Hey everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my build soon before GPU and RAM prices skyrocket, but I have a limited budget. Right now, I have an RTX 2060 Super and an i5 10400F. I want to avoid buying a more powerful GPU since it would bottleneck my CPU, meaning I'd have to replace my CPU too, which I can't afford. I'm considering getting an RTX 3060, as it's a bit stronger than my current GPU but not too powerful to cause bottlenecks. Is this a smart move, or should I go a different route?
4 Answers
Think about it this way: Is your current FPS at a level you’re happy with? If you're okay with it, sticking with the 2060 Super might be fine. The RTX 3060 isn't a massive upgrade, though it does have more VRAM.
The performance of the 3060 and 2060 Super is pretty similar. If I were in your shoes, I’d upgrade your CPU to something like a used i5-11400 or 10700 for good gains. Then go for a newer Nvidia 50 series or AMD 90 series GPU. The 40 series is a bit trickier to find, but if you stumble upon a good deal, it’s worth considering. Intel Arc is another option, but I’m not sure how well it works with your setup.
I figured they were pretty close in performance. The 12600 KF has also been suggested to me, so I’ll check it out. Price-wise, I think I might be stuck with the GPU for now, since the used ones on eBay are still pricey. Should I really consider going cheaper on the CPU?
Before you decide, consider your budget and if buying used is an option for you. If you have around $700 and are open to used parts, you might find some good deals!
I can spend about $700, and I’m okay with used options, but I’m nervous about who I can trust when buying used.
The RTX 3060 can still handle plenty of games, especially with settings tuned down a bit. It offers decent performance at 1440p with DLSS. But honestly, if you’re moving from a 2060 Super, it may not be worth it. You could think about splitting your budget between a GPU and a CPU upgrade instead!
I originally thought of budgeting for both RAM and GPU, but my CPU couldn't support a more powerful GPU due to bottlenecking.
My 2060 Super is doing alright, but I'm worried about future-proofing my setup due to the current pricing chaos.