Hey folks! I'm looking for some advice on my old gaming PC that I bought back in 2017 or 2018 from Chillblast. It initially served me well for school and some gaming, but now I've transitioned to a laptop for daily use as a CS student. However, I would love to see if I can turn my old PC into a dedicated gaming rig. Currently, it runs hot on games like Minecraft and It Takes Two, which can be uncomfortable. Here are the specs:
- CPU: Intel Pentium G4560
- GPU: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050
- Motherboard: ASUS H110M-A/M.2 (only one fan slot available)
- PSU: 650W (I can't identify the brand)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (only one stick installed)
- Storage: Seagate 1TB HDD
The case is Corsair, and I attempted an upgrade last year, but the motherboard is limiting my fan options. I'm on a tight budget of around €100-200, so I'm looking for cost-effective suggestions to revive this setup without simply tossing it out. Possible upgrades I'm considering include adding another 8GB stick of RAM, a new CPU, or switching to an SSD. Thanks in advance for the help!
5 Answers
You can definitely boost your performance within that budget! I recommend going for an additional 8GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Upgrading to a better CPU like i7-6700K is an option, but only if you can find it at a reasonable price. Minecraft should still run fine on your GTX 1050; just make sure the fans are properly working to keep things cool!
You're on the right track! Getting another stick of RAM would definitely help, but make sure it matches the one you currently have in terms of capacity and speed. After that, I’d focus on getting a SSD for faster boot and load times. Don't look into a CPU upgrade unless you find a great deal on one after those upgrades.
Honestly, the main things you need are that extra RAM and a SATA SSD to start. That'll really help. A CPU upgrade is only necessary if you're not satisfied afterward. Just remember to check compatibility with your motherboard before making any changes!
If you're feeling the heat, just monitor those CPU temperatures. If they're below 80C, you’re generally in a safe zone. Consider investing in a fan splitter to connect more fans if needed. For upgrades, totally get that extra 8GB of RAM and a good SSD! It'll give you a noticeable speed boost.
Given your components, I would definitely recommend picking up a SATA SSD first to speed things up significantly. It’ll help with loading times, and you can then consider upgrading your CPU to an Intel i5-7400 or i5-7500, which should work with your existing motherboard. Another 8GB stick of RAM would also help, especially if you're running more demanding games. Just keep an eye on your budget with this list!

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