I'm looking to upgrade my aging gaming computer and would love some advice. Here are my current specs:
- GPU: RTX 2070 (around 8GB)
- CPU: Ryzen 5 1600 (but I recently got a Ryzen 5 3600)
- 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz
- 650W power supply
- ASUS Prime B450M-A motherboard
- An old heavy aluminum case with limited airflow, just one case fan in addition to the CPU cooler.
I've overclocked my CPU to 3.7 GHz and undervolted my GPU, but I'm still not satisfied with gaming performance, particularly in demanding AAA titles at 1440p. I get decent frame rates (50-70 FPS on medium settings), but my temps hit around 78-81°C on the GPU and 75-80°C on the CPU.
Now that I've upgraded to the Ryzen 5 3600 and am waiting for a new case with better airflow and an improved CPU cooler, I'm considering whether to also upgrade my GPU to something like a 5060 or RX 6700 XT. Should I upgrade now or wait a couple of years and do a more extensive overhaul including a new motherboard, CPU, GPU, and possibly switch to DDR5?
5 Answers
Flashing your BIOS and getting a Ryzen 5 5600X or 5700X would definitely improve things, but since you already have the 3600, that’s a solid choice too! The RTX 2070 isn't bad, but if you can find a good price on a 16GB RX 6700 XT or 5060 Ti, it might be worth it for longer-term performance.
Totally agree, just make sure to compare the prices and specs before buying.
What’s your budget? If you can stretch it, aim for a 5060 Ti 16GB or RX 6700 XT. You might even sell your old RAM and the RTX 2070 to fund part of the upgrade, which could save you some cash!
Yeah, definitely look at selling your old components! It’s a good way to recoup some funds.
In my country, those GPUs are starting to look more affordable, especially used. Keep an eye out!
Many folks recommend the RX 6700 XT 16GB, but don't overlook the option of getting a used 3070 or 3080 if you find them cheap. Both can offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.
That’s smart! Sometimes, older models can provide better value than the latest cards.
Exactly! Just look for good deals in your area.
How old is your power supply? If it's around six years old, you might want to check if it's still reliable. A strong PSU is key for handling upgrades.
It's a Silentiumpc 650W, so it should be fine as long as it hasn’t been heavily used.
650W is decent, but always best to be safe. Make sure it's still running well!
For best results, stick with a decent cooler and case with airflow. Make sure to replace that stock cooler! A peerless cooler can really help you manage those temps better for a stable performance.
Good point! Was that a recent upgrade you mentioned?
I also just picked up a new case for airflow! Makes a big difference.
Absolutely! Those cards would give you a great upgrade, especially for the long run.