I'm looking for some advice on whether to upgrade my current PC or just build a new one altogether. My PC is around 6 years old and the specs are as follows: an Intel i5-10400 CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads, a GTX 1650 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD plus a 400GB HDD, running Windows 11. I have a 144Hz monitor, which is really important to me since I want to maintain over 144 FPS, especially in competitive games. Lately, my PC has been feeling sluggish. I'm mainly playing games like Crimson Desert, Elden Ring, and Valorant, and I want good performance at 1080p or even 1440p with high settings. I know my CPU and RAM are decent, but I'm concerned my GPU is holding me back. I'm considering a few options: should I just upgrade the GPU (like to an RTX 3060 or 4060) and maybe clean up Windows, or is it smarter to build a new system altogether? If I do upgrade the GPU, will my i5-10400 cause a bottleneck? Also, what are the best value parts I should consider for my needs right now? My budget is flexible, but I'm aiming for the best value to ensure smooth gaming performance.
6 Answers
Keep in mind that you'll need a decent monitor for 1440p gaming. If your motherboard supports it, consider getting an 11th-gen processor. With a GTX 3060, you should be able to hit 60+ fps on high settings for most AAA games at 1080p.
I recommend trying out the GPU upgrade first. With a good graphics card, my old setup gets close to 144 Hz in competitive games. Consider going for a used 3060 Ti; you can often find them for under $200. Just remember, some games may not run at max settings without a pricier card.
Make sure not to buy a B580 mobo! If you have a decent budget, maybe 3-4k, consider a full build. For smaller budgets, your current rig can be upgraded somewhat with a GPU like the 3060, plus make sure you have enough RAM. My system struggles with Minecraft shaders but does fine on regular settings, so be cautious there.
Definitely go for the GPU upgrade first. Look up some bottleneck calculators online to check if your CPU will be a limiting factor. I think you'll find it’s manageable for now!
Starting with a GPU upgrade seems like the best move. Your current CPU might bottleneck newer graphics cards a bit, but it's not a dealbreaker. You can always use that upgraded GPU in a full rebuild later if you choose to go that route.
It's not the greatest time to buy components with prices being high, particularly for RAM and SSDs right now. But if you can wait, that might help!
True, but keep an eye on the VRAM! Some of the newer titles really push those limits, so be prepared for some compromises on settings.