I built this PC in 2019 and it handled most games at 1440p and 144 Hz with only minor settings adjustments. Lately, newer games have become less smooth, so I'm trying to decide which components to upgrade first without overspending or replacing everything unnecessarily.
Current system:
- Intel Core i7-9700K
- NZXT Kraken X62 liquid cooler
- Asus PRIME Z390-A motherboard
- 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB NVMe SSD
- Gigabyte RTX 2080 8 GB
- NZXT H700i case
- EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G3 750 W power supply
- Dell 27-inch 2560x1440 144 Hz monitor
I initially considered upgrading to an Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF with an MSI Z890 motherboard for around $570 CAD, but I'm not sure whether the CPU and motherboard are actually my biggest limitation. I also didn't realize that platform requires DDR5, which adds to the cost.
Would I be better off upgrading the GPU first, choosing a different CPU and motherboard that can reuse DDR4, or buying a completely new system? I'm looking for a practical upgrade that makes the PC feel more modern rather than the most powerful setup possible. If I replace the whole system, what useful role could the old PC serve?
3 Answers
The Core Ultra and Z890 combination requires DDR5, so you would need to budget for new memory as well. Also, 32 GB is a more sensible target for current games than 16 GB. If keeping costs down is important, consider a platform that lets you reuse DDR4, such as a compatible AM4 or LGA1700 setup, though moving to a newer platform with DDR5 may offer a better long-term path.
A complete replacement is not automatically necessary. The existing case, SSD, power supply, and possibly the cooler could be reused depending on the parts you choose. For a lower-cost CPU upgrade, a Ryzen 7 5700X on AM4 can be good value, while a Ryzen 7 5800X3D is worthwhile if you can find it at a reasonable price. An LGA1700 system with a higher-end processor is another option, but be cautious with used 13th- and 14th-generation Intel CPUs and update the motherboard BIOS. The old PC could later serve as a backup machine, home server, media box, or a second gaming computer.
Both the CPU and GPU could be holding you back, but the best way to tell is to monitor usage with a tool such as HWiNFO while playing the specific games that give you trouble. If the GPU is near full utilization while the CPU has room left, upgrade the graphics card first. If one or more CPU cores are maxed out and the GPU is underused, then a platform upgrade makes more sense. A 9th-generation i7 can still drive an RTX 2080 reasonably well in many games, so the GPU may be the more noticeable limitation at 1440p.
That makes sense. I’ll check CPU and GPU utilization in the games where performance has been bothering me before buying anything.
I hadn’t realized the Ultra platform required DDR5. Reusing my current memory could make a different CPU and motherboard combination much more practical.