My current PC has Intel HD Graphics 4600, an Intel Core i5-4460 at 3.2 GHz, 16 GB of RAM, and a 64-bit operating system. I've used it heavily for the past three or four years, mainly for Valve games and Old School RuneScape. Lately it has become noticeably slower, games sometimes lag or crash, and multitasking with YouTube and several applications open causes a lot of stuttering. I already tried a factory reset, but it didn't help. The system uses a hard disk drive rather than an SSD. I'm hoping to make a reasonably affordable upgrade that will let me continue gaming and multitasking more smoothly. What parts should I prioritize, and is it worth upgrading this platform or should I start building a newer system?
3 Answers
The first and cheapest upgrade should be a reputable SATA SSD. Moving the operating system and your most-used games from the hard drive will make startup, loading, and general desktop use feel much faster. Keep the hard drive for bulk storage. If the lag and crashes continue afterward, check temperatures, clean out dust, and consider replacing the CPU thermal paste.
For a low-cost stopgap, look at a used Xeon E3-12xx or a compatible Core i7 for the same motherboard, provided your board and BIOS support it. Pairing that with a used Radeon RX 470, 480, 570, or 580 and an SSD would be a significant improvement for older games and lighter 1080p gaming. Check power-supply wattage, connectors, case clearance, and local prices before buying, since some older cards are no longer good value.
Your processor is a four-core, four-thread fourth-generation chip, and the platform uses older DDR3 memory. There isn’t much of a worthwhile long-term upgrade path, especially since you’re currently relying on integrated graphics. A used compatible CPU and graphics card could extend its life, but a newer motherboard, processor, and memory would be the better investment if you can save for it.
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