Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my PC setup. Here's what I'm currently working with:
- **Motherboard**: MSI B250M PRO-VDH
- **Processor**: Intel i5-7600 at 3.8GHz
- **RAM**: 16GB (2x8GB) G.Skill Ripjaws DDR4 2400MHz
- **Graphics Card**: GTX 1060
- **CPU Cooler**: be quiet! Pure Rock
- **Power Supply**: Corsair CX 450M
- **Storage**: 250GB SATA SSD (Samsung 850 EVO) and a 2TB Seagate Barracuda HDD
I'm thinking the first upgrade should definitely be the CPU, which would also mean replacing the motherboard and cooler. After that, I'd like to upgrade to at least 16GB of RAM at 3200MHz. Eventually, I might want to look at upgrading the graphics card or getting an M.2 SSD. For now, I'm fine playing older games at lower settings to avoid any major FPS drops.
My main concern is whether I should opt for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or if an equivalent Intel processor would be better, considering AMD has taken the lead in recent years. My budget is around 300€ for the CPU and motherboard, and I'm okay with second-hand parts. I'm pretty new to this whole PC upgrading thing, so any insights would be super helpful!
4 Answers
If you're looking to upgrade gradually, I recommend the Intel 12th to 14th generation, as they support DDR4. But just a heads-up, you'll need to invest in an entire new setup for that. You might want to consider a DDR5 platform for future upgrades, but I get that DDR5 is pricier right now.
Honestly, I think you should skip looking at Intel for your upgrade. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a fantastic choice since it really outperforms Intel in terms of price-to-performance. Plus, keep in mind that you'll likely need to replace your PSU as well when you upgrade, so budget for that too!
I agree! Also, since your budget for the CPU and motherboard is around 300€, I suggest checking out second-hand options to save a bit more.
Thanks for the input! I can stretch the budget a little, especially if I need a new PSU.
The more information you can share about your budget, the better we can guide you on CPUs and GPUs. Without that, it’s hard to point you in the right direction!
Thank you! Ideally, I'd like to allocate about 300€ for the CPU, motherboard, and cooler, and maybe another 200-300€ for a GPU. I'm mostly playing 3-6 year old games at 1080p.
It's a bit tricky, but while AMD is leading now, Intel still holds its ground in lower-end builds. If you want to keep your costs down, you might find decent Intel options within your budget. Just let us know your exact budget for a clearer suggestion!
Thanks! I'm hoping to keep it around 300€ if that's possible.
I appreciate the suggestion! DDR5 is tempting but the current prices make DDR4 a more practical choice for me.