Hey everyone! This is my first post here, and I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my current PC setup. I bought a custom-built PC about two years ago, but it's running really poorly now. As a broke college student, I have a budget of around €400 (about $370) for upgrades.
Right now, here's what I have:
- GTX 1050 GPU
- An old Intel i5 CPU
- Biostar H81MHV3 motherboard
- 4GB of DDR3 RAM
- A 256GB SSD (2.5 inch)
My main use for this PC is to play games like Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and some indie games. I have the option to upgrade to 32GB of RAM, but that means sticking with DDR3 and my outdated motherboard. I'm looking for some ideas on how to upgrade within my budget. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
I recommend looking into a used AM4 kit that includes a motherboard, CPU, and RAM. You'll want to check how the used market is for DDR4, though. Going with DDR4 will definitely future-proof your build better than sticking with DDR3. With your budget, you could get around 16GB of faster DDR4 RAM, which is great for gaming.
Opt for a 6-core CPU for a solid boost in performance. Pairing it with a 'B' series chipset motherboard will give you modern features and flexibility for future storage upgrades. If your current case is cramped, consider buying a new ATX case that accommodates most motherboards. This new combo will help more than just upgrading the GPU right now, so keep that in mind! Check out this example build: [PC Part Picker link].
If you can, I'd suggest going with a DDR4 platform—it'll future-proof your system. While used parts can be tricky, you should definitely check local marketplaces. And don't forget, upgrading your SSD to something larger is also a must because 256GB fills up fast with games! You can definitely get a decent setup if you combine cheaper used components with your budget.
Honestly, the setup you have is pretty outdated, and investing money into it might not yield the best results. If you're looking to upgrade, consider getting a second-hand GTX 1080 Ti if you can confirm that your power supply can handle it (at least 550-650W). Alongside that, definitely go for the 32GB of RAM to improve performance.
You might still have some left in your budget to upgrade the CPU, but I wouldn't worry about it too much—just check which one your motherboard supports. The AM4 setup is a good option too, as it’ll make your PC snappier, but keep in mind that it might stretch your budget if you want a decent GPU too. Also, consider getting a larger SSD since 256GB doesn't leave much space!
Thanks for the feedback!! The list you made seems perfect for what I need. Do all those parts work together? Will they be compatible with my current GPU? If so, I'm ordering this list ASAP. Once everything arrives, I'll have my uncle help with the build!