I'm considering buying a used RTX 3090 for around $600, thinking it's a powerful GPU that can satisfy my gaming needs for the next 3-5 years, especially with upcoming games like Battlefield 6 and GTA 6. I'm aiming for high or ultra settings at 1440p, 2k, or 4k resolution. Is this GPU a good choice? If so, what processor, motherboard, RAM, power supply, and other components should I look for? I prefer used parts but want reliable options to last a while. I'm not in a rush since Battlefield 6 releases in October, so I can buy the GPU now and other components gradually as prices drop.
4 Answers
Definitely go with AM5 for longevity! A setup with a 7600X or 9600X for the CPU and a B650 or B850 motherboard, plus 32GB of DDR5 RAM at 6000MT CL30 would keep you solid. And regarding the 3090, it should be decent, but just manage your expectations for future games at ultra settings.
You might want to reconsider the 3090, especially if you don't need the full 24GB of VRAM. For about the same price, you could get a 5070 (or the upcoming 5070 Super) that's faster, has better features, and lower power consumption. If you lean towards AMD, a 9070 or 9070 XT could also work well. As for the rest of your setup, an AM5 processor like the X3D series would last a while, paired with a B650 motherboard and 32GB of 6000MT RAM. Generally, it's best to buy all components at once so you can assemble and test them together.
If you don't really need all that VRAM, $600 for the 3090 isn't a steal. You could spend just a bit more on a brand new 5070 Ti that'll give you 30% better performance for under $800. If you decide to stick with the 3090, I'd suggest the 7600X or 7800X3D for the CPU, depending on what's available for a good price. Deals and bundles make a big difference, so keep an eye out for those!
I'm looking for something cost-effective that can handle the latest games. I really want it to last!
I recently retired a build featuring the RTX 3090. While it played many games at high or ultra settings, some newer titles struggled to maintain 120 FPS even at high. My setup included a Ryzen R7 5800X3D with 64GB RAM, and while some games performed well, others like Borderlands 3 didn’t quite hit the mark. Battlefield 6 should be playable on the 3090, but I doubt it will handle 4k ultra settings perfectly over time. Be prepared for some limitations, especially as games get more demanding in the next few years.
So the 3090 could work, just not at the highest settings for every game?