I've been using my PC for about seven years and have replaced almost everything except the motherboard. I'm not looking for top-tier performance, just aiming for 60fps at 1080p on medium to high settings. Recently, I've noticed it struggling with newer games. I'm planning to get a new CPU cooler since my current one sounds like a jet engine. Are there any upgrades I can make to keep my system running well, or should I save up for a completely new build? Here's my current setup: Motherboard - MSI B350M, CPU - Ryzen 5 5600, GPU - RTX 2070 Super, RAM - 32GB DDR4, Storage - 2TB NVME. My power supply is sufficient for the current hardware, but I'm not sure about future upgrades.
5 Answers
If your motherboard isn't a limitation, I'd prioritize the GPU upgrade. I recently upgraded to a 5070, and it's a massive leap from my previous 3070. I can now run games at 4K and 120fps, and the difference is unbelievable!
Upgrading to an X3D CPU and a newer GPU could be a great choice! You already have decent RAM, so that shouldn't hold you back. I switched from a 650W to a 1000W PSU, and now I feel more secure about upgrading my GPU whenever I want. For cooling, I recommend the Thermalright Peerless Assassin; it's affordable and keeps my CPU quiet and cool.
I think a GPU upgrade is the way to go! A solid graphics card can enhance your current build and will also be useful in a new one. Personally, I have a similar setup with a Radeon 6800, and I've had no issues running games at 1080p.
For your upgrade plan, definitely focus on the GPU. Set a clear budget and aim for at least a 4000 series card or its AMD equivalent. Just double-check compatibility with your motherboard and any necessary cables. Benchmark your set up before and after the upgrade to see the difference!
Totally relate to the Ship of Theseus! Consider getting the Thermalright Peerless Assassin for a quieter cooler, and maybe upgrade to a 5060 Ti with 16GB of VRAM. That should keep your system performing well for a while.

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