I'm looking to upgrade my older gaming PC built about 5-6 years ago and need recommendations for a CPU, motherboard, and RAM combo for this year. Currently, I'm using a B450M motherboard with an AMD 5600 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a Ryzen 6600XT GPU, but I'm aiming to move to 1440p gaming soon. I'm considering Intel for this upgrade, preferably an i5 or i7, and I want something reliable and budget-friendly. I'm not into liquid cooling or RGB, and the goal is to have a setup that can last a few years. Also, I'd like to ensure it's compatible with DDR5 memory since that seems to be the new standard. Any suggestions for a solid combo?
3 Answers
If you're happy with your B450M motherboard, consider upgrading to a 5700X3D if you're changing the CPU. But honestly, putting your money towards a better GPU will make a bigger difference right now. Also, consider adding more RAM for better performance—32GB is a solid goal! How much are you looking to spend on a GPU?
If you're struggling to hit 60FPS even on mid-settings, it sounds like your GPU might be the main bottleneck. For 1440p gaming, you should consider upgrading your graphics card before focusing on the CPU. Your current CPU should be fine for now when paired with a solid GPU.
Right now, I’m still at 1080p. I plan to update the GPU when the 5000 series comes out and prices drop. For now, I want a good foundation for the next few years, so when I do upgrade the GPU, it won't bottleneck other parts.
It's true that Intel tends to change platforms frequently, making it hard to upgrade CPUs down the line. AMD has been better about sticking with their platforms, so you'll want to think carefully about your choices if you're going Intel.
Does AMD work well with NVIDIA GPUs? I thought it was more about Intel and NVIDIA vs AMD. I haven't kept up with the latest.
I don't want to spend more than $400-500 on a GPU, which is why I'm sticking with 1080p for now. I might also upgrade my RAM to a faster set since I'm using a cheaper 16GB kit right now.