I'm looking for advice on upgrading my PC because it's been struggling with stuttering and crashes while gaming. My setup includes an R5 5500 processor, an RX 7600 GPU, and 32GB of RAM (2x16GB). I primarily play games like Clair Obscur, and I can't figure out why I'm having issues, especially since a friend with the same setup but a 4060 GPU doesn't experience any problems. I have a budget of around £400 to make some upgrades. What should I focus on?
4 Answers
Stuttering can stem from a variety of issues. Make sure your drivers are up to date and check your Windows installation. Consider lowering your in-game settings too. If you do upgrade, look into the Ryzen 5 5600(X) for a budget-friendly performance boost, or the 5800X3D for a bit more power if you want to spend closer to your limit. As for a GPU, the RX 9060XT is a good option if you're willing to spend a bit more!
Before considering upgrades, check your thermal performance, update your drivers, and maybe reinstall Windows. Sometimes a fresh install can solve many issues. Also, consider resetting the CMOS or reseating your components as a troubleshooting step.
One possible bottleneck could be your CPU since it's limited to PCIe gen 3. Upgrading to something like the 5700X3D could really boost your gaming performance at 1080p.
Just keep in mind that your budget might need some stretching if you go for a newer CPU.
Your specs should be fine overall. I have an older setup with a 980ti and an i7-4770K, and I can still play games decently. However, there might be other underlying issues affecting your performance.

That's a solid suggestion! Upgrading to a better CPU can definitely help with performance, especially in demanding games.