I recently picked up a second-hand PC from the marketplace, but I feel it's really outdated. Here are my current specs:
- CPU: i5-4590
- RAM: 2x8GB DDR3 1600MHz
- Motherboard: LGA-1150 ATX (Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H)
- Cooling: Old 120mm AIO
- GPU: 2060 Super Aorus
- Storage: 2x 250GB SATA SSDs, 1x 320GB SATA HDD
- PSU: Very old Gigabyte 720W Super (GE-P610A-C2)
- Case: Matrexx 55
I'm planning to keep the GPU and case since they're still working fine. Here's what I'm looking to upgrade:
- CPU: R5 5600X and MSI MGP B550 Gaming Plus ($200 from marketplace)
- RAM: 2x16GB 3200MHz Corsair Vengeance ($89)
- SSD: 2TB Crucial P3 Plus ($179)
- Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ($55)
- PSU: MSI MAG A650BN 650W ($68)
Total costs are around $600, but I'm open to any advice or tips on cost-saving. I might also be able to negotiate the price for the CPU and motherboard down to about $150!
2 Answers
Your upgrade path seems solid overall. Since you're sticking with the 2060, the R5 5600X and B550 motherboard combo will definitely give you a boost. However, if you're mainly gaming at 1080p without needing high FPS, it might be worth waiting until you can afford a full rebuild for a more significant performance leap. Just keep in mind your spare case may be useful for future builds!
Your AIO cooler’s lifespan can be pretty limited—about 5 years max due to wear and tear. While you could refill it, considering something like the Thermalright cooler you mentioned is better for long-term performance. As for your PSU, I recommend investing a bit more in a reliable one since a good power supply is crucial for stability. Check out the SAMA GT650 for a decent budget option, but always prefer quality when it comes to PSUs!
Good advice, I'm definitely planning to clean the thermal paste and switch to a better cooler for the CPU. Unfortunately, the bundle deals in Australia are a bit limited right now.
That's a good point! I'm just trying to keep costs low since I don’t have a ton of funds for PC parts right now.