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Should I Upgrade My Current PC or Build a New One for Gaming?

August 3, 2025 4 answers
Asked by TechSavvy98
Hey everyone! I've been using my PC built in 2018 for a while now, and while it still manages 30-50 fps in Path of Exile 1, I'm feeling the urge to either upgrade or start fresh. Here are my current specs: - GPU: GTX 1070 TI - CPU: AMD RYZEN 5 2600 - MOBO: MSI B350 Tomahawk - RAM: 2x 8GB GOODRAM 3000MHz CL16 - SSD: ADATA 240GB XPG SX950U + an ADATA 480GB one - PSU: be quiet! 600W Pure Power 10 CM I've been considering a Ryzen 7 5700X3D as my board supports it with a BIOS update, but I'm skeptical about whether my B350 motherboard and existing RAM will be sufficient for that upgrade. On the GPU side, I've looked at the RTX 5060 8GB since it's around $300, but I know it may become less relevant in a year or two. The 5060 Ti is double that, while the 5070 12GB is even more expensive! I feel like Path of Exile is more reliant on the CPU, so maybe just moving from the 1070 Ti to the 5060 8GB is a decent step up. Lastly, I'm a little concerned that my 7-year-old PSU might need replacing, too. I'm trying to keep the total investment around $600-700, but I could stretch to $1000 if absolutely necessary. What do you all think? Should I upgrade my current setup or just build something new?
gaming performance graphics cards Hardware hardware recommendations Path of Exile PC upgrade Ryzen 7

Answers

BudgetBuilderX
Honestly, you're probably better off starting from scratch. Take your time and buy parts as they go on sale. Make sure your new motherboard has enough USB ports and supports ARGB if that's a goal for you. Aim for a more robust PSU; they can last a decade, so if you choose the minimum now, it’ll cost you more in upgrades later. If you plan to go with Windows 11, aim for a minimum of 32GB RAM since it can be pretty RAM-hungry.
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GamerGuru42
Honestly, if you can swing it, consider going for a Ryzen 5 5600 paired with a secondhand RTX 3080. Upgrade your RAM to 32GB at 3600MHz CL16 as well, and you'll be set for gaming. That combo will keep you gaming smoothly for quite a while without having to do a full rebuild right now.
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BuildMaster369
I'd suggest starting fresh with an AM5 build instead. Your existing motherboard and RAM are pretty outdated for performance standards now. Look into getting a B650 or B850 board, 32GB DDR5 6000MHz RAM, and a Ryzen 5 7600X or 9600X CPU. You could also snag a used GPU like the 3060/4060 for about $200, or a new RX 9060 XT 16GB for around $370, which will last you 5-10 years.
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SavvyShopper21
Definitely consider the RX 9060 XT 16GB. It's comparable to the RTX 5060 Ti but usually cheaper. Since Path of Exile is heavy on CPU usage, putting your budget toward a 5700X3D could be beneficial. The motherboard's RAM speed might hold you back slightly, but it shouldn't be a dealbreaker. In my case, I upgraded from a GTX 1660S to the RX 9060 XT and noticed a huge performance boost for a reasonable total cost.
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