I've built a budget PC mainly for flying drone sims, using about $300 worth of used parts. Lately, I've been playing a lot of Apex Legends and I want to boost my performance. Currently, I get about 80-90fps on average, but it tends to drop during intense moments and on certain maps. My setup includes an i7-4790 and a 1650 Super, and I play on a 3440 x 1440 160hz monitor. Ideally, I'd love to hit 144+fps. I'm wondering if upgrading my CPU should be the first step? What's the best "bang for the buck" CPU I should consider? Would I need a new motherboard for a CPU upgrade, or is there a compatible option for my current socket? Additionally, what would be the best GPU upgrade for my budget? I'm also curious if these upgrades would allow me to play BF6 effectively, though that's not my top priority.
5 Answers
To see real performance improvements, you’ll absolutely have to replace your CPU. Just know you'll need a new motherboard and RAM to support a newer CPU, as yours is over ten years old now! If you're on a tight budget, consider something like the RX 580 which can really amp up your frames. Your power supply might be the limiting factor, so check that out too.
You're dealing with a pretty outdated setup. Your CPU is maxed out on that socket, and while you could squeeze out a bit more performance with a 4790K, it's not really worth the trouble. The real bottleneck here is your GPU, especially at that high resolution. I'd recommend looking into something like a 9060 XT 16GB for a solid GPU upgrade. For CPU, a Ryzen 5 7600 with a B650 or B850 motherboard, plus 32GB of DDR5 RAM, offers great bang for your buck! Just keep in mind, new components will definitely improve those framerates you’re looking for.
Stick with your 4th gen i7 for now, as that's your best option without a new motherboard. If you want to upgrade to a more powerful CPU, you’ll have to get a new mobo, too. Plus, you'll need DDR4 or even DDR5 RAM. Make sure to set a budget for this because upgrading can get pricey!
Honestly, a CPU upgrade is a good move, but don't forget your GPU is getting quite old. You’re already rocking the fastest CPU for your socket, so a fresh motherboard and RAM will be necessary for any CPU upgrade. Just be sure to keep your budget in mind for whatever new parts you decide to buy!
You’ve hit the limits of your current setup. The i7-4790 was a beast back in the day, but it's definitely a bottleneck now. I would suggest saving up a bit for a decent new setup. You could possibly find a used AM4 motherboard and CPU combo, but prices are rising since they’re out of production. Another option could be looking for a good AM5 bundle deal for something more recent.
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