Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my PC after five years of use. I've been experiencing some performance issues while playing newer games like Oblivion Remastered and Expedition 33—they're lagging more than before. Even my web browser, Opera, seems to be demanding more from my CPU lately. It's possible there's a software hiccup, but I haven't upgraded my CPU in about six years. The last big upgrade I made was getting an RTX 3070 during the pandemic.
Since I've been out of the PC hardware loop for quite some time, I need guidance on what I should consider upgrading. I've heard that Intel isn't as popular anymore, with AMD taking the lead, but I'm not familiar with AMD gear. Here are my current specs:
- **Motherboard:** Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi
- **CPU:** Intel i7-9700k
- **GPU:** NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (MSi)
- **RAM:** 32GB Corsair Vengeance (x2 16GB)
- **M.2 SSD:** 1TB Crucial P510
- **PSU:** Corsair RM1000x
- **OS:** Windows 10 Pro 22H2
This PC has been my trusty companion since I was a teen, and I've changed out almost every part along the way! I also have multiple HDDs and an additional SSD for storage, along with a triple monitor setup (two 1080p and one 144Hz 2K monitor), so my GPU works pretty hard. I've tried lowering the game resolution to 1080p when performance dips, but it's frustrating. Budget isn't a huge issue since I'm not in a rush to upgrade, but I want to make smart choices. Thanks for any advice!
5 Answers
I was in a similar situation recently. I had 16GB of RAM and an i7 8700k but decided to upgrade to a Ryzen 7 9700x with 32GB of DDR5. I got a motherboard bundle deal for about $400, and it made a massive difference! I'd recommend going for a motherboard combo as well since your GPU (RTX 3070) is still good enough for most games, just enhance the rest of your setup first.
Honestly, your current setup is still strong, but you could benefit from more RAM. Consider adding two more sticks of Corsair Vengeance DDR4. Additionally, keep an eye on the GPU market for any new releases—rumors say there might be more powerful cards with higher VRAM coming soon, so waiting could be in your favor.
Good advice; I'm also waiting for the next GPU drop before I upgrade.
Your computer still holds up decently for gaming—but yeah, it sounds like a CPU and motherboard upgrade could really help with modern titles. As for the GPU, I'd suggest sticking with the 3070 for now and consider something like a Ryzen setup for a balanced build. It’s a mess of parts, but it still gets the job done!
Yeah, working with a mix like that can be tough! But an upgrade will keep it running strong.
I’d suggest doing a clean install of Windows to start fresh—it really helps. You might also consider saving up for a whole new build eventually. Right now, I use a 6800k and a 3060ti, and they still run most games at decent settings without any issues.
Yeah, a fresh install can clear up a lot of hidden bloat and improve performance.
Upgrading your CPU will definitely help, as the i7-9700k lacks hyperthreading, which many modern games utilize. Consider getting something like a Ryzen 5 7500F or 7600—you’ll get good performance with potential for future upgrades. The RTX 3070 is solid for 1080p, so you can keep it a little longer while planning your upgrades.
That's spot on—getting a new CPU will help your current GPU perform better.
Totally agree! A combo deal saves money and gives you a nice performance boost.