I'm looking to upgrade my PC components, mainly the CPU, motherboard, and RAM, since my current setup is getting a bit dated after 8 years. I'm having trouble running more demanding games like Stalker 2, Civ, Stellaris, and with emulation. I've decided to switch to AMD as I've been an Intel user for a long time. Here's a quick breakdown of what I currently have:
- **GPU:** MSI SUPRIM GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB
- **Motherboard:** ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING
- **RAM:** 32GB (4x8GB) DDR4 SDRAM
- **CPU:** Intel Core i5-8600K
- **PSU:** XFX PRO750W Core Edition 80+ Bronze (which is pretty old)
For my upgrade, I'm considering:
- **CPU:** AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D
- Seems like a solid choice for gaming, and I have the CPU cooler mounting brackets for AMD, so swapping shouldn't be an issue.
- **RAM:** G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64 GB (2x32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32
- I like how my current RAM looks, so I'm leaning toward the DDR5 version.
- **Motherboard:** I'm torn between Asus ROG STRIX X870, MSI MAG X870, and others. I want to know if the brand matters and if I should focus on features like Bluetooth and USB-C ports, especially since my previous motherboard didn't have enough features. I want to make sure I get a good one this time.
Before I add these parts to my cart, are there any important considerations I should be aware of? Should I upgrade my PSU given its age? I also have a smaller case, considering switching to a smaller one if the GPU fits, but I might just stick with my current Fractal case.
1 Answer
Your choice of the AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D is fantastic for gaming! It’s one of the top gaming CPUs around. However, for RAM, consider going for DDR5-6000 CL30 instead; it'll save you some tuning hassle. And honestly, you don’t need to go for an X870 motherboard. A simpler MSI B850 Tomahawk could work well and save you some cash. Oh, and definitely grab a new PSU; those old ones can fail and damage other parts if they go out.
Thanks! Good to know the RAM can be easier to manage. I've always been impressed by how long my PSU has lasted, but safety first, I guess!