Windows license. Have you considered Mac OS?

The suggestion remains the same if you're intent on pushing ahead with a desktop - a 5600G, and a motherboard to suit. https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MBDGBM35522A/Gigabyte-B550M-DS3H-AC-MATX-For-AMD-Ryzen-3rd-Gen would work well.

Not interested in a docking station, sorry - I have kids who fiddle with things and they would make short work of something like that.

I will be replacing my laptop in due course but not at the moment (mostly due to finances).

Yes indeed, running Windows 10. A Mac wouldn't work with my situation, sadly.

Thanks for the motherboard suggestion, I'll add that to the list. It looks like a good one (and onboard graphics too!) Cheers.

if a kid will fiddle with a docking station how do you get on with a desktop pc?

all (pretty much) motherboards support onboard graphics, you just have to make sure you get a processor (cpu) that supports it to. AMD's range is a little more limited than intels but thats not to say the ones they have arent good.

Looks like prices have changed (understandably) on PC parts recently - the CPU I was going to use has doubled in price 😮

Given my case/usage scenario, what would be the cheapest - and most suitable - option on this page, staying with the same CPU brand, etc?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/components/cpus/amd-desktop-cpu/amd-ryzen-5-processors