My friend purchased a prebuilt gaming PC in 2021, and it's currently struggling with performance issues. Here are the specifications: 8GB DDR4 RAM, Intel i3-10105F processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, and an ASRock B560M-C motherboard. They often experience lags and crashes while gaming, making titles like Marvel Rivals unplayable. I'm considering suggesting a RAM upgrade to add at least 8GB more. However, I also think they should upgrade the processor and possibly the GPU, especially since they're open to spending on improvements. But at this point, would it be more cost-effective to just buy a new prebuilt system with better specs? I'm looking for advice on the best options here.
5 Answers
I think upgrading the RAM is a great first step since it's fairly cheap. If that doesn't solve the issues, then they should definitely consider a new CPU, motherboard, and GPU. Since the current GPU is quite outdated, it should be replaced regardless. Just keep in mind that the budget spent on other upgrades will influence what they can choose for a new GPU.
Reinstalling Windows might help clear up some issues. Also, check the storage space because SSDs can slow down significantly when they're nearly full. They definitely need to double the RAM, which will help immensely. After that, focus on upgrading the CPU and potentially the GPU.
A used i5 would be a solid upgrade along with an additional 8GB of RAM. If they're feeling adventurous and their budget allows, investing in a better GPU would also make a huge difference. A card like the RX 6600 or RTX 3060 could really enhance the gaming experience.
I would just swap the i3 for an i5 and add more RAM for now while keeping the existing GPU. If they don’t have an SSD for the operating system, getting a 500GB NVMe SSD would also give a nice speed boost. But honestly, if these upgrades don’t work, selling the whole set-up could lead to a great prebuilt deal. It's getting tricky with older parts.
I recommend getting a used i7-10700 if possible, along with another 8GB stick of RAM. That combination should keep things decent for casual gaming. Even though many would prioritize a GPU upgrade, with an i3, a new GPU might not perform as well as expected. Right now, the i3 is likely bottlenecking performance.
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