I've been out of the loop with PC builds and I'm contemplating whether it's better to start fresh or if I can just upgrade my current setup. My PC is a bit dated since I built it when RTX cards were first released, but it still handles most games okay. I do notice I have to tweak settings to low for some games, and my FPS can dip. Currently, I mainly play Arma: Reforger, and I also enjoy games like Ark and Rust, so I need something that can perform well. While I have a flexible budget, I'd prefer not to overspend—ideally, I'm considering just getting a new GPU and adding 16GB of RAM. Here are my current specs:
- iCUE 465X RGB Glass Tower
- RTX 2080 SUPER X TRIO
- AMD Ryzen 3700x
- MSI MPG x570 Wifi
- 1TB Samsung 970 EVO plus m.2 SSD
- ThermalTake Smart RGB 700W
- 16GB Corsair Vengeance
- 1TB Hard Drive
What do you think? Should I start all over or can I just upgrade a couple of parts and be good? If upgrades are the way to go, what should I look to replace?
4 Answers
Given the current market trends, building a new PC might not be the best choice right now due to rising prices for components. Instead, focusing on an AM4 processor could yield good results. The X570 chipset you have is still great. Consider something like a 5700X for a good upgrade. And getting another 16GB stick of RAM will help a lot with dual-channel performance!
If you're satisfied with your current games, I'd recommend switching to the Zen 3 line. You don't need to go for the X3D models unless you find a good deal. A Ryzen 5600X should perform well without breaking the bank. Just keep an eye out for prices and availability!
So you're saying I should prioritize the CPU upgrade over anything else?
If gaming is your main concern, consider upgrading your CPU instead of just focusing on more RAM. Boosting your CPU can really impact your FPS, while RAM won't necessarily give you a noticeable increase in performance unless you're multitasking a lot. With your budget, you could invest about $300 into a new CPU and about $700 into a new GPU. Keep an eye out for deals since prices are climbing. Definitely check what's available locally!
Thanks for the advice! Will my motherboard support these upgrades, or will I need a new one?
Adding a new GPU and some RAM sounds like a solid plan, but I'd also suggest upgrading your CPU to the next generation. Just make sure to update your motherboard's BIOS. As for your PSU, the Thermaltake Smart RGB is decent but not the highest quality, so it might be worth considering replacing that for peace of mind. Here's a part list to browse through: (link)
Thanks for the part list, super helpful! I'll hold off on the PSU for now since it was pretty cheap.
Should I just hang tight with my current build and wait for prices to dip a bit? I keep hearing about focusing on the CPU!