I'm looking to upgrade my current gaming PC, which I built back in 2019. Although there's technically nothing wrong with it, I want to switch the form factor from ATX to mATX for aesthetic reasons, especially since I'll be using it with a standing desk. I'm primarily a casual gamer, so I don't usually play the latest AAA titles.
My budget is about £750, but I need to factor in some peripherals costing around £50 (like a desk clamp monitor stand and an external DVD drive). I'm seeking advice on considerations for this change, suggestions for better UK shops to purchase parts (I usually buy from scan.co.uk), or alternate parts I should consider.
**Parts I'm definitely keeping:**
- Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM
- Seagate Barracuda Q5 500GB M.2 (Boot Drive)
- Samsung 1TB M.2 and 500GB SSD (Fast Storage)
- WD 2TB HDD (Slow Storage)
- WiFi card that works fine (brand forgotten)
**Parts I'm open to upgrading:**
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600
**Parts I'll be replacing:**
- Aorus Radeon RX570 (replacing with Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 for £300)
- Corsair 600W PSU (upgrading to 850W Montech Century II for £80)
- Thermaltake Suppressor F31 case (replacing with LIAN Li A3 White Mesh with Wood Front for £70)
- Gigabyte X570 motherboard (switching to Asrock B550M Phantom for £72)
Overall, the total cost at scan.co.uk comes to £583. Any recommendations for other components or shops where I might find better prices? Thanks!
3 Answers
When going from ATX to mATX, just keep a couple things in mind: the CPU cooler size and the GPU dimensions. Make sure the cooler and GPU fit in the smaller case. It's generally not an issue with your setup, but it’s good to double-check.
Just a quick note on the RX 7600, some people are hesitant due to the VRAM. If you’re not after cutting-edge gaming, it’s a pretty solid choice. Also, maybe check out local shops or visit some hardware forums for group buys; you might find some great deals there!
For the GPU, I'd recommend sticking with the RX 7600, but consider the RX 6700 XT if your budget can stretch a bit. For the CPU, look into the Ryzen 5 5600X or even the 5800X for a good balance of performance. They should fit nicely into your system and provide a nice upgrade over the 3600!
Thanks for the tips! I appreciate the insight on the VRAM; I'll definitely check that out.