I built this PC during the COVID era with an MSI B450M Bazooka Max WiFi motherboard, a Ryzen 5 3600 processor, and a GTX 1660 Super graphics card. I'm considering upgrading it and would like advice on the most worthwhile path, including whether to replace the CPU, graphics card, or both. Budget and power-supply limitations are also factors I need to consider.
3 Answers
The graphics card will probably make the biggest difference in modern games, especially if you’re still using a GTX 1660 Super. However, a 500-watt power supply limits your choices. Look at efficient midrange cards and verify the exact model’s recommended wattage and connector requirements before buying. A high-end card such as an RX 9070 XT would generally call for a stronger, quality PSU, so upgrading the power supply may need to come first.
If you want to keep the motherboard, a Ryzen 7 5800X3D is one of the strongest gaming upgrades available for the AM4 platform. Pair it with a newer graphics card based on your budget, but buying a used 5800X3D can make sense since it’s an older generation. Make sure your power supply and cooling are adequate before upgrading.
Check for a BIOS update before installing any Ryzen 5000 processor. The board may need newer firmware to support it. Also keep in mind that after updating the BIOS, the Ryzen 5 3600 might no longer work as a fallback on some firmware versions, so update carefully and preferably while the current system is still stable.
I’m currently using a 500-watt power supply. Which graphics cards would be reasonable choices without replacing it right away?