I have a Jands i3 (the 2013 version) with an i3 processor and (what I thought was) 16 GB RAM, although Windows is telling me it’s only 4 GB. I’ve done the Windows 10 & SSD upgrade and I’m running the latest version - Vista 3 R4. The computer is showing its age so I’ve been considering switching the console to USB mode (using the instructions I’ve seen elsewhere on these forums) and using a Mac mini or NUC as the control computer.
Here’s what I was thinking of as an alternative. The built-in PC has an Intel i3-2120, which is a second-generation i3 using an LGA1155 socket. Is there any reason I can’t upgrade to the newest i7 that the built-in motherboard would support? It looks like the newest processor I can upgrade to is a third-generation i7-3770. According to the prices on Newegg I can do this upgrade for about $125, assuming the parts are actually available.
Would this upgrade be worth it vs. an external computer and going through the process of turning the i3 console into USB mode? I know going to a third-generation i7 is not a huge leap forward from the i3 but with more RAM and a slightly newer, multi-threaded processor, I feel like this might be enough to get us through a few more years.
I think it is impossible to say since it hasn’t been attempted before. You are more than welcome to try it as long as you realize that we can’t provide an additional support (or parts) on any of the legacy Jands consoles any longer.
I would be interested in hearing about the results you get with the processor upgrade. I totally understand about the confusion with the amount of memory that is installed. The label on the memory stick is misleading.
I recently upgraded an I3 to Vista 3 R4 and increased the amount of ram (I think to actually 16gb of ram) and it we have not had any issues, but we are running a small rig with it.
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Thank you. I do understand there would be no support. I’m comfortable inside computers and I was the one who upgraded the original hard drive to an SSD and installed Windows and Vista 3 on it so I’m familiar with its guts. 
I’m a little more concerned about doing a processor swap, just because of the potential for damage but it might be worth it.
I realized I have a 2nd generation i5 processor with 16 GB RAM at home in an old computer I don’t use anymore. I know it wouldn’t be much of a change on the processor side but it would be a slight step up and the extra RAM (assuming it shows up correctly in Windows) would make a big difference. Then, if that works, I’d consider getting a 3rd generation i7.
I’ll follow up here if I decide to pull the trigger.
I would say if you want to try have a Plan B in case it bricks. With a bit of metal work on the back panel of the console it would be possible to change the MB altogether. It’s not as easy as on the pre13 I3s but it has been done by others already. It would be worth taking a look at how that can be done first so you have an idea should the processor swap not work.
Hi, i’ve done this full refit for two clients here in australia with great success
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I changed the motherboard in my L5. The main thing is to buy the right form factor (in my case it’s mini ATX), and if possible keep the original cooling system (the new one may not fit in the console case). And of course it is necessary to cut holes on the console case, as the connectors of the new board will not coincide with them.
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Good point. I’m still pondering… I might make the USB transition to turn it into an S3 instead. I have a 2014 Mac mini which is about 3 years newer, and the SSD is noticeably faster, so that might be a better approach. I’ll post an update when I decide and actually make things happen.
I’m sure you’re all on pins and needles waiting to hear what the outcome was. We decided to do the conversion surgery to turn the i3 into an S3 and use it with an external computer. The benefits of adding more RAM and a barely newer i5 processor just didn’t seem worth it to me.
I’ve written it up at this post for anyone who wants to know more. I3 (before 2013) with Vista 3 - #27 by tvwonder