My dad gave me his older gaming PC with an Intel Core i5-8400, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti EXOC, 32GB of DDR4 memory, and a Smart SE 630W active-PFC power supply. I mainly play Overwatch, The Sims 4, and League of Legends, which already run well, but I'd like to upgrade the graphics card so I can also play more demanding games such as ARK: Survival Ascended. What GPU would pair well with this system without being held back too badly by the processor? Ideally, I'd like to keep the graphics card later when I upgrade the motherboard and CPU, so recommendations should offer a sensible upgrade path.
3 Answers
An RTX 3060 is a straightforward match for this build and would be a solid step up from the GTX 1050 Ti. It should also remain useful if you replace the motherboard and processor later. If you want more performance and your power supply is suitable, cards around the RX 6700 XT, RTX 3060 Ti, or RTX 3070 range are worth considering, although the 3070’s 8GB of VRAM may be limiting in newer games.
Check the exact model and condition of the 630W power supply before buying a graphics card. The wattage alone doesn’t indicate whether it is a reliable unit, and newer or higher-end GPUs may need better power connectors and cleaner power delivery. For ARK: Survival Ascended, you may ultimately get better results by saving for a graphics card and CPU/platform upgrade together, since the i5-8400 can limit newer GPUs, especially at 1080p.
For a noticeable upgrade without going too far beyond what the i5-8400 can handle, look at a used RTX 3060 12GB or RX 6700 XT, depending on prices where you live. The 6700 XT is generally faster, while the 3060 offers useful features and 12GB of VRAM. A GTX 1080 Ti or RTX 2080 would also be a large improvement, but their age, power use, and lack of newer features make them less appealing unless you find a very good deal.
If I upgraded the CPU and motherboard later, what affordable platform would you recommend, and which graphics card would make the most sense with that future upgrade?