I'm considering a used PC for $450 CAD that includes an Intel i7-9700K, 16GB of 3200MHz RAM, an aftermarket air cooler, a Corsair case with matching fans, and a 600W power supply, but no graphics card. I want the system to last at least a year while running games like Overwatch, Valorant, and Counter-Strike at 1440p and around 180Hz. My total budget is roughly $700 CAD, with $800 as an absolute maximum. I've been comparing used Radeon RX 5700 XT and GeForce RTX 2070 Super cards, although I've also seen RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3070 cards listed for around $300–350 CAD. Those newer cards would stretch the budget and may be a tighter fit for the 600W PSU. I may upgrade to a larger SSD, an AIO cooler, and more RAM later. Is this base system a good deal, and which GPU would make the most sense if I'm buying locally?
1 Answer
I’d be cautious about calling that base system a great deal. The platform is several generations old, so make sure the motherboard, storage, and power supply are decent before committing. For your target games, a used RTX 3060 Ti or RTX 3070 would be the better choice if you can find one locally within budget. They should handle high-refresh-rate 1440p esports gaming much better than a 5700 XT or 2070 Super. A quality 600W PSU may run a 3060 Ti, but I’d verify its model and condition; a 3070 would be more comfortable with a good 650W-or-higher unit. If the complete system plus GPU has to stay under $700–800 CAD, compare it against complete used PCs rather than assuming this $450 starting point is automatically a bargain.
That makes sense. I’ll check the motherboard, SSD, and exact PSU model first, and I’ll focus on finding a local 3060 Ti or 3070 before deciding whether the total price is worthwhile.