Hey everyone! I'm looking for suggestions on upgrading my current PC build for better performance, especially for gaming at 1440p and playing Flight Simulator. Here's what I've got right now:
- **CPU:** Intel Core i7-10700F
- **Cooler:** Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM
- **Motherboard:** Gigabyte B560M DS3H V2 Micro ATX LGA1200
- **Memory:** Crucial Ballistix 16 GB (4 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200
- **GPU:** Gainward RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB
- **Case:** Deepcool MATREXX 55 MESH ADD-RGB 4F ATX Mid Tower
- **Power Supply:** 750W Gold Fully Modular ATX
I'm thinking the CPU might be the first thing to upgrade, but I'm not sure if I should switch off the LGA1200 or stick with it. Also, any advice on GPU upgrades would be great! I live in Australia, so that might influence things, but my budget is flexible as I'm just aiming for good value. Let me know if you need more information!
3 Answers
Honestly, your build isn’t bad! The i7-10700F and RTX 3070 Ti are still solid for 1440p gaming. If you're looking for a significant upgrade for Flight Simulator, consider switching off LGA1200. Going for an AM5 setup with the 7800X3D is a game changer and perfect for sims! You could use your 3070 Ti and other components, which is a bonus.
Checking your motherboard’s website is a great start to see which CPUs are compatible. If it can't handle 12th-gen CPUs, consider upgrading to a new 13th or 14th-gen setup with DDR4 support. Also, check PCPartPicker for local options.
If you want to optimize for the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator, be prepared for a more extensive overhaul. Ideal specs might include the i7-14700K and a beefier GPU like the RTX 5070 or RX 9070, along with a bump in RAM to 64 GB. However, if you're on a budget, the i7-11700K could be a cheaper alternative. Make sure you have at least 32GB of RAM for smoother performance!
Totally agree on the RAM! If you're only at 16GB right now, upgrading to 32GB will definitely help with performance in demanding games like Flight Sim.
It's tough to find boards that support the newer i7s, especially in Australia, so keep that in mind when choosing.