I received my current PC as a hand-me-down about 3-4 years ago, and I'm looking for advice on what upgrades I should make. Here are the specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 2700 (8 cores / 16 threads, 3.9 GHz boost)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770
- MOTHERBOARD: ASUS PRIME B350-PLUS
- RAM: 16GB - DDR4 Corsair Vengeance LPX
- PSU: Seasonic SSR-550RM 550W
I'm a total newbie when it comes to PC building and I'm not very tech-savvy. Plus, I'm on a limited budget of less than $500 CAD.
I understand my GPU is quite outdated, and I've heard it's bottlenecking my CPU and has only 2GB of VRAM. Upgrading the GPU seems like the best option, and I've been eyeing the ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7. However, I'm open to suggestions, including the possibility of a full new build. I mostly play strategy games from Paradox (like Civilization VI and Crusader Kings III), plus some classics like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, Minecraft, and Age of Empires IV. What would you suggest I do?
3 Answers
Upgrading your GPU is definitely the way to go! That GTX 770 is really holding back your Ryzen 7 2700. The RTX 5060 that you're considering is an option, but if you can find an affordable 3060 Ti or even a RX 6700 with more than 8GB of VRAM, that could serve you well for gaming. Just keep your budget in mind and try to balance it with what works well with your CPU.
You might want to think about just upgrading the GPU first and then looking at a CPU upgrade down the line. The GTX 770 is really outdated, and for the games you're playing, something like the RX 580 or RX 6700 XT would help significantly. Just be careful with installation; it can be tricky, but there are tons of guides to help you out.
Yes, definitely upgrade your GPU first! Look for a card with at least 8GB of VRAM—perhaps an RX 6800 or something similar. And yes, don't hesitate to check brands beyond NVIDIA and Radeon, as some lesser-known manufacturers can offer reliable products too! Just make sure to read reviews on whatever you choose.
I get that! Installing new parts can seem scary, but as long as you're patient and follow instructions, you'll be fine! Make sure to watch some tutorial videos before you start.