I've had this gaming PC build on my wishlist for about two years, and I'm finally considering upgrading my old machine that sounds like a World War II plane. Here's what I planned: Windows 11 Pro, Intel i5 12400 CPU, Gigabyte B660M motherboard, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD, Nvidia RTX 2060 Super GPU, 3 RGB fans for cooling, and a Thermaltake 600w power supply. I'm wondering if this build is still good. Also, since we have a lot of dust from carpet, cats, and books where the PC will be, are there better cooling options? Lastly, with prices skyrocketing on GPUs, what's a must-have that I shouldn't compromise on? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
I’d actually steer you away from that build. Instead, consider going with an AMD processor, switch to DDR5 RAM, and a more current GPU—like the RX 9060XT. The 2060 Super just isn't cutting it anymore, and you'll want a power supply that can handle these upgrades too.
Honestly, this build was pretty solid a few years ago, but both the CPU and GPU are now a few generations behind. It'll still handle most games, but I'd recommend looking into current-gen components for better performance. You’re likely to have a better gaming experience with updated parts.
It's outdated for sure. For entry-level gaming now, I’d suggest an AMD 9600X and some DDR5 RAM. The 2060 Super really doesn’t hold up against today’s standards. A new motherboard that supports these newer parts would also be a smart move.
Not really. You’d get way more for your money with current-gen hardware. It’s worth the investment.
Based on what you’re describing, your build definitely leans towards outdated by today's standards. You might find that investing in a totally new build would yield better results. For GPUs, go for something newer like the RTX 4070 or an AMD equivalent. You’ll maximize performance while staying within a similar budget.
Is the AM5 platform really that much better than Intel now?
Absolutely! AM5 offers better socket longevity and performance. It's a great choice!
Given your dust situation, investing in a case with built-in dust filters is a good idea to keep things clean. And when it comes to GPUs, if you're leaning towards Nvidia, at least aim for a 5060Ti as a bare minimum; the 2060 is quite old. If you can, I'd also look at the RX 70 series for great performance. Also, consider looking at prices—current tech really has come down while the performance went up!
But isn't that setup still a decent option if you keep the price right? Just curious.