Hey everyone, I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my gaming setup. Here are my current specs:
- GPU: Zotac 3060 12GB
- CPU: Ryzen 5700x
- RAM: 16GB @ 3200mhz
- STORAGE: 1 TB NVMe
- MOBO: x570 Aorus Elite
- CASE: H510 NZXT
- CPU COOLER: 120mm NZXT AIO
- MONITOR: 144Hz 1080p Samsung
I built this rig about 3-4 years ago, and lately, I'm experiencing performance issues with the games I love to play. For instance, in Witcher 3, I can barely hit 80-90 fps on medium settings and Cyberpunk runs around the same. Even games like Dota 2 are tough when there are demanding characters. On top of gaming, I'm looking to get into music production soon.
I want to know if upgrading to a 5800x3d and a 9070 xt would be a good move, but I'm on a budget and can't afford a complete overhaul to AM5. What do you all suggest for a solid upgrade that balances gaming and productivity?
3 Answers
Have you considered the possibility of upgrading to a 1440p monitor? If you’re looking at the 9070xt, that would make a great pairing. Moving to 1440p could really enhance your gaming experience without compromising too much.
Totally agree! A 9070xt paired with a 1440p could give you a great balance between performance and visual quality.
If your power supply can handle it, I recommend starting with just the GPU upgrade first. At 1080p, a CPU upgrade might not yield as much benefit, especially since your monitor is capped at 144Hz. It would be wise to first see how well a new GPU performs before considering a full CPU upgrade. If you're happy with your 5700x at 1440p, maybe think about upgrading your RAM to 2x16GB CL16 at 3200mhz too. Otherwise, a 5800x3d could be a good choice down the line if needed.
That sounds like a plan! I'd like to get a feel for the performance after upgrading the GPU before deciding.
Wow, 90 fps in Witcher 3 on medium settings is kind of low for your hardware. Have you tried doing a fresh installation of your GPU drivers? It might help improve performance considerably.
I haven’t done a fresh install of the GPU drivers; I just keep them updated. I’m not sure how to do a clean install, though.

Absolutely! I think a 1440p monitor would provide a significant upgrade, especially for your setup. Just ensure your GPU can keep up with the new resolution.