I inherited a lightly used prebuilt PC from around 2021 and would like to upgrade it with next month's paycheck. I'm new to PC hardware and mainly understand the basics, so I'm not sure where to begin.
Current specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 500GB Samsung 980 SSD, with about 446GB usable
- Case: Micronics
- Cooling: Four RGB fans
My goal is a solid mid-range system for 1080p FPS games such as Apex Legends and Valorant. I'm currently in South Korea and can spend roughly 1,000,000–2,000,000 won, or about $700–$1,400. Which components should I prioritize, and would it be realistic for a complete beginner to install them myself, or should I use a computer shop?
3 Answers
Installing parts yourself is realistic if you take your time. Replacing RAM, the graphics card, and storage is fairly beginner-friendly; changing the CPU requires more care with the cooler and thermal paste. Watch a few detailed installation guides, shut the PC down completely, unplug it, ground yourself, and never force a connector. A shop is useful if the power supply or motherboard information is unclear, but it is not required for a straightforward upgrade.
The graphics card is the biggest weakness for gaming, so that should probably be your first upgrade. The Ryzen 5 3600 is still usable for 1080p, especially in Valorant, although a newer CPU could help with high-refresh-rate gaming and Apex. You may be able to keep the SSD, case, and RAM, but check the power supply before buying a stronger GPU. Prebuilt systems sometimes use low-quality or undersized PSUs, and the exact model matters.
Your budget is large enough for a substantial upgrade, but I would not automatically replace everything. First identify the motherboard, power supply model and wattage, RAM configuration, and case clearance. A sensible upgrade could be a modern mid-range graphics card plus a Ryzen 5 5600, while reusing the 16GB of RAM and SSD if they are in good condition. Consider adding another SSD later if 500GB feels limiting.
If you want very high frame rates for competitive games, upgrading to 32GB of RAM and using a newer CPU may also help, but those are less urgent than replacing the GTX 1060 3GB.
If the motherboard supports it and the BIOS is updated, a Ryzen 5 5600 or 5700X3D could be a worthwhile later CPU upgrade. I’d still put most of the budget toward the GPU first.