I'm looking to upgrade my slowly dying PC with a budget of 3,000 CAD. I currently have a system built around a 2070 Super and Ryzen 7 3700X. I've got a few specific questions:
1. RAM: Should I go for DDR5? What tick rate should I consider? What's the difference between 288-pin DIMM and 262-pin SODIMM?
2. I know DDR5 requires a new motherboard, so I'd love any recommendations on that.
3. I've been hearing that AMD graphics cards are the way to go now, but I'm not sure which model offers the best value for performance.
4. I'm also confused about what CPU I should be looking for.
5. Lastly, I need suggestions for a new case since my current one isn't cutting it and has caused overheating issues.
As a note, my old parts are about 7 years old:
- I currently have 32GB of RAM with different tick rates, and I'm looking to replace that, but I might keep them if the performance hit isn't too bad.
- I have all the peripherals I need and a total of 7TB of good storage with WDBLACK SN850x and Samsung 980 SSDs, plus some high-end external HDDs.
- I'd like to replace my PSU since it's old, but I do have an 850W gold-rated one from 2019.
3 Answers
Definitely check out AMD’s 6000 series cards – they've been getting great reviews for performance versus price lately. The RX 6700 XT is a good mid-range option that offers solid gaming performance. Just keep in mind, supply can be an issue as well, so snag one if you see a good deal!
Reusing your current storage sounds smart! With 2 SSDs, you're set for speed. As for RAM, DDR5 is definitely the future, but depends on your motherboard. If you’re going for a newer board, aim for 5600MHz or higher for optimal performance. The 288-pin DIMM is for desktops, and SODIMM is for laptops, so make sure to choose the right type for your setup.
Just remember that RAM speed can make a difference, but if you already have decent sticks, it might be okay to keep those for now. It's all about balancing your upgrades with your budget!
For cases, consider something with good airflow like the Fractal Meshify C or NZXT H510. Cooling is crucial, especially if you've had issues in the past! Make sure it fits everything too, especially with a new GPU in mind.
I second that! A good case can make a huge difference in your build's performance and longevity.
Good advice! Also, don't forget to compare benchmarks against Nvidia cards if you're open to both. You might find better deals depending on your needs!