I've got a system with an RTX 3060 and Ryzen 3600, along with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. I usually game at 1440p, but I'm starting to struggle to maintain 60fps on newer titles. I want to avoid a complete AM5 rebuild due to high RAM prices. Should I go ahead and buy an RX 9070 or 9070 XT now, even if it means a significant bottleneck with my current CPU, and then upgrade the CPU in a couple of years? Or is it better to get a new CPU now and stick with my 3060 for a bit longer? My budget is $800, and I'm aiming for 70-80fps on new AAA games for the next few years.
5 Answers
You could grab the RX 9070 XT if you're only looking at living with some bottlenecking for a year or so. In the long run, it might be smarter to save up and get a new system instead of just piecemeal upgrades.
It really depends on your budget and gaming habits. Upgrading your CPU to a model like the 5600, 5600X, or even the 5800X would pair well with a new GPU. If you go for the RX 9070/9070 XT now, just be mindful of the bottleneck you'll encounter until you eventually upgrade your CPU. That said, there's significant performance to be gained from upgrading both over time.
If your 3060 has 12GB of VRAM, I'd suggest upgrading your CPU first. The 5700X3D would be a solid choice if you can find one, but keep in mind it might be tough to locate one at a reasonable price depending on where you are.
I'd go for the RX 9070 or 9070 XT if they fit your budget. If you can also snatch up a Ryzen 7 5700X for under $200, that pairing will definitely hit your FPS target at 1440p for quite a while without needing extra upgrades.
Consider getting either the 9070, 9070 XT, or RTX 5070 based on prices. You could also think about a $150 CPU upgrade later if you feel it necessary, but if you’re not playing competitively, sticking with the current CPU after getting a new GPU could work.
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