Hey everyone! I just created this account to ask for some advice. I'm on a tight budget (maximum of $500) and I'm looking to upgrade this old PC I bought for $200 a few months ago. I suspect that the GPU is the main bottleneck since I'm only able to run games like Valorant and Minecraft without much hassle, but bigger games would be nice too. I recently got a free 1440p 144Hz monitor (with G-Sync), but right now, I'm stuck at 60Hz. Here are my current specs:
* GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB)
* AMD FX-6300 (6 Cores, 3.5 GHz)
* ASRock 970M Pro 3 (AMD 970 chipset, Micro ATX)
* 16 GB DDR3 @ 1600 (2 sticks of 8, dual channel)
* ATX 400W Switching power supply
* WD Caviar Blue 1 TB 7200 RPM HDD
* I have a Thermaltake tt-1225 cooler for the PSU.
* Running Windows 10 Home
I'm considering picking up a used GTX 1080 Ti I found for $150. Any suggestions on how to get the best performance out of this setup without breaking the bank?
3 Answers
Unfortunately, your specs are really holding you back. If that's the current state, it might be better to save up more and get a used system that's much more capable. The performance you'd get from a modern setup would far exceed what you're working with now. If you’re really set on upgrading, maybe keep the PC as is for light gaming or as a server while saving up for something fresher.
It sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle with that old setup! For starters, definitely look for used parts since they're way cheaper. I’d recommend checking out Corsair’s B-stock site for a good PSU, maybe a 650W or 750W at a discount. Also, consider upgrading to either a B650 or A620 motherboard paired with a budget-friendly Ryzen 5, like the 7400F or 7500F. As for RAM, try to grab either a single stick of DDR5 or a 2x16 kit if you can find it. It'll give your system a nice boost!
Honestly, that whole setup is pretty much outdated — probably about 12 to 15 years old. It would be best to sell off the parts and invest that money into a better second-hand PC. You might want to look into getting a Ryzen 5 system with a budget board and a decent GPU. Your current PSU is underpowered as well, which is a big concern if you’re thinking of making upgrades.
Thanks for the reality check! I figured it wasn't the best, but I wanted to make it work. I’m thinking of turning it into a Minecraft server for me and some friends until I can upgrade.
Yeah, it hurts knowing I might've overpaid, but I appreciate the advice. I guess I’ll make this one work as much as possible until I can get something better!