My current PC has an Intel Core i7-7700K, an Asus Prime Z270-A motherboard, 16GB of DDR4-2400 memory, a GTX 1070 8GB, a Samsung 990 2TB SSD, a Corsair CX750M 750W power supply, and a large ATX case. I use it mainly for Fortnite, Once Human, indie games, Roblox, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Palia, and I would also like it to handle GTA 6 when the PC version becomes available. It currently does not meet the official Windows 11 requirements. I would prefer to reuse as many parts as possible and spend as little as practical, but I am willing to save up for the right long-term upgrades. Which components should I prioritize, and what CPU, motherboard, RAM, and graphics card would make sense?
3 Answers
You can install Windows 11 without meeting every official hardware check by creating an installation USB with Rufus and using Microsoft's Windows 11 ISO. Rufus can remove the TPM and supported-CPU checks. This may require a clean installation, so back up your files and expect to reinstall applications. An unsupported installation can also have limitations with future updates and security features, so it is more of a workaround than a permanent solution.
Your current system is still usable for 1080p gaming, so you do not necessarily need to replace everything immediately. The 750W power supply, case, and SSD should be reusable. For a major gaming improvement, prioritize the graphics card first, then move to a newer CPU and platform with more RAM. The GTX 1070's 8GB of VRAM may become a significant limitation in newer games. Since a demanding future title like GTA 6 may have high requirements, it is better to save for a balanced modern platform rather than make a small upgrade that you will soon replace.
A newer platform will eventually be necessary for a substantial upgrade. The case, SSD, and possibly the power supply are the most practical parts to carry over, while the CPU, motherboard, memory, and graphics card may all need to change for a modern gaming build.
The i7-7700K and Z270 platform are several generations old, and the motherboard cannot provide a normal upgrade path to current processors. Rather than spending much on another older compatible CPU, save for a newer CPU, motherboard, and DDR5 memory together. Keep the GTX 1070 temporarily if your current games run well, then replace it when you have enough budget for a card with substantially more performance and VRAM. The SSD and case should be easy to reuse, but check the power supply's age and condition before pairing it with a high-end graphics card.
I understand the general order, but I am not familiar with the current CPU and GPU options. What kind of processor, motherboard, RAM kit, and graphics card should I be looking at for good compatibility and long-term value?