I built my first PC about six years ago and it has handled 1080p gaming pretty well. It currently has an Intel Core i5-10600KF with a 240mm AIO, an ASRock X490 Extreme4 motherboard, an RX 5700 XT, 16GB of DDR4 memory, and a 750W EVGA power supply.
Recently, my frame rates have started dropping even in well-optimized games such as Warframe. The GPU's temperature delta is over 30°C, and its hotspot was reaching 110°C until I adjusted the fan curves and undervolted it. I suspect the card may need new thermal paste, but I'm not entirely comfortable disassembling the GPU, especially if the thermal pads need replacing too.
At the same time, the system is getting close to the minimum requirements for some newer games I'd like to play. I'm based in Australia, so local pricing matters. Would it make more sense to repaste the 5700 XT and keep saving for a new build over the next year or two, upgrade the graphics card now—perhaps to a newer midrange model—or sell the old system and put the money toward a complete new build?
4 Answers
A GPU upgrade is probably the simplest immediate improvement, but I’d first confirm that the 5700 XT is actually overheating or throttling. Clean the cooler, check that all fans are working properly, and monitor clocks and temperatures. If the hotspot remains around 110°C with a large core-to-hotspot gap, repasting may help, but only attempt it if you’re comfortable with the risk of damaging the card. Otherwise, save the money for a broader upgrade and keep using the undervolt for now.
Before committing to a full rebuild, consider a used GPU as a temporary upgrade. Cards such as the RX 6700 XT or RX 6800 XT can provide a noticeable jump over the 5700 XT and may let the rest of the system last another couple of years. A used complete PC is another possibility if you find one substantially faster than your current machine at a good price.
I wouldn’t put much money into a CPU upgrade on this platform. The worthwhile 10th- and 11th-generation upgrades are limited, and replacing the processor, motherboard, and GPU together would give you a much better path forward. If you can afford it, selling the old system—or selling its parts—and starting a new build is the cleanest long-term option.
There may also be newer platforms that retain DDR4 support, which could help reduce the cost of moving to a newer CPU while memory prices remain high.
All three options can work, but the best value depends on your budget and how urgently you need more performance. A newer graphics card would work in your current system, although the 10600KF may limit it somewhat at 1080p. If you upgrade the GPU, adding another 16GB of RAM would also be worthwhile, since 32GB is becoming more comfortable for newer games. Just compare Australian prices carefully rather than assuming a particular card is a bargain.
Around 700 AUD for a 16GB midrange card would be high. Similar models can sometimes be found closer to 500–600 AUD, so shop around before buying.
A 5700 XT can still handle plenty of games at 1080p, especially with sensible settings and upscaling, so there’s no need to replace the whole system immediately unless the newer games are your priority.