Possible Upgrades

[RichardDavies99]

Since buying this computer in late 2020 I've not done any hardware upgrades, but I'm wondering if I should fit larger hard drives as both are around half full.

Also while it isn't running slow expanding the memory might help things out.

I have upgraded some of the software, especially moving to Windows 11.

Case
CiT MTX-007B Mini ITX Case 180W
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i3 Quad Core Processor i3-9100 (3.60GHz) 6MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME H310i PLUS R2.0: Mini-ITX, LGA1151, USB 3.1, SATA 6GBs
Memory (RAM)
8GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2400MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
Integrated Intel® HD Graphics
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB INTEL® 660p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 1500MB/sR | 1000MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE 7mm SERIAL ATA III 2.5" HARD DRIVE WITH 128MB CACHE (7,200rpm)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Processor Cooling
STANDARD CPU COOLER
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS-N (300Mbps) 3dBi HIGH GAIN USB ADAPTER
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 4 x USB 2.0 PORTS AS STANDARD
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
BullGuard™ Internet Security - Free 90 Day License inc. Gamer Mode
Browser
Firefox™
Keyboard & Mouse
LOGITECH® OPTICAL USB MOUSE
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (6 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

 

[Ekans2011]

Since buying this computer in late 2020 I've not done any hardware upgrades, but I'm wondering if I should fit larger hard drives as both are around half full.

Also while it isn't running slow expanding the memory might help things out.

I'm afraid that machine is not designed to be upgraded: the only option is to add more -or replace- RAM (up to 32GB, which is the maximum supported by the motherboard).

The MB has only one M.2 Gen3 slot.

PRIME H310I-PLUS R2.0/CSM - Tech Specs｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

Unleash your tech potential with the PRIME H310I-PLUS R2.0/CSM: packed with cutting-edge features that elevate your everyday digital interactions.

www.asus.com

The case/chassis can only fit one SATA HDD/SSD.

mini-itx.com: CIT MTX7 Chassis 180W case

www.mini-itx.com

What kind of improvements are you looking for? What's the purpose of that system?

N.B. Be aware that on Monday, June 30th, INTEL discontinued servicing updates for that CPU, which means that they will no longer provide functional or security updates.

Intel® Core™ i3-9100 Processor (6M Cache, up to 4.20 GHz) - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® Core™ i3-9100 Processor (6M Cache, up to 4.20 GHz) quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

www.intel.com

 

[RichardDavies99]

I'm afraid that machine is not designed to be upgraded: the only option is to add more -or replace- RAM (up to 32GB, which is the maximum supported by the motherboard).

The MB has only one M.2 Gen3 slot.

PRIME H310I-PLUS R2.0/CSM - Tech Specs｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

Unleash your tech potential with the PRIME H310I-PLUS R2.0/CSM: packed with cutting-edge features that elevate your everyday digital interactions.

www.asus.com

The case/chassis can only fit one SATA HDD/SSD.

mini-itx.com: CIT MTX7 Chassis 180W case

www.mini-itx.com

What kind of improvements are you looking for? What's the purpose of that system?

N.B. Be aware that on Monday, June 30th, INTEL discontinued servicing updates for that CPU, which means that they will no longer provide functional or security updates.

Intel® Core™ i3-9100 Processor (6M Cache, up to 4.20 GHz) - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® Core™ i3-9100 Processor (6M Cache, up to 4.20 GHz) quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

www.intel.com

Thanks for filling me in, I was just thinking of adding more RAM & then fitting larger SSD & HD.

I usually use it for browsing online, with the occasional scanning & editing of old magazines.

 

[RichardDavies99]

After some thought it sounds like I'll be leaving the computer as it is as it's still running well & slowly saving up for a new one.