I'm trying to upgrade my aging PC while sticking to a budget of $800. I know it won't be easy, especially with the current prices. My PC is about five years old, and I play a variety of games, including some that demand a lot from the CPU like Escape From Tarkov and Arma Reforger. Here are my current specs:
- **CPU**: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7700K @ 4.20GHz (4.80 GHz overclocked)
- **RAM**: 32GB DDR4-2400MHz
- **Storage**: 1TB SSD (not M.2)
- **GPU**: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8 GB)
- **PSU**: 850 Watts
I believe my CPU is the best my motherboard can handle, so I'm looking for suggestions on the best upgrade path considering my budget.
3 Answers
Upgrading just the GPU would be a big plus since your power supply can handle the new 80 series NVIDIA GPUs well. However, your CPU and motherboard are becoming outdated, so transitioning to a newer AM4 board with a Ryzen 5600X would boost your overall performance significantly and still fit within your budget if you balance your spending. Just something to think about!
You might want to keep your DDR4-2400 RAM and opt for a new AM4 setup with a B550 motherboard, and get something like the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or even the 5800XT for better performance. Then, you could stash the remaining budget for a great GPU like the RX 9060 XT, which would significantly enhance your gaming experience. I put together a part list for you if you're interested!
If you can squeeze your budget a little, I suggest going for the Ryzen 7 5800X paired with the B550 motherboard. This combo will be a solid performer without breaking the bank. As for the GPU, the 16 GB RX 9060 XT would be an awesome choice. A quick tip: make sure to activate the SAM feature on your new motherboard to maximize performance!
Thanks for the advice! I'm definitely leaning towards a full upgrade to get more longevity out of my system.