My current PC is getting old, and I'm trying to decide whether a targeted upgrade makes more sense than replacing the whole system. It has an Intel i7-7700K, a GTX 1080, and 16GB of DDR4-2666 memory. I play at 1080p and usually don't play the newest releases, so I'm fine lowering settings when necessary. Deadlock is the main reason I'm considering an upgrade because it's heavily CPU-dependent and my processor seems to be holding the system back. Storage and memory prices also seem unusually high, so I'm hesitant to build a completely new machine right now. One option would be an i5-12400F with a B760M motherboard for around $300, possibly reusing my existing RAM and graphics card. Would that be worthwhile, or should I keep my current system, upgrade something else, or wait before buying?
4 Answers
I’d avoid replacing the whole computer unless you plan to sell or repurpose the current one. Upgrade the parts that are actually limiting performance, starting with the CPU and motherboard if Deadlock is CPU-bound. Your GTX 1080 is still usable for 1080p gaming at reduced settings, so there’s no need to replace it immediately.
A platform upgrade could make sense without replacing everything. A Ryzen 5 5500 with a B550 board can fit under $300 in some markets, and you could continue using your current graphics card and DDR4 memory. That should give you a much stronger CPU, although make sure the exact board supports the processor out of the box.
There’s no guarantee that memory and storage prices will drop soon, so waiting indefinitely may not help. If Deadlock is the only game causing trouble, upgrading the CPU and motherboard is more sensible than buying an entire new PC. A used higher-end processor on a recent platform could also be worth considering, provided you can verify its condition and get a decent price.
If you want to stay on DDR4, a newer Intel or AMD platform could let you reuse the memory while improving CPU performance. The i5-12400F is a reasonable choice for 1080p, but compare total platform costs first, since motherboard and memory compatibility matter. You could keep the GTX 1080 for now and replace it later if games become GPU-limited.
I’ve also considered moving to DDR5, but a full kit can add a lot to the cost. Paying more for newer memory is only worthwhile if the rest of the platform will last several years.