Hey everyone! I'm not very tech-savvy when it comes to upgrading my PC, and I could really use some help. I currently have a system with an Intel i5-7600K, 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti. I'm running on Windows 11 and have some decent storage with both an HDD and SSD. I'd like to make upgrades costing around $200 each. Any suggestions on parts I should get? Also, if you could share what order I should prioritize these upgrades, I'd greatly appreciate it!
4 Answers
It really depends on your goals. You can make some upgrades to your current setup, but in the long run, a new platform may be necessary. As a quick boost, you might consider upgrading to an i7 7700K and getting a mid-range GPU. I used my old i7 for years before making a big jump, and it handled most games decently, though newer ones can be a challenge.
Don’t forget to enable ReBAR in your BIOS! Turning on the resizable bar can enhance your performance quite a bit without costing you anything. Try finding a quick YouTube tutorial on it; it’s usually a super quick setup unless you have an old-school BIOS.
Honestly, at this point, it might be better to save for a new platform altogether, like an AM5 setup. But if you need something right now, consider going for a B550 motherboard paired with a Ryzen 5000 series CPU instead of the older B450 boards. This combo should give you some solid performance boosts. Keep using your GTX 1660 for now and when you can save another $275-$350, look for a 6700XT or possibly a 7600XT. That’ll really elevate your rig!
If you’re looking for upgrades around $200 each, I'd recommend an AM4 B450 motherboard for about $75 and a Ryzen 5 5600 for $120. You could also look at graphics cards like the Intel Arc A750 or the RX 6600; both should be under $200. These upgrades would keep you able to play most games without issues, even those that require Ray Tracing!
Awesome tips, thanks! I don’t typically play high-end games except for Fallout 76; any advice on what to prioritize first? Is there anything in my setup that's limiting my performance significantly?
Or, by that time, you could snag a future series card for a good price or check out a B580 for budget!