Hey folks, I'm on the lookout for a GPU upgrade but my budget is pretty tight at around $100. I'm not trying to achieve super high frame rates—just enough to get 50 to 60 FPS on medium settings for most games, and maybe around 30 FPS for some of the more demanding ones. I also want to make sure my CPU won't hold me back. Here are my specs:
- System Type: 64-bit PC
- Processor: AMD 4700S 8-Core Processor, 3600 MHz
- RAM: 16.0 GB
- Current GPU: Radeon RX550/550 Series
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 at 75 Hz
- Storage: ADATA SU630 Disk Drive
This is a prebuilt system, but I plan to take it to a PC repair shop for the GPU swap. If anyone needs more info, just let me know! Thanks!
2 Answers
With a $100 budget, you're likely looking at second-hand options like the GTX 1660 or maybe even the RTX 2060 Super. Just check if your PC has the necessary PCIe power connector, which your current RX 550 doesn’t need. If that’s not an option, the GTX 1650 is out there, but it's only a minor upgrade compared to the RX 550. You could also consider an RTX 3050 6GB, but it might stretch your budget a bit. Swapping a GPU is pretty straightforward with just a screwdriver, so you could even do it yourself if you want!
You might have a PCIe 3.0 slot, but it's running at 2.0 x4 speeds, which could affect performance. If the slot is functioning but less effective, you might still be able to upgrade to a better GPU! If you're doing a swap, just check your power connectors, as newer GPUs can need more power than your RX 550. Also, it's a good idea to get your system cleaned—dust can really mess with performance!

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