Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my PC. I've been using my setup, which I put together during COVID, for about five years now. It does a great job rendering 4K footage and playing games at 1440p with around 144fps on high settings. Lately, though, I've noticed it struggling. For instance, with games like BF6 and Arc Raiders, my fps has dropped below 80. I'm considering a significant upgrade, possibly getting a new motherboard, CPU, RAM, and GPU. I've put together a build that includes an Ultra 5 245K, an LGA 1851 motherboard, an RTX 5070, and 32GB of DDR5 6000 RAM, but the total cost was over $1,500, and I was surprised by how much RAM prices have shot up lately because of the ongoing crisis.
Now I'm also thinking about sticking with my Ryzen 3900X and X570 motherboard, upgrading only the GPU and RAM instead. Would 48GB of DDR4 3200 RAM paired with either a 5070 or a 4070 be a smart move? Or could my CPU end up being a bottleneck? I feel hesitant to invest in older tech like the AM4 socket and DDR4 RAM. I just want to make sure that my upgrade will actually enhance my performance. Any thoughts or suggestions?
4 Answers
I don't know your exact budget, but you could consider a 9900X with a 9070 XT as an upgrade option for around $1,400 before tax. If you plan on rendering, you can always swap the GPUs based on your needs. Given your fps drop, it sounds like your CPU might be the weak link, so not upgrading from the 3900X could hold you back further in the long run.
Thinking of just sticking with 32GB of RAM is fine for now. I'd recommend getting the 5070 as your first upgrade because that seems to be the main bottleneck for you right now. You can always upgrade the CPU later. Prices for components might improve over time!
Before you swap out your 3900X, keep in mind that you may need to update your motherboard's BIOS for any new CPUs. The jump to a Ryzen 5900X could really boost your gaming experience since it has better single-core performance. If you're concerned about doing that, a powerful GPU like the RX 9070 XT can significantly improve your frame rates. I suggest aiming for DDR4 3600 RAM to maximize performance; it should work well with the Ryzen architecture.
Honestly, I think you're fine with the RAM you have. I'd focus on upgrading to the GPU first. You could grab a 5070 now, and if you're not seeing the performance you want later, revisit upgrading the CPU. A hefty GPU first might get you the improvements you're looking for without going all in on a pricey new build.
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