I'm looking to upgrade my old i5-6600k and 1060 6GB PC that can't handle new games anymore. My goal is to find a new build that can run games at 1440p on medium settings, with a budget of around £800-900. I've been eyeing graphics cards like the 5060 8GB, 9060 XT 16GB, and 5070 12GB. I've found three potential builds with varying prices, and I'm curious if one stands out as better value or if you have other suggestions. One of the prebuilt options is priced at £995, which seems great compared to the estimated £1150 for the parts. However, I might need to upgrade the motherboard which could push it over the £1000 mark. Here are the options I'm considering:
1. £725 - 5060 8GB from Palicomp
2. £931 - 9060 XT from PCPartPicker
3. £995 - 5070 12GB from Palicomp
3 Answers
For 1440p gaming, I'd steer clear of graphics cards with only 8GB VRAM. You should also target RAM that’s around 6000Mt/s with CL 30 or 36 timings since anything slower like CL40 5200Mt/s will really hold you back. Between the options you’ve listed, either the 9060XT or 5070 would be solid choices. But honestly, at this price, aiming for optimal 1080p performance might be more realistic for a smoother experience.
When it comes to storage, watch out for drives that use QLC flash like the 110Q or P3 Plus. They have lower durability and can slow down over time. Opt for drives with TLC flash like the Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 or Verbatim Vi5000 for better long-term performance.
Given your budget ceiling, focusing on 1080p might be a smarter move right now to get the most value. Things can change fast, but current prices are a bit wacky, especially with RAM. If you go with the 5070 option and verify it has dual channel RAM (2x8GB), that would definitely be a wise choice since it typically yields around a 25% performance boost over the 9060XT for a slight price increase. You can always upgrade the RAM later when prices drop a bit.
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