A Long-Awaited Gift: Unboxing My PC After Three Years

It’s a moment worthy of celebration: after a long three-year wait, I finally unwrapped a gifted PC that had been patiently waiting for me. This journey began when I shared my setup from Syria on a forum, where a generous individual noticed my predicament and decided to lend a hand. They sent me their old computer, complete with its original packaging, along with a few essential components like thermal paste and extra fans. To top it off, they even covered the shipping costs. Another kind soul contributed by sending me a NVIDIA 1030 graphics card and an old SSD. Just a couple of weeks ago, a third person astonished me with a NVIDIA 3070 graphics card as a gift.

After moving away from Syria, the PC remained tucked away in its box, stored at a friend’s place while I navigated through a challenging living situation. Due to financial constraints, I found myself in accommodations that did not allow for electricity use, leaving my dream of unboxing this computer on hold for far too long. Today, that dream became a reality.

Now, I’m on the hunt for a used monitor and a power cable, filled with anticipation to see if this system survived the test of time, dust, and prolonged storage. Here’s what’s under the hood:

  • CPU: Intel Core i7-3960X or Intel Core i7-3930K
  • CPU Cooler: Water cooler
  • GPU: NVIDIA 3070
  • RAM: 8 sticks (some of which are DDR3-1600 CL11)
  • Motherboard: Asus P9X79 WS
  • SSD: 2x 240GB

I acknowledge that while this configuration may have its bottlenecks due to age, being a desktop PC opens the door for easier upgrades compared to a laptop. I look forward to making gradual improvements as my financial situation allows. No matter its age, this setup is a significant leap forward from my previous MX130 laptop GPU.

As for the other CPU included in my package, I’ve been pondering its value. I’ve heard that it was once a pricey component; I wonder if it still holds any significance on marketplaces like eBay.

Beyond just upgrading my own experience, I am also considering launching a Twitch or YouTube channel to relive the nostalgia of playing classic games I couldn’t access before due to lacking a graphics card.

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  1. Great to hear about your unboxing journey! Here are some tips to help you get your system up and running smoothly:

    • Monitor & Power Cable: For a used monitor, ensure it supports the resolution you desire and check for compatible input ports such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI. You might find affordable options on marketplaces like eBay or local classifieds.
    • Graphics Card Compatibility: The NVIDIA 3070 should work well with your ASUS P9X79 WS motherboard, but verify that your power supply can provide sufficient wattage, especially for high-end GPUs. The 3070 typically requires around 220-250W and an 8-pin power connector.
    • System Troubleshooting: If your unboxed parts are not powering on, double-check connections, especially power cables and front panel connectors. Also, inspect the motherboard for any visible damage or dust that might cause issues.
    • Upgrading & Reselling: The Intel CPU you mentioned, if it’s an i7-3960X or i7-3930K, can fetch a reasonable price on eBay due to its high-end status from the era.

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