Upgrading the WORST PC at this LAN with a 4090 Gaming Rig

DukE...TDvm

8 Feb 2025

In the world of competitive gaming and high-performance computing, having the best possible hardware is essential for a smooth and immersive experience. However, not everyone has access to top-tier gaming rigs, and at any LAN party, there are always a few systems that stand out for all the wrong reasons. Today, we take on the ambitious project of upgrading the worst PC at this LAN into an absolute powerhouse by equipping it with the latest NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU and other high-end components. This transformation will not only breathe new life into an outdated system but will also showcase the staggering difference that cutting-edge hardware can make.

Assessing the "Worst" PC at the LAN

Before diving into the upgrade, it is crucial to evaluate what we are working with. The worst PC at this LAN is a relic from a bygone era, struggling to keep up with modern gaming demands. After a brief analysis, we find that this system consists of:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 (Released in 2011)
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti
RAM: 8GB DDR3 (1600MHz)
Storage: 500GB HDD (5400 RPM)
Motherboard: Outdated LGA 1155 board with no M.2 support
Power Supply: Generic 400W PSU
Case: A cheap, airflow-restricted chassis with poor cable management

This system is woefully inadequate for modern gaming, struggling even with older titles at low settings. Frame drops, stuttering, and long load times are common, making any competitive play nearly impossible. Clearly, an overhaul is necessary, and we aim to transform this dinosaur into a top-tier gaming rig featuring the RTX 4090.

Selecting the Right Upgrade Components

To match the sheer power of the NVIDIA RTX 4090, every other component needs to be brought up to modern standards. The following components will be used for this upgrade:

CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4090
RAM: 32GB DDR5 (6000MHz)
Storage: 2TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x (1000W, Fully Modular)
Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic EVO (Optimized for airflow and aesthetics)
Cooling: Custom liquid cooling loop with RGB fans

With this setup, the new system will not only be future-proof but will also provide an elite gaming experience, capable of handling 4K gaming at ultra settings with ease.

The Upgrade Process

Step 1: Disassembling the Old PC

Before installing the new components, we need to strip the old PC down completely. This involves removing the outdated GPU, CPU, RAM, motherboard, and power supply. Since the case is small and has poor airflow, we will also be discarding it in favor of a more spacious and efficient chassis.
After carefully unplugging all the components, we notice a significant amount of dust buildup inside the case, which has likely contributed to overheating issues. A thorough cleaning is necessary before installing the new parts.

Step 2: Installing the New Motherboard and CPU

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero motherboard is an absolute beast, supporting the latest Intel processors and high-speed DDR5 memory. We begin by installing the Intel Core i9-13900K, a 24-core, 32-thread processor that delivers exceptional performance in both gaming and productivity tasks.
Applying high-quality thermal paste, we secure a custom liquid cooling loop to ensure optimal thermal performance. The liquid cooling system is essential for keeping the powerful i9 CPU at safe operating temperatures, especially during intense gaming sessions.

Step 3: Installing RAM and Storage

Next, we slot in 32GB of DDR5 RAM (6000MHz), a massive upgrade from the old DDR3 memory. This will not only improve multitasking performance but also future-proof the system for upcoming AAA games and demanding applications.
For storage, we install a 2TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD, which offers blazing-fast read and write speeds. Compared to the old 500GB HDD, load times will be drastically reduced, and system responsiveness will be greatly enhanced.

Step 4: Mounting the RTX 4090

The most exciting part of the build is installing the RTX 4090. This GPU is a monstrous upgrade from the GTX 750 Ti, providing over 30 times the performance in modern games. The RTX 4090 features 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM, making it capable of running the most demanding titles at 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled.
Due to the sheer size of the RTX 4090, we ensure the case has enough space and proper GPU support brackets to prevent sagging. The PCIe Gen 5.0 slot on the motherboard ensures the GPU runs at full bandwidth, maximizing its potential.

Step 5: Power Supply and Cable Management

The Corsair RM1000x (1000W) power supply ensures that the system receives stable and reliable power, which is crucial when running high-end components like the RTX 4090 and Intel i9-13900K. We use fully modular cables to improve airflow and maintain a clean aesthetic.
After meticulously routing all the cables and ensuring everything is properly connected, the system is ready for its first boot.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. The transformation from an outdated, struggling PC to a cutting-edge gaming rig is nothing short of remarkable. The RTX 4090, combined with a high-performance CPU, fast storage, and ample RAM, ensures that this system will remain relevant for years to come.

This upgrade not only showcases the impact of high-end hardware but also emphasizes the importance of keeping up with modern components for an optimal gaming experience. For anyone still using outdated hardware, this serves as a reminder that a well-planned upgrade can revolutionize performance and provide a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.

At the end of the day, seeing the worst PC at the LAN become the most powerful system in the room is an incredibly satisfying experience. The RTX 4090 gaming rig has proven its worth, and now, it's time to enjoy gaming the way it was meant to be played—at ultra settings, high resolutions, and buttery smooth frame rates.