I built my first PC back in 2019 primarily for gaming, and I've recently developed an interest in upgrading it. My current setup includes an AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, a MSI B450 motherboard, and an RTX 2070 Super graphics card. I'm considering upgrading to a 9070 XT but I'm worried about potential bottlenecking with my CPU. I'm also considering whether I might need to upgrade my motherboard to accommodate a new CPU.
Additionally, I've noticed that the pre-built PC market has become more competitive, which is something I wasn't originally interested in. Should I buy the new graphics card, or is it worth upgrading other components or even going for a pre-built system? I know memory prices are high right now, but should I also look into upgrading my RAM? Here's a link to my full specs if that helps: [PC Part Picker](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/vgMPt3). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
If you're serious about a future-proof build, upgrading to at least a Ryzen 5800X or X3D could keep you going strong! You might also need to look into a new power supply if you're going for more power in your system. It sounds like a few key upgrades will be necessary to make it scalable down the line!
Upgrading to the 9070 XT would definitely give you a nice performance boost! However, before you pull the trigger, check if your current CPU might bottleneck the new GPU. If you're looking for a CPU upgrade, options like the Ryzen 5700X3D can be scarce, and buying used might not be worth it. Alternatively, the Ryzen 5800XT can be a solid choice for about $200.
Also, consider that pre-built PCs are getting very reasonable! Stores are still selling them at good prices, even with recent RAM price hikes. I bought a pre-built with a decent setup for under $1500 and it still performs great!
Thanks for the tips! Do you think this upgrade path is effective for future scalability, or should I be considering a whole rebuild instead?