I'm currently using an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 12GB. This setup has served me well, but I've recently started playing Arc Raiders and bought a new 1440p monitor to replace my old 1080p one. While the game runs, I find myself upscaling to hit 1080 resolution and I can't even reach the 144Hz limit of my new monitor. Plus, I'm experiencing frequent stutters and crashes.
I was thinking about upgrading to a 5080, but I've heard that my CPU might not be powerful enough to really make the most of it. So, I'm considering getting a 5800X for the CPU upgrade as it's reasonably priced. However, if my current GPU is already maxed out, will upgrading the CPU even help? Do you think I should go for both CPU and GPU upgrades, or would it make more sense to buy a brand new system instead, especially if I plan to sell my old one as a whole? Or could I just upgrade to the 5800X and perhaps a mid-range GPU like the 3080 or 4070?
6 Answers
From what you're saying, I think a CPU and GPU upgrade is your best bet, but the first thing you need to clarify is your actual budget. Are you looking for a full new build or just partial upgrades?
Definitely lean towards upgrading your CPU since that game is quite intensive. You should look at the 5700X or 5800X options since both are solid for gaming at higher resolutions.
Yeah, those are going for under £200 on Amazon, which isn't bad at all!
Honestly, deciding your budget should be your first step. If you go for upgrades, maybe look at a 5700X with a 4060 or 4070. They should give you a noticeable performance boost without shelling out big bucks on top parts.
If you're considering a complete overhaul, check for pre-built deals if you can't visit a Microcenter. They often have good bundles. What's your budget like for upgrades or a new system?
In the UK, options are pretty limited for component shopping, but my budget is around £1000.
Before upgrading, ensure your motherboard can handle a 5700X with DDR4 3200 memory. If it does, you should be good. But, if you're facing compatibility issues, it might be time to consider a complete rebuild.
I'm pretty sure it can handle it since the specs say it's compatible with any AM4 chip, but I always wonder if those claims are entirely trustworthy.
Honestly, dropping in a 5800X is a good start. I'd say pair that with a 5070 or 5060ti if you need to upgrade the GPU too. That combo should handle your gaming without breaking the bank.
That's actually what I did! I moved to a 5800X with a 5070 TI; it runs great for my games, except for Tarkov. I still get decent frames but not hitting 144Hz at max settings.
Just remember, if you go upgrading, you'll need a solid PSU for those thirsty 50 series cards.
I would prefer to save up for a top-tier build next time rather than patching together cheap parts. So really, it's all about not getting stuck with a system that's underwhelming.