I received a CyberPowerPC prebuilt around 2020 and would like to upgrade it for The Sims 4, Minecraft, and Valorant. The Sims currently takes around 40 minutes to load, and some games either run poorly or report that my graphics hardware is incompatible. I recently wiped the computer, but it still feels slow and sometimes buffers.
The parts I have identified so far are an Intel Core i5-9600KF processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 graphics card, and three DDR4 memory sticks totaling roughly 32–36 GB. The motherboard is an unknown CyberPowerPC model with an Ultra M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 slot. I do not know the power supply model. The graphics card is a small, low-profile model, and its cable covering is damaged near the rear of the case, so I am also concerned about safety.
I would prefer AMD for a future processor, but I am unsure whether that means replacing the motherboard too. I would like good graphics and faster loading, and I am considering buying used parts to save money. What should I identify or upgrade first, and how can I avoid buying incompatible or unsafe parts?
3 Answers
The GT 1030 is the part I would replace first for gaming. A modern midrange graphics card would be a huge improvement for The Sims 4, Minecraft, and Valorant, but you need to check your case clearance, power-supply wattage, and available power connectors before choosing one. The exact motherboard matters less for a graphics-card upgrade than the PSU and physical space.
Find the power-supply label before choosing a graphics card. It normally lists the manufacturer, model, wattage, and efficiency rating on the side of the PSU. Do not use a damaged power cable; replace the cable or have a technician inspect it, especially after the computer was dropped. Avoid generic used PSUs, since a faulty one can damage other components.
Used graphics cards can be reasonable if you can test them, but buying a used PSU is usually not worth the risk. Ask the seller for a return period and verify that the card runs a stress test without overheating or showing visual artifacts.
If you eventually want an AMD processor, that means a new motherboard as well because your current Intel platform is not compatible with AMD CPUs. It may also require different memory depending on the platform. For the best value, keep the current CPU and motherboard for now, add or confirm that you have an SSD, and upgrade the graphics card first. Build a completely new platform later when the CPU starts limiting performance.
A GT 1030 should still run Valorant at modest settings, so check the game error and driver installation too. Make sure the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card and install the current NVIDIA driver rather than assuming the whole computer is obsolete.