I built my current computer several years ago and would like to upgrade the CPU, motherboard, and RAM while reusing my existing case, power supply, storage, and graphics card. The current GPU is still handling my needs, but I would like the platform to be ready for a future replacement if it eventually fails.
My budget is around $800 CAD, and I use the computer for 1440p gaming, administrative work, and browsing. I do not need peripherals. What would be a sensible upgrade using my current GPU, and what might a comparable build look like if I also bought a new graphics card? Is replacing the GPU worthwhile while my GTX 1080 is still adequate?
I am also out of touch with current component pricing. Is this a particularly bad time to buy, and what is driving the high RAM prices?
2 Answers
For this budget, I would reuse the GTX 1080 and focus on the platform. A DDR4 system built around an Intel Core i5-12400F or i5-12600K with a B760 DDR4 motherboard and 32GB of DDR4-3200/3600 would be a strong option. AMD alternatives include a Ryzen 5 5600, 5600X, or 5700X with a B550 board. A meaningful 1440p GPU upgrade would consume most or all of the budget, so it makes more sense to upgrade the core components now and save for a graphics card later.
You can stay within budget more easily by choosing a DDR4 platform and using the stock cooler if the processor includes one. Moving to DDR5 is more current, but the memory and motherboard costs make it harder to fit the budget. For a future GPU upgrade, a 16GB Radeon RX 9060 XT would be a reasonable target if prices remain around $550–$650 CAD. I would avoid buying an 8GB card for a long-term 1440p system. High memory, VRAM, and SSD prices are being pushed upward partly by demand from large data-center and AI deployments.
Thanks! The DDR5 parts list link does not seem to open correctly, though. It just leads to a blank list.
That makes sense. Assuming one of those CPU and motherboard combinations, what graphics cards would be considered good future pairings?