I'm new to PC building and was given an office PC with an Intel Core i7-8700, 32GB of RAM, a GTX 1050 2GB, a 600W power supply, and a B360M motherboard. I'd like to play demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 at 1440p, ideally with performance and visual quality in the general range of a PS5, while keeping the cost as low as possible. Since the GTX 1050 is clearly the weakest part, would replacing only the graphics card be a sensible upgrade, or would the i7-8700 bottleneck a modern GPU too severely? If a GPU upgrade makes sense, which cards would pair well with this system and its 600W power supply? I'm also unsure whether the PC uses standard components, so that may affect compatibility.
3 Answers
The graphics card is definitely the biggest problem here: 2GB of VRAM is very limiting in modern games. Before ordering anything, confirm what kind of computer this is. Some office systems from major manufacturers use proprietary cases, power connectors, or cramped layouts that may not accept a normal-sized graphics card. Also check the RAM configuration, such as whether it runs in dual-channel mode, and verify the power supply’s PCIe connectors and physical dimensions. Those details could determine which GPUs are actually compatible.
A GPU-only upgrade should be fine for the level of performance you want. The i7-8700 is older, but it’s still in roughly the same general class as the CPU used in a PS5. You probably won’t be targeting maximum settings, heavy ray tracing, or path tracing, but a stronger GPU would make a huge difference over the 2GB GTX 1050. A used RX 6700 XT is a strong value option if you can find one at a good price. Its 12GB of VRAM is helpful for 1440p, and it can deliver performance around or somewhat above a base PS5 in many games. If you prefer buying new and have a larger budget, a 16GB RX 9060 XT would provide more headroom and be a more future-proof choice. Check the exact model and power requirements before buying, though, because the power supply’s quality matters as much as its wattage.
A good-quality 600W PSU can run a system like this with a midrange modern GPU, but don’t judge it by the wattage alone. Check its brand, model, age, efficiency rating, and available PCIe power connectors. A higher-end card may technically work if power-limited or undervolted, but that shouldn’t be necessary if you choose a sensible midrange option. Replacing an old or low-quality office-PC power supply may be worthwhile before installing a substantially faster GPU.
The exact PSU model is important. A reputable 500–600W unit can be enough for a moderate upgrade, while an unknown or aging unit is a reason to be more cautious.