I haven't used my PC since I originally built it for playing Fallout 4 back in the day. Now I'm looking to upgrade some parts to make sure it stays relevant for modern games. Here's what I've got:
- OS: Windows 10, 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i7 4790k
- Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC Mate (MS-7850) (Socket 0)
- RAM: 16 GB
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
I'm curious—should I just upgrade the graphics card or the CPU as well? Any suggestions on what I should prioritize would be really helpful!
3 Answers
Given your current setup, I'd say upgrading the graphics card is your best bet. The GTX 970 is starting to show its age, especially if you want to play newer games. A new GPU will give you a noticeable performance boost. However, if you're considering future-proofing, you might also want to look at a CPU upgrade down the line since the i7 4790k is quite dated now. Check out something like the RTX 30 series for a solid upgrade!
Definitely look at upgrading your graphics card first! The GTX 970 can struggle with more recent titles. If you go for something like the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT, you'll see a huge difference. Just make sure your power supply can handle it! You could revisit the CPU later if you notice performance issues in games.
Don’t forget about your RAM. While 16 GB is generally fine, some games benefit from having 32 GB, especially if you multitask while gaming. It might be worth considering if you notice slowdowns. But for now, focus on a graphics card upgrade to enhance your gaming experience!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely think about the RAM upgrade after I tackle the GPU.
Yeah, I agree! The GPU will definitely help with gaming, but keep in mind the CPU might hold you back in some scenarios. If you do upgrade the CPU, you might need to consider a new motherboard too since yours is quite old.