I'm diving back into gaming and I'm facing some issues mostly with my current GPU, the GTX 1650. I usually run games on low settings for performance and manage to hit over 200 FPS, but occasionally my frame rates drop dramatically to 1 FPS, which is frustrating. I didn't build my PC (my dad did), and I'm not super tech-savvy, so I apologize in advance if I misstate anything. I want to gradually upgrade my PC parts and I've heard that starting with the 1080 Ti would be a good move. I've also heard I should consider upgrading my RAM at some point too.
Here's what my PC looks like:
- Motherboard: Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI-CF
- CPU: i5-9600k
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
- PSU: 850W
- RAM: 16GB
I'm using two 1080p 60hz monitors and I understand that a low refresh rate can affect how well I see the FPS. I'm not worried about budget too much; I'm just looking for guidance on what parts to prioritize changing in my upgrade journey. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
The performance jump to the 1080 Ti is significant—think of nearly 2.5x boost in demanding titles. Also, if you're aiming to hit that high FPS, consider getting a new monitor. Your current 60hz monitors won’t let you see those frames, and a higher refresh rate monitor could enhance your gaming experience a lot!
Upgrading your GPU to the 1080 Ti is definitely a solid choice! The GTX 1650 is getting pretty outdated and the performance boost from the 1080 Ti can make a huge difference, especially in more demanding games. Your CPU is adequate for 1080p at 60hz, so you're good there for now. Just remember, if you upgrade your CPU later, you might need a new motherboard too, but you can still use your RAM without issues depending on the platform you choose. If you're not too strict on budget, you could really build something powerful over time!
Glad to hear you think it’s a good choice! What kind of CPU would you recommend for a future upgrade?
Honestly, if you can get the 1080 Ti at a decent price, go for it! But don’t pay more than $100 unless it has some insane features or comes bundled with something else. Always be cautious of pricing, especially with used graphics cards.
Thanks for the heads-up! I’ll keep that in mind while shopping.

Thanks for the tip! What refresh rate would you suggest for a good gaming experience?