I'm looking for advice on which PC part to upgrade to enhance my gaming experience. Currently, I can run most modern games at medium to ultra settings with a stable 30-60 FPS, but I still encounter some performance issues like slow texture loading and low frame rates in certain areas. I've listed the games I play and my current PC specs below. With my next paycheck, I'm ready to invest between $200 and $500 to boost my system, so I'd appreciate any suggestions on which part to replace to get the best improvements. Here are my specs:
- **GPU**: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- **CPU**: Intel Core i5-10400F @ 2.90Hz
- **Motherboard**: MSI Z490-A PRO
- **Cooling**: DeepCool Gammax GTE V2
- **RAM**: 16GB (2x8GB) XPG Gammix D10 3000 MHz
- **SSD**: WD Blue 3D NAND 500GB
- **OS**: Windows 11 64-Bit
- **Monitor**: AOC 24G2 24" - 1920 x 1080, 144 Hz
- **PSU**: EVGA Supernova 650W Gold
For context, the games I commonly play include Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Baldur's Gate 3, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and Star Citizen. I'd love to know which component you think would bring the most value for my gaming performance and why others might not need replacing!
3 Answers
With your current setup, I'd recommend starting with your GPU. The GTX 1070 is a decent card, but considering those modern titles, it might struggle a bit. If you're open to it, look at upgrading to something like a GTX 1660 Super or RX 5600 XT; they'll offer a noticeable boost in performance, especially with texture loading times. Just make sure your PSU can handle it!
Your CPU is pretty good, but as you mentioned some FPS drops in heavy areas, a CPU upgrade could help too if you play CPU-intensive games often. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the Intel i7-10700 may be a great fit and work well with your current motherboard. Just keep in mind, upgrading RAM can also help if you're multitasking or playing RAM-heavy games!
I hadn't thought about the CPU! I’ll check out the i7-10700 and consider RAM options too.
Since you're gaming at 1080p, your monitor is good, but I’d say focus on upgrading the GPU first. The GTX 1070 has had its day, and games are getting more demanding. If you’re looking into higher settings or better FPS in those titles, a newer GPU might be the ticket to a smoother gameplay experience. Just be aware of current GPU prices; it can be a bit of a ride!
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely look into those GPUs. I want something that’ll last me a while.