Hey everyone,
I'm looking for some advice on whether I should just upgrade my GPU or go all in and build a whole new PC. I bought my current setup about 2 and a half years ago but I've come to realize it definitely hasn't lived up to the $1000 price tag. I think my GPU might be the bottleneck in my system, so I'm leaning towards just upgrading that instead of overhauling everything. My budget for the upgrade is around $300.
Here's a quick rundown of my specs:
- OS: Windows 11
- Motherboard: Asrock A520M/ac
- Memory: 16 GB (8.2 GB free at 3.6 GHz)
- Display: 1920 x 1080 - 32 Bit colors
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500
- GPU: AMD RX 6500-XT
Thanks for any help!
4 Answers
Honestly, it really depends on what you're trying to achieve. Given your budget, now isn't the best time to build a whole new PC, especially with the prices of components. Upgrading your GPU could give you a solid boost without needing to replace everything right now. You'll get decent performance out of your current setup with a better graphics card!
Why not just give me your old PC instead? I wouldn't mind a Ryzen 7 7800X3D! 😄
Think about it this way: upgrading your GPU doesn't have to be your only route. You could also look into getting an updated CPU like the 5800X3D if you find a good deal. Starting with the GPU is smart, and then you can decide if your CPU needs an upgrade later. Good luck!
That seems like a good option! I'll upgrade my GPU first and see how it goes from there.
You’re right to consider upgrading! You might want to update the BIOS on your ASRock A520M/ac motherboard to ensure it officially supports a higher-end Ryzen, like the 5 5600. For GPUs, the RX 6700 XT is a fantastic choice if you can snag it at a decent price—it really shines for 1080p gaming and comes with 12GB of VRAM!
A used RX 6700 XT sounds great and fits my budget, I might go for it, thanks!

I see, thank you for the insight!