Hey everyone! I'm looking to make the most of Cyber Monday and upgrade some parts of my PC. My setup isn't ancient, but I want to avoid bottlenecks for gaming. I primarily game at 2K resolution with a dual-monitor setup, both running at 165Hz. Currently, I can run most games at high settings in 2K, but I notice some inconsistency in frame rates. I'd love to know if I should prioritize upgrading my CPU or GPU first. Here are my current specs:
* CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X
* GPU: Radeon RX 6800
* RAM: T-Force 2x16 GB (32GB total)
* PSU: MSI A850G
* MOBO: ROG Strix B450-F Gaming (I know it's getting old)
7 Answers
I think your system is solid as it is. An upgrade to a 9060 or 9070 GPU could help, but be aware that moving to an AM5 setup is quite costly right now because of DDR5 RAM prices. I did something similar—upgraded to a 9070xt, and it was worth it! But yes, AM5 will cost more down the line.
Your setup is capable enough for 2K gaming. If you’re looking for smoother performance, consider dropping in a 5700X3D or 5800X3D. Also, you might want to try gaming on just one monitor for better performance.
There were some solid Black Friday deals on GPUs, like 9070xts and 5070tis for MSRP. Some sites may still have good deals if you're looking to upgrade a GPU, especially since the new GPUs won't be out for at least a year!
Your setup is pretty balanced! To figure out what you should upgrade, it might help to know your top 5 games. That way, we can steer you towards areas that will really boost your performance. But honestly, if you're just playing whatever seems interesting, it might not be the best time for upgrades right now, especially if you don't have a clear budget.
True, I don't really have a top 5 either, I'm just future-proofing my setup.
Honestly, I would hold off on major upgrades. Upgrading the CPU usually means needing to change the RAM and motherboard too, which can get pricey. Right now, anything below a 5070ti or 9070xt would just be a sidegrade for you. If you really want to spend money, think about a comfy chair or a new keyboard instead!
I actually need a better chair! I was thinking I should upgrade my motherboard, but maybe I'll hold off for now.
If you're not looking to upgrade your core components, consider improving your PC case, PSU, or fans. There are some great modern designs out there at reasonable prices that can really help with airflow and overall setup aesthetics.
I don’t think there are any must-have deals for Cyber Monday unless you're really ready to upgrade. Getting a significantly faster part is going to cost a lot, so it'd be good to set a budget first.
Nice to know our setups are similar! I’ll keep that in mind moving forward.