I recently scored a work PC that I can use for personal projects, and I'm looking to add a GPU for casual gaming. The setup includes an ASRock motherboard with a Core i5-12400F, a stock cooler, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 500GB NVME drive, but the current GPU is an old GeForce GT 730 connected to a 1440p monitor. I want to enjoy some casual gaming on weekends without breaking the bank. I do have a 450W EVGA BR power supply and I'm not interested in upgrading it. My primary gaming is on a PS5, so this PC will mainly be for older AAA and FPS titles, and I need a GPU that can handle 1440p. I've looked into options like the RTX 5060 or the 9060XT 16GB, but I'm torn on whether it's worth it to pay an extra €120 for the 9060XT. Any advice on which GPU would be better for my situation?
3 Answers
Don't forget about the importance of airflow in your case. Since you're using a gaming case with RGB fans, it should be fine, but it's always good to double-check your cooling setup to ensure those components don't overheat during longer gaming sessions.
I've been in a similar spot, and if you can find a second-hand 3070 Founders Edition, that could be a great option too. Just keep an eye on the power draw though; it might get pretty close to your PSU's limits.
I think I saw some second-hand 3070s listed for around €200. Would that push my TDP too high?
The 9060XT 16GB does offer about 10% better performance compared to the 5060 and you'll get double the VRAM, which is a bonus for future-proofing. If you're okay with spending a little extra, it might be a worthwhile investment, especially if you care about having more graphical memory for some of those slightly older AAA games.
Yeah, plus with the 8GB version of the 9060XT available too, you could save a bit if you don’t feel you need the 16GB. But if you can stretch your budget, go for the 16GB!
I actually have a gamer case from XIGMATEK with three RGB fans in the front. I think the airflow should be solid!