I've had my PC since 2020, and I'm starting to wonder if it's time for an upgrade. Here are my current specs:
- Processor: RYZEN 5 5600x
- Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M DS3H
- RAM: TEAMGROUP UD4 3200 DDR4
- SSD: 500GB NVMe (brand unknown)
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
- PSU: EVGA 600W Bronze Semi Modular
Most of the games I play run fine, but I'm experiencing issues with newer titles due to VRAM shortages and storage. I'm curious whether I should invest in a new computer now or wait a bit, possibly until after Christmas or next summer. I currently have around $900 saved up, and with my birthday coming up in August, I'm looking for advice on the best course of action.
3 Answers
If you're looking to upgrade on a budget, I suggest the RX 9060XT (16GB) for around $370, and snagging a 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for about $90-$100 to help with storage space. Just keep in mind that some CPU bottlenecking may occur depending on the games you play, but it's manageable. Also, if you want major performance improvements, your motherboard might limit you to the 5600x or 5700x. Consider Intel's 14th gen or even transition to AM5 if you're going for a long-term upgrade.
Honestly, if you're satisfied with how your current setup performs, there's really no rush to upgrade! You might just want to swap out the GPU for a 9060XT or 5060Ti (make sure it's the 16GB version). This should give you a noticeable boost without stretching your budget too far, unless you're eager to spend.
Upgrading your GPU is a solid option since your other components are still good. If you want to stick with AMD, consider the RX 9070XT which offers a great price-to-performance ratio. Alternatively, Nvidia's 5070Ti has similar specifications with 16GB of VRAM. Personally, I'd lean towards the 9070XT since it's generally cheaper right now. Check it out and see what fits your budget!
If you're gaming at 1080p, definitely go for the RX 9070! You could even save part of your budget for a QHD monitor, which will help reduce CPU strain overall. Or, if it's more convenient, the RX 9060XT (16GB) is also a decent choice for a good upgrade.
Good point! A new display could totally enhance the whole experience.
And don't forget that your PSU might need an upgrade too, especially if you opt for something like the 5070Ti, which recommends at least a 750W power supply.