I'm currently using a GTX 1650 Super, an Intel i5-9400, and 16GB of DDR4 memory. I'm considering upgrading my GPU, CPU, and motherboard, and I'd also like to move to a 1440p 240Hz monitor while keeping my other components if possible.
My main goal is to run Space Marine 2 above 100 FPS at 1080p, since I currently average around 50 FPS. I'd also like older games such as Battlefront II (2017), Team Fortress 2, and Natural Selection 2 to reach more than 240 FPS at 1440p.
I'd prefer to spend around 1,000 CAD on the PC components, although I'm open to recommendations that cost more if the improvement is worthwhile. Should I upgrade the RAM, either by adding more DDR4 or moving to DDR5? I'm also unsure whether my current power supply will be sufficient for a modern graphics card.
2 Answers
For a budget-conscious platform change, an AM4 system with a Ryzen 5 5600, 5600X, or 5700X could still provide a solid upgrade. Pairing that with a card around the RX 9070 or RTX 5070 class would make much more sense for 1440p gaming. The RX 9070 is particularly appealing because it offers 16GB of VRAM while delivering similar performance. There’s probably no need to move to DDR5 if you’re trying to stay near 1,000 CAD; your existing 16GB of DDR4 can be reused for now.
At 240Hz, older and less demanding games are likely to become CPU-limited, so it’s worth testing whether the i5-9400 can already sustain the frame rates you want. However, the GTX 1650 Super will be the biggest limitation in modern games and at 1440p. A much faster GPU, roughly in the RX 9070-class range or better, should be the first major upgrade. If your CPU usage is low while the GPU is fully loaded, replacing the graphics card alone could provide a substantial improvement.
That matches what I’m seeing: several games aren’t using the CPU heavily, so I may be able to get a lot more performance from a GPU upgrade before replacing the processor. I’ll check the power supply and test my current CPU in the older games first.
The graphics card and monitor alone could take up most of that budget, especially if you’re targeting 240Hz at 1440p. Used RTX 30- or 40-series and Radeon 7000-series cards may help keep the cost down. Also check your power supply’s wattage, age, and connectors before buying, since a high-end GPU may require a replacement.