I built my first PC back in 2017 and got a 1050Ti 4GB Superclocked just before the crypto boom messed up the GPU market. I paid around $110 brand new, but now it seems that even used 1050Tis are still priced similarly. I'm looking to upgrade but it seems like getting anything decent would cost over $200. I've been considering the RTX 3050 6GB since benchmarks indicate a significant performance boost. Does anyone have better recommendations for upgrades in the $200 range? For context, my current setup has an i7-3770 CPU, a 750W gold-rated PSU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB m.2 SSD.
5 Answers
Consider going for a used RTX 2070, 2070 Super, or 2080. They can usually be found for under $200 and should give you a solid performance boost without breaking the bank!
I recommend the ASROCK Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8G. It provides great performance for the price, especially for your gaming needs.
If you're willing to stretch a bit, look at getting a used RTX 2080/Super or even an RTX 3060 12GB. I’ve seen those going for around $200 in the secondhand market, and they could be solid upgrades for you.
You should definitely check if your PSU can handle GPUs that draw more than 75W. Honestly, the RTX 3050 6GB isn’t really worth it since its performance is about on par with a 1060. There are better options like the RX 6600 which you can find for a similar price, but do make sure your PSU can support it!
My PSU isn't a problem; it's 750W and I'm barely using 300W right now, haha.
Before you decide, it’s important to consider what your actual use case is. What kind of gaming do you do? If you’re not aiming for max settings, a slightly less powerful card could still serve you well. Just let us know your gaming style, and we can better suggest options!
I'm just into general gaming, nothing too crazy. Max settings aren't necessary for me!
My CPU is an i7-3770 and I’ve got a 750W gold-rated PSU.