I've decided to build my first gaming PC since I'm getting more hours at work. Currently, I have a lower mid-range setup with an i7-4790, but I'm finding that many games lag quite a bit. I'm not using my PC for anything other than gaming and am hoping to spend between $200 and $400 on a CPU, with a total budget for the entire build between $1,000 and $1,250. I'd love any tips or insights on what CPU to choose or general advice on processors!
2 Answers
You're definitely due for an upgrade since the i7-4790 is pretty outdated these days. First, it would help to know what games you're into and what resolution your monitor runs at. If you're sticking with Intel, that's cool, but I'd recommend checking out AMD's AM5 processors, which can be more cost-effective for gaming. You can get a decent one for around $200, or a higher-end model for about $350 on sale. Just consider what games you play and your future upgrade plans!
Yeah, definitely consider that deal! It could be a solid choice as a budget build before you go all-in with newer parts.
The i7-4790 was a solid processor at its time and is still decent for 1080p gaming. You have two main choices: either build a new, affordable 1080p gaming setup or just upgrade your GPU if your power supply allows it. If you get a better GPU within your budget, even if it's held back a little by your old CPU, you should see a significant performance boost. Check out some comparison videos for a rough idea, they can be really helpful!
I get that! I play a bunch of different games too. What are you playing? If you're gaming on a 1920x1080 monitor and have options like the Ryzen 7 3800X for $100, that might be worth considering!