I'm working with an older gaming PC and looking to make some budget-friendly upgrades. Here are my current specs:
- Intel i5 9500
- RX 570 with 8GB of RAM
- 16GB 2400MHz RAM
- A 9-year-old 650W PSU from Corsair (it's probably gold rated, but I can't remember for sure).
My goal is to smoothly play AAA games at 1080p on ultra settings, targeting 60fps with the potential to upgrade to 2K later. I had originally ordered an RX 9060XT 16GB for €350 but canceled it, thinking my CPU would bottleneck the performance.
If I upgrade the CPU, I'd also need a new motherboard and RAM, which would blow my budget for a GPU. Do you think the RX 9060XT is a good deal at €350? Other possibilities I'm considering include the RX 7600 for €230, which would integrate better with my setup, or a used RX 5700XT for €150—though I worry these options might barely support 1080p ultra gaming due to potential CPU bottlenecking.
I'm also mulling over going all in with an AM5 setup including a new motherboard and high-speed RAM, but DDR5 prices are through the roof right now. Here are the games I'm interested in: Claire Obscure, RDR2, Cyberpunk, Last of Us 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and Spider-Man 2.
3 Answers
Honestly, it feels like upgrading might not be the best path here. If you really want to improve your gaming experience, consider saving up for a new build altogether. Prices for individual components have been crazy, and sometimes, you could find a good deal on a used complete system that outperforms piecemeal upgrades. That said, if you have a specific budget in mind, setting it lower might help focus your search on what's realistic without breaking the bank.
A new GPU like the RX 9060XT could provide the power you need for 1080p gaming, even if there are slight bottleneck issues with your current CPU. If you're serious about upgrading, I'd suggest looking into getting a used GPU if you can, while still keeping an eye on a future CPU upgrade to prevent limits on your performance later on.
It seems like you're in a tough spot with the timing of your upgrades. The used market could potentially have some gems, but finding a solid GPU at a price that works for you will be essential. If you can consolidate your budget to around €400, you might still manage a decent lift in performance without going all out on a new build right away. Otherwise, saving a bit longer might give you better options.
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