I've got a 10-year-old PC that's on its last legs, and I'm planning a new build within the next month. I'm considering a big upgrade, especially for the monitor. Right now, I'm using a 1080p 60Hz monitor, but I want to upgrade to at least a 1440p 144Hz monitor. I could either splurge on a top-tier CPU and GPU now and get the monitor later, or I could go for a cheaper GPU and get the monitor right away. The CPU is crucial for me; I want something solid that I won't have to mess with for at least 10 years—I'm fine with upgrading the GPU later on. I do a lot of image and video editing (using Adobe Lightroom, Affinity Suite, etc.) and play games like World of Warcraft, FFXIV, Elden Ring, Elder Scrolls, and Stardew Valley. I'm looking at the 7800X3D for about $628 AUD or the 9800X3D for $789 AUD. For the GPU, I'm considering the following options: RTX 5070 ($900 AUD) for later upgrading, RTX 5070 Ti ($1549 AUD), RX 9070 ($1099 AUD), and RX 9070 XT ($1199 AUD). What's the best combination here? If I choose the more expensive GPU, will my old monitor hold up for a few months until I can get a new one? My budget is around $3.5k to $4k, but less would be better since PC parts are expensive. I just want to set this up and not have to worry about my PC for the next decade!
3 Answers
Check out this build I found: it's around $3530 AUD with an OLED monitor! You could always fiddle with the components to lower the price a bit, but a 7800X3D is a great choice for longevity!
I'd recommend going for the 7800X3D paired with the RX 9070 XT. This combo offers solid performance for both your creative work and gaming needs. You might want to hold off on the pricier GPUs for now since you’re planning to upgrade in a year; this route saves you some cash. Plus, your old monitor should still work fine for a few months even if it’s not ideal with a powerful GPU.
Sounds like a smart combo! Thanks for the suggestion. I might drop the overall cost with that setup.
Just a thought: you might consider getting a lower-end AM5 CPU for now. The AM5 platform allows for upgrades, so down the line you can switch to a stronger CPU without a hassle. It could save you some future headaches!
I get that it’s easier to go with the best option now. CPUs can be a pain to deal with. I once had an ordeal involving a heatsink and ended up with a lovely gash trying to fix a family member's PC!
Similar to one of my builds as well! I like how it keeps the price reasonable while delivering great performance.