I've been using an AMD Ryzen 5 3400G with integrated graphics since 2020, and I'm looking to upgrade for my birthday. I've done some research and found a few components that fit my budget. I'm considering various GPUs like the RX 9060 XT, 7800 XT, 7700 XT, or 7600 XT as they seem affordable. For the CPU, I'm looking at either the Ryzen 5 5600 XT or Ryzen 7 5700X3D. For the power supply, I'm thinking about the Corsair RM650E or RM750E. I'm also open to suggestions for mid-range budget cards. I want to ensure I can play modern games like the Resident Evil series and have smoother performance for animation in Blender. Will upgrading just the GPU enhance my performance, or will the rest of my system hold it back?
5 Answers
You might need a new power supply too; I've never trusted that brand you have. Just to be safe, make sure whatever PSU you choose can handle the load.
Definitely go for the 9060 XT 16GB and the Ryzen 7 5700X3D – also grab the RM750 power supply. You might want to check eBay for deals on the CPU too; if you can find a Ryzen 7 5800X3D, that's worth considering! Stick with the 9000 series GPUs if you want the best support and drivers.
For the best performance in Blender, I'd recommend going with NVIDIA. If you're weighing options, consider a 5060 Ti (8GB) versus the 9060 XT (16GB). The 5060 Ti is more future-proof for gaming, while the 9060 XT is better for Blender tasks. A used RTX 3080 Ti or 4070 alongside a Ryzen 5 5600(X) or 5700X would make a great combo too!
For CPU, I’d definitely recommend the 5700X3D. As for the GPU, the 7800 XT is the strongest option on your list, outperforming the 9060 XT by around 20%. Just keep in mind, it may not be compatible with FSR updates like the newer 9000 series. So if you want to future-proof your system, consider your options carefully!
If you're focused on Blender, an NVIDIA GPU might be the way to go, but I get why you're looking at AMD since prices are high. The 9060 XT is solid, but the 7800 XT performs slightly better—it just lacks some future-proof features like FSR4. For CPU, stick with the 5700X3D; it's a great choice for gaming and productivity. You should be able to enjoy modern games at 1440p while keeping settings high!

That's a good point! I want to be set for future upgrades, so maybe the 9060 XT is the safer bet for now.