I recently picked up a prebuilt PC for around $400. I didn't expect it to perform like a powerhouse, but I want to emulate games and my CPU is hitting 100% utilization when I try using the emulator. I've got another setup that runs my games smoothly, so I'm looking for advice on what upgrades would help me get better speeds for emulation, especially since I'm trying to play Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. Here are my current specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G with Radeon Vega graphics; GPU: AMD Radeon RX 580 2048SP.
3 Answers
I would suggest picking up a 5800XT, as they’re priced around $160 right now. It’s a solid upgrade for the price! Also, once you have a bit more budget, consider getting a 9060XT for a future upgrade. Upgrading the CPU will definitely help with your emulator performance and set you up for a better GPU in the future.
What kind of prebuilt is it? Your motherboard or power supply might limit your upgrade options. Knowing this would help narrow down the best path for your upgrades.
If you’re only upgrading the CPU, keep in mind you’ll probably need a new motherboard, RAM, and maybe a new power supply too. For a noticeable boost in your emulator, check out combo deals with an AMD Gen 4 or 5 processor, like the Ryzen 5 5600X or 7600X. The Ryzen 5 7600X is especially good for future-proofing your setup.
Thanks for the suggestion! If I have to change the motherboard, will that be really tricky? I've never taken a PC apart before.