I built my PC around 2016 and have already replaced a few parts, including the motherboard. I'm considering upgrading from 16GB to 32GB of RAM, but I'm unsure whether replacing my GTX 1070 is worthwhile too.
The most demanding games I currently play are Baldur's Gate 3 and Deadlock, and I don't expect to play many newer AAA titles soon. I also do some photo editing and usually have Discord or a YouTube video open on a second monitor.
My current system includes an Intel Core i5-9400F, 16GB of RAM, and a GTX 1070. I'd like to reuse the current system for my partner eventually, so I'm not necessarily in a rush. My preferred budget for a graphics card is under $600, with European retailers preferred, though US pricing is also useful.
Would upgrading the RAM alone make more sense for now, or would a newer GPU provide a worthwhile improvement? Should I wait and save for a complete platform upgrade instead?
5 Answers
Going from 16GB to 32GB is useful for multitasking, photo editing, and avoiding memory pressure in newer games, but it won’t directly increase GPU performance. If your system is using most of its RAM or stuttering when several programs are open, upgrade the RAM first; otherwise, keep saving and replace the platform and graphics card together later.
If you do want a new GPU under roughly €600, a card in the RTX 5070 range may fit depending on local pricing. A 16GB Radeon RX 9060 XT around €400–€500 would also be a large step up from the 1070 and offer plenty of VRAM. Compare current retailer prices carefully, since pricing changes a lot.
Since you aren’t focused on modern AAA games, keeping the GTX 1070 for a while is perfectly reasonable. GPU and RAM prices are currently unpleasant, so upgrading only when you actually run into performance problems may be the best move. Your i5-9400F is also old enough that a future full-system upgrade could make more sense than investing heavily in this platform.
Your i5-9400F matters here. It can limit the benefit of a much faster graphics card in some games, especially at lower resolutions or high frame rates. Before choosing a GPU, check whether your current CPU or GPU is reaching full usage while playing. If the CPU is already holding things back, saving for a broader upgrade would be wiser.
A used graphics card could be a sensible middle ground. Cards such as an RTX 2070 or RTX 3070 would be noticeable upgrades over the GTX 1070, and a used RTX 4060 would also provide a modest improvement. Just check the card’s condition, power requirements, and warranty before buying.
That may honestly be the plan. I appreciate the advice.