I'm looking to upgrade my current gaming setup. Right now, I've got a GeForce RTX 2060 Super, an Intel i5-9400F, a Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi motherboard, and 32GB of Corsair DDR4 RAM (2x16GB, 3200MHz). I've also got a Noctua CPU cooler and an 850W power supply.
I'm in the U.S. and my budget is roughly $200-$300 for the CPU, $300-$500 for the GPU, and $100-$250 for the motherboard. I'm considering an Intel i7 ultra series CPU for about $280 and the RTX 4060 Ti with 16GB. I'd like to know if these choices are good, especially since this upgrade is important to me and I want it to last 5 to 10 years. I haven't upgraded since 2020, so I'm hoping to make a significant improvement. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
I get where you're coming from wanting to stick with Intel and NVIDIA, but AMD and Ryzen have really stepped up their game lately. It's not that Intel or NVIDIA have fallen off entirely, it's just that AMD offers great performance for a better price, especially for gaming.
If you’re worried about finding parts, maybe consider shopping online if the closest Micro Center is a trek for you. There are plenty of retailers with competitive pricing!
Right? If you want NVIDIA, the RTX series is definitely solid for gaming, though. Just make sure you're balancing your budget well!
You should definitely look into AM5 platforms. RAM prices are pretty high right now, but you can get a solid AMD Ryzen 7 9700X or 7800X3D bundle at Micro Center for about $350-$400, and both are excellent CPUs. Going with a single 16GB DDR5 stick allows you to add another later on if you need more. Don't forget to pick up a cooler like the Thermalright for around $30, and you'll be set!
For your GPU, check out the Radeon 9070 XT; it’s been going for MSRP around $600 and competes nicely with the 5070 Ti. It’s a bit above your ideal price, but investing more in the GPU now will pay off. Just remember, getting everything at the top tier might be necessary if you're aiming for a 10-year lifespan with your build!
If you're looking for the 9700X bundle, it's available for $350 at Micro Center: [link](https://www.microcenter.com/product/5007218/amd-ryzen-7-9700x,-gigabyte-b650-gaming-x-ax-v2-am5,-cpu-motherboard-bundle) and the 7800X3D bundle is priced at $430 here: [link](https://www.microcenter.com/product/5007206/amd-ryzen-7-7800x3d,-asus-b650e-e-tuf-gaming-wifi-am5,-cpu-motherboard-bundle)!
You might also want to consider checking Newegg for GPU prices. Sometimes you can find decent deals for the 9070 XT or even listings for second-hand parts to save some cash.
I’ve been seeing more AMD recommendations too, but I think you can still find great Intel setups that fit your needs, especially if you're set in that direction.