What’s the Best GPU and CPU Upgrade Path for an ASUS B450M Build?

You could also upgrade only the GPU for now. Graphics cards are easy to carry into a future build, and a newer card will still work when you eventually replace the motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Just verify the power supply, case clearance, and monitor resolution first. The RTX 2060 Super is still usable, so waiting for a worthwhile deal may be better than upgrading for a small performance increase.

The Ryzen 5 3600 could hold back a much faster GPU in some games, particularly at 1080p. A relatively inexpensive upgrade would be a Ryzen 5 5600 or 5600X, assuming your BIOS supports it. For a larger CPU improvement while staying on AM4, a Ryzen 7 5700X3D is a strong gaming option if you can find one at a reasonable Australian price. You can then replace the graphics card without needing a new motherboard, DDR5 memory, or a completely new system.

For a balanced upgrade, look at a Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB or an RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, depending on pricing and whether you prefer Nvidia features. The extra VRAM should help with newer games and creative or AI workloads. An Intel Arc B580 is another lower-cost option with 12GB, though its value depends on current prices and the games you play. I wouldn’t put a top-end GPU such as an RX 9070 XT into this system unless you also plan to move to a newer AM5 platform soon.

You probably don’t need a new motherboard just to install a newer graphics card. Most modern x16 GPUs will work in the B450M’s PCIe slot, although you should check that your power supply has enough wattage and the required power connectors. A BIOS update may also be useful, especially for features such as Resizable BAR. With a budget of around AUD $1,000, focus on the GPU first rather than replacing the board.