I want to upgrade my Intel Core i5-4670K so I can play newer games such as Clair Obscur without replacing my entire PC. My plan is to keep using my RTX 3060 Ti, storage, and 750W be quiet! Pure Power 13M power supply if they remain suitable. I currently have an ASRock Z87 Pro3 motherboard and 16GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR3 memory, so I understand that moving to a newer platform may require replacing the motherboard and RAM as well. My budget is under $500, and I'm located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. What CPU, motherboard, and memory combination would be a worthwhile upgrade?
2 Answers
Because your current platform uses DDR3, there isn’t a worthwhile modern CPU upgrade that lets you keep that memory. You’ll need a new motherboard and DDR4 or DDR5 RAM along with the processor. For under $500, look for a discounted CPU, motherboard, and memory bundle from a reputable retailer. A modern six-core or better chip paired with 32GB of RAM would be a major improvement, and your RTX 3060 Ti and 750W PSU should be reusable.
A budget-friendly route would be an AM4 motherboard with a Ryzen 5 5600X3D if you can find one at a good price, though availability can be limited. Otherwise, compare newer platforms and prioritize a bundle with 32GB of compatible RAM. Since you’re keeping the RTX 3060 Ti, you don’t need an extreme high-end processor; a solid midrange chip should be enough for gaming at typical 1080p or 1440p settings.
That makes sense. I was hoping to keep the memory, but I can include new RAM in the budget. I’ve seen several CPU, motherboard, and RAM bundles, so I’m mainly trying to figure out which platform offers the best value.