My GTX 1050 Ti is starting to struggle, and I'm considering upgrading before the next major game releases so I can enjoy them at high settings. I have roughly €600 to spend, preferably less unless spending more brings a clearly worthwhile improvement. My current system has a Ryzen 5 3400G, GTX 1050 Ti, and 32GB of DDR4 RAM.
I'm also considering building a completely new system around the next CPU platform when it becomes available, but I don't want to wait several months to replace the graphics card. Would it be smarter to buy a GPU now, or wait for the next generation in hopes that current-generation prices fall? Which GPU would offer good performance and longevity for around €600? I understand that the Ryzen 5 3400G will bottleneck a modern card, but I'm comfortable upgrading the CPU and platform later rather than spending the entire new-build budget at once.
5 Answers
I’d seriously consider upgrading the CPU as part of the plan. The 3400G uses an older architecture, so a Ryzen 5 5600 or Ryzen 7 5700X would be a sensible low-cost improvement if your motherboard supports it. Pair that with a card such as an RX 9060 XT 16GB or better, depending on local pricing.
Your approach of buying the GPU now and upgrading the rest later is reasonable if you want better performance immediately. I’d look for a Ryzen 5 5600 or better at a good price, then choose an RX 9060 XT 16GB, RX 9070, or equivalent depending on sales. Waiting may reduce prices, but there’s no guarantee the launch pricing or availability of the next generation will be favorable.
A Radeon RX 9070 or 9070 XT would be a major upgrade and should provide excellent performance for modern games. Just keep in mind that the 3400G may prevent the card from reaching its full potential in some games, especially at lower resolutions or high refresh rates.
If you can find good used-market deals, a Ryzen 7 5800X3D combined with an RTX 3080 could still make a strong gaming system. Check the condition, power requirements, and remaining lifespan carefully, since both parts are older and used prices can vary.
Almost any current midrange graphics card will feel dramatically faster than a GTX 1050 Ti. With around €600, you should be able to find something you’ll be very happy with, although pricing can vary quite a bit in Portugal and nearby markets. The main limitation will be your Ryzen 5 3400G, not the new GPU.
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