I'm getting back into gaming and have recently upgraded to a new IPS 1440p 165 Hz monitor. After cleaning up my old PC, I'm ready to enhance it for gaming. Here's what I currently have:
- B450M Pro VDH Max motherboard (PCIe Gen 3)
- Ryzen 5 2600 CPU
- Corsair RAM 2x8 3200 MHz
- GTX 1660 Super 6GB GPU
- Cooler Master 600W PSU 80+ White (1 cable with 2 8-pin heads)
- Mid-tower case with good airflow
I have a budget of about $500 (prices in Egypt tend to be around 30% higher than what I'd find in the US). I play a variety of games including Apex, Valorant, and Elden Ring, and I really appreciate playing at 144+ FPS.
Initially, I thought about getting an RTX 5060 8GB, but I learned that with my Gen 3 motherboard, that might not be the best choice since we're now in the Gen 5 era. I also considered buying a used RTX 3080, but I would need to upgrade both my CPU and PSU for that.
I've heard some suggestions about the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB, which is compatible with my setup, but I'm hesitant due to its memory size. While I prefer Nvidia, I'm open to AMD if the value makes sense. I might also consider upgrading my CPU later to a Ryzen 5 5600X. What do you all think I should do?
4 Answers
Your PSU is definitely a limiting factor for getting more powerful GPUs, especially since it only has one 8-pin connector. Look into upgrading that first, and while you're at it, consider a CPU upgrade to get better performance overall. Once your PSU is stronger, then look at getting a 3080 or a comparable model.
Those PCIe generations are not a big deal for actual performance, so most GPUs will work with your setup. However, your CPU might struggle to keep up with newer cards. I suggest upgrading to a RTX 3080, but you’ll need at least an 850W PSU for that. You could grab a new GPU first and see how it performs, then upgrade the CPU later if needed. The RTX 5060 is a less power-hungry option that could work for you too!
Are you sure a 5060 will be okay? It’s the cheapest option and I’m nervous about it being new but compatible!
At 1440p, hitting 144 FPS consistently can be tough, especially without a top-tier CPU. You might get close to 60-75 FPS with your current setup under heavy load, but consistently hitting the higher numbers will be challenging. You might want to consider upgrading your CPU first to see any improvements before going for a new GPU.
I’d recommend looking at used options like the RTX 6700 XT or 6800 XT as they provide good value and are better than the 8GB variants. Just make sure your motherboard can handle them and update your BIOS to enable Resizable BAR functionality if needed.
Interesting thought! What do you think I’d gain from upgrading the CPU now?