Motherboard & CPU replacement

I have an old system from 2014. I want to replace the motherboard, CPU and RAM, but keep my graphics card, audio card, SSDs, power supply and case. I am resident in a country where PCs and components are very expensive and choice is limited. I will be returning soon and could return with a replacement upgrade on my motherboard (and CPU) if it is compatible with my remaining components.

I've a total budget of up to $700. I'm not a gamer but use photo editing, basic video editing and GIS software.

I'm looking for recommendations for motherboard, CPU and RAM combo.

Current system is:
PROCESSOR i5-4590 (3.3GHz) 6MB cache MOTHERBOARD ASUS Z97-A
MEMORY 2x8 GB DDR3
GRAPHICS card MSI GeForce GT 730 N730K-2GD3H/LP
AUDIO card. M-Audio Audiophile (can't remember which. I think with PCIe interface?)
POWER Corsair 450W VS series
CASE Corsair Carbide series 200R compact gaming case

Seeing as the i5-4590K is quite dated now, there's a lot of options that will provide a fairly decent upgrade, and you wouldn't necessarily have to use your entire budget on those three components - depending on where you are buying which you don't state.

 

For example - https://pcpartpicker.com/list/46Nqwg is a possible combo using a i5-12600K and an entry level Z790 DDR5 motherboard.  The i5-12600K while they're still around, represent good value for money IMO as they're currently $100+ less than their replacements (the 13600K or 14600K) while offering most of the performance, in many use cases.  I've included an upgraded cooler because it doesn't come with one, and you'll likely need to upgrade whatever you're using anyway to work with the LGA1700 platform.  I also suggest upgrading the PSU if possible (and included an RM750 in the list), because the Corsair VS 450w is really intended for fairly low end systems, and a solid power supply should really be the heart of a system built for reliability.  Up to you, but it's in the budget.  In this instance, I'd suggest using the iGPU instead of the GT 730 as it's less capable than the CPU's built in graphics.  I can't see any reason these parts would be incompatible with your audio card, case etc.  As mentioned, changing the CPU to a 13600K which offers 4 more efficiency cores (14 cores in total), higher clock speeds and a decent performance uplift in some use cases, will add around $100.

 

Another possible one could be a system based on the older AM4 platform with a Ryzen 9 5900X CPU which should be a very capable system for the uses you mention - https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bGtpVW - note this does not have any integrated graphics so would require the use of the GT 730.  This is a platform reaching the end of it's life but still powerful and usable for years I would imagine (and less costly than it's AM5 replacement).

 

Here's a synthetic performance comparison of some of the CPU's mentioned - https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/4603vs5008vs4814vs2284vs3870/Intel-i5-12600K-vs-Intel-i5-13600K-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-5700X-vs-Intel-i5-4690K-vs-AMD-Ryzen-9-5900X 

I want to replace the motherboard, CPU and RAM,

 

 

If you change the MB and do not presently have a full retail licence key you will need to purchase a new Windows product key.

Thank you so much. This is really helpful.

I want to replace the motherboard, CPU and RAM,
 

 
If you change the MB and do not presently have a full retail licence key you will need to purchase a new Windows product key.

I hadn't considered this. Thanks.

You are welcome and just so that you are aware, many people overlook this and out of those that do a fair few put a drive already loaded with Windows and years of personal data and then wonder why the shiny new build will not work.