Hey everyone! I'm a new dad and things have changed a bit with my personal computer usage time. I'm considering upgrading my PC, which has served me well for the past five years. However, I'm running into consistent maxed-out CPU levels during my activities like gaming, programming, and 3D modeling using Blender or Houdini. Given that my gaming time is now limited and I want a long-term investment, what would you recommend? Should I go for a newer 9th Gen Intel CPU, an upgrade for both the CPU and motherboard, or should I just update the GPU? Here's my current setup:
- **CPU**: Intel Core i5-8400 LGA 1151 300 Series
- **MOBO**: GIGABYTE B365M DS3H
- **GPU**: GTX 1660 6GB
- **PSU**: GameMax VP-600-M 600W
- **RAM**: 4X 8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 DRAM
- **Storage**: 4x Samsung 870 EVO 1TB
Thanks for any advice!
4 Answers
How about just upgrading the GPU? Your current one can barely launch some games. A new GPU would give you a better gaming experience without needing to change the CPU or mobo just yet. But remember, check compatibility so your new GPU doesn't bottleneck with the existing CPU!
Congratulations on the new baby! Balancing time is tough, right? If your CPU is bottlenecking, that should be your priority. You could look for a used 8700 or 9700 on the cheap, which would give you a nice performance bump without a massive investment.
If you're not gaming intensively, maybe just stick with upgrading the CPU. An i3 from a newer generation is a much better deal than trying to go all out. You can improve performance significantly without breaking the bank!
Great idea! I hadn’t thought about going with a lower-end CPU to maximize my budget.
I’d say definitely go for the CPU and motherboard upgrade. Your current CPU is getting old, and moving to a newer gen will give you a significant performance boost. Plus, you'll be set for future upgrades. You might want to look into a 12th Gen Intel, which offers great performance for around $250-$300 for both CPU and mobo. That'll really help with your gaming and 3D modeling needs!
Totally agree! The i5-12600KF is a solid choice if you want something modern and powerful.
That's a fair point, but if you're looking for long-term performance, both CPU & mobo upgrades might be the better route.