I'm considering an upgrade for my old PC since Arc Raiders is finally set to release. Due to budget limitations, I'm thinking about doing the upgrade in two phases: first, I'll change out the motherboard, CPU, PSU, and RAM, and then I'll get a new GPU later on. Do you think this approach makes sense, or should I wait a bit longer to upgrade everything at once? I primarily use my PC for web browsing, some programming, and occasional gaming, mostly indie titles. My main concern is whether this combo will meet my gaming needs, particularly for hitting 60 fps in Arc Raiders. What are your thoughts?
4 Answers
Honestly, if you're already dealing with an old setup, you might as well go for a full rebuild. The GTX 970 will significantly bottleneck anything you try to do. If your motherboard and PSU are also quite old, it might not be safe to rely on them for modern hardware. Rather than piecemeal upgrades, it might be worth waiting and saving for a complete overhaul.
Honestly, the GTX 970 just isn't cutting it for modern games anymore. It's better to get something that’s at least from the last generation. The 7800X3D is a great CPU, but pairing it with a 970 won’t maximize its potential. You might want to consider upgrading your GPU first, as that’ll give you the best immediate boost in performance. Buying a cheap but capable GPU to tide you over until you can make more upgrades might be wise.
Yeah, the 970 can handle some things but it’s really showing its age. Trying to play new games with it will be rough!
Since you’re on a budget, consider getting a cheaper CPU like the 7600 and pairing it with a solid GPU. Those will still give you a good gaming experience without breaking the bank. A gradual upgrade like yours is fine, but make sure each piece will work optimally together.
Exactly! As long as you're strategic, you can get great performance without spending a fortune.
If you're upgrading in stages, it makes sense to get the GPU first. That way, you can enjoy better gaming right now while you save up for the rest of your setup later. Even a mid-tier GPU will tremendously improve your experience, especially for something like Arc Raiders. Just make sure your PSU can handle it!
Good point! Anyone considering Arc Raiders should prioritize a decent GPU.
Yeah, I think starting fresh would be the best way to go. At that point, every component will work together smoothly!