I recently got an MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max motherboard, 16 GB of 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM, and an R5 1600 CPU, and I've connected them to a GTX 1070 Ti and an 850w PSU, along with the stock Wraith Stealth cooler. I'm looking for some affordable upgrade options.
I'm considering two GPUs: a secondhand RX 9060 XT (8 GB) for $200 or a new Arc B570 (10 GB) for the same price. I'm leaning toward the 9060 XT due to concerns I've heard about the Arc cards, specifically their high CPU overhead, especially since my CPU is pretty dated. There's also the bit about the Arc cards needing rebar compatibility, and I'm unsure if my motherboard supports that.
On the CPU front, I found an R5 5500 for $70 new, but I might need a BIOS update before I can install it. There's also an R5 3600 for $119, but I haven't seen any accessible deals for that. I'm favoring the 5500 because it's cheaper and more efficient.
Additionally, I realized that DVI ports are becoming obsolete, and my monitor can't handle its 144Hz capabilities through HDMI, so I need to upgrade my monitor as well. Any recommendations under $200 would really help! Also, do you think this setup can run games in 1440p, or should I stick to 1080p? I'd prefer a 27" monitor.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I appreciate any insights or advice you might have!
2 Answers
Definitely go for the RX 9060 XT! It's a significant upgrade over the Arc B570, and you're right to be cautious about the Arc's potential issues with CPU overhead on your older processor. For your CPU, the 5500 is a smart choice, but keep in mind it could struggle with some CPU-heavy games. If you can snag a 5600, that might be even better!
Pairing the 5500 with the 9060 XT sounds solid! Make sure to update the BIOS with your current CPU still in place. As for the 1080p vs 1440p question, it really depends on the games you play. If you're into competitive gaming, leaning towards lower settings for frame rates might be the way to go. But check your performance expectations to see what fits best!
Totally, and I plan to do the BIOS update before anything else! Gaming is what this rig is for, so I’m trying to avoid lagging behind.
Yeah, I'm with you on the 9060 XT, but the new vs used debate can be tough! Just keep an eye out for the 5600; it could be worth the wait.