I'm looking to upgrade my current graphics setup to play Ark Survival Ascended, which is known for being graphics-heavy and requiring a strong GPU. My current GPU is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, and I'm aiming for something that can run the game smoothly at 1080p with 60 fps, or as close to that as possible. My budget is between $1000 and $1200. I've heard that the game is very demanding on VRAM, so I'm hoping to find a GPU that fits both my performance needs and my existing build. Currently, I have an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 750W PSU, and a B450 Tomahawk Max motherboard. I'm based in the US and can visit a local Micro Center. I'd prefer to stick with NVIDIA, but I'm open to other options as long as they meet the requirements. Any advice on specific models or brands that would work well for this game would be appreciated!
2 Answers
I recommend checking out the RX 9070 XT 16GB. It's around $700–740 and performs similarly to the RTX 5070 Ti, but it's cheaper. If you don’t mind a slightly different brand, it sounds like a solid option for your needs. The 5080 and 5090 are way beyond your budget, though, so I’d stick with something in the 9070 range.
You can absolutely upgrade your GPU for Ark. The RX 9070 XT is a good pick. The RTX 5070 Ti is also a possibility, though it’s a bit pricier. Just be sure to check that your case can accommodate the GPU size before you buy—I’ve heard of people running into issues with bigger cards not fitting! Also, if you get a larger monitor, like a 34', it’ll give you an amazing gaming experience!
That sounds great! Will my PSU and motherboard handle it? And when you mention optimizing, what does that mean? I've only dealt with one GPU before!
Awesome, that sounds great! Definitely out of my budget for those higher models.