Hey everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my old gaming PC, which is about 10 years old now. I primarily use it for gaming on a 1440p screen, and I'd like to play newer titles like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and modded Skyrim on high settings. I know my CPU and GPU are outdated and my RAM could use an upgrade too. I'm also thinking about getting a new motherboard to support the newer components. I plan to change only the CPU, GPU, RAM, and motherboard, but I'm wondering if there's anything else I should keep in mind.
Currently, my setup includes:
* CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K (3.5 GHz)
* GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 1070 GAMING X (8GB)
* Motherboard: ASRock Z170 Pro4S
* Power Supply: Cooler Master G550M (550W)
* Cooling System: Cooler Master Hyper 212X
* RAM: Cooler Master Hyper 212X (not sure the exact amount)
For my new build, I'm considering:
* GPU: 5070ti
* CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X3D (it seems like a good value compared to the 7600)
* RAM: Aiming for 64GB, but probably settling for 32GB given current prices
* Motherboard: B650 or B850 (leaning towards B650 because PCIe 5 doesn't seem necessary)
Will my current power supply and cooling system still be adequate for these new components, or is it time to replace them too?
3 Answers
Honestly, I would recommend checking your current RAM too. If it's decent DDR4, you might find better value sticking with a good 13th or 14th gen Intel CPU instead of jumping all in on the Ryzen 7. It could save you some cash while still giving you great performance. And yes, you definitely need a new PSU!
I think you're going to need a bigger power supply. For the 5070ti, you should definitely be looking at at least a 750W unit. Your current one is just too low for those new components. Also, that cooler you have might struggle a bit. Something like the Peerless Assassin 120 for about $30 would give you better performance without breaking the bank. You’ll end up with a solid system that can handle gaming for a while!
I'm not sure about the 9800X3D price you mentioned. It seems a bit high, but double-check that because a good budget option with a B650E motherboard might be your best bet, especially if you'll get newer tech for a good deal. Starting fresh with a new build might also save you the hassle of selling parts if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Yeah, parting out can be a huge hassle. Just make sure whatever route you go, it meets your gaming needs long-term.

Yeah, I agree on the PSU. You don't want to risk anything by underpowering your new parts. Plus, investing in decent cooling will really help in the long run.