Hey everyone! I have a prebuilt PC from 2021 with some decent components, and I'm considering upgrading it, but I could use some help to make sure I don't miss anything important. It's been over ten years since I built a PC, and I'm not totally up-to-date. I plan to buy the CPU, GPU, and RAM second-hand over time, though I'll likely get a new motherboard and cooler. I'm planning to reuse my Fractal Focus G case, a 2021 Corsair RMx 750w 80+ Gold PSU, and two Samsung 970 Evo Plus M.2 SSDs. One of my main concerns is whether I should upgrade the SSDs, even though I'm satisfied with their performance; I'm just not sure how they compare to newer models. My primary usage will be playing CPU-heavy games like Rust and some competitive MMOs, which is why I picked the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU. Here's my build list for reference: [PCPartPicker Part List](https://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/dH3JXR).
2 Answers
You're right on track with that Ryzen 9800X3D; it’s one of the best CPUs for gaming right now, and it's hard to find second-hand since it's so new. As for getting parts over time, people often say it's a bad idea, but it can work if you prioritize what you need most. If you have a decent CPU already, focus on getting a GPU first, for example. Just make sure to research each part's compatibility with your setup!
Yeah, I don’t think taking your time with purchases is a bad approach at all! It’s smart to prioritize what’s needed based on your current performance. Not everyone can drop all that cash at once, so working within your budget makes sense.
Honestly, the difference between SATA SSDs and newer Gen 5 ones is pretty minimal in most gaming scenarios. Your 970 Evo Plus drives are still really good unless you’re moving huge amounts of data regularly, like in video editing. The other components you’re reusing, like the case and PSU, are great choices too! If you were using smaller SSDs, it might be worth reconsidering, but 1TB is more than enough for gamers these days. Most motherboards now support multiple M.2 slots too, especially with AM5, so you won't be limited to just one or two drives!
Totally agree! Just make sure to keep an eye on any sales or second-hand deals that come up, that way you can snag the parts you want when you find them.