Hey everyone! I'm considering some upgrades for my current PC setup, but I'm debating whether it's worth it or if I should just go for a new build instead. Here are my current specs:
- **CPU**: Intel Core i5-6500 @ 3.20GHz
- **RAM**: 16GB
- **GPU**: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
I've got a budget of around $1000, and if I wait a few years, it could be closer to $2000. I mainly play games like World of Warcraft, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike, while also running Discord, YouTube, and Old School RuneScape on a second monitor. My PC runs decently, but I've noticed both my CPU and RAM are regularly maxed out according to the task manager. Should I just add more RAM or upgrade my CPU? Any insights or thoughts would be really helpful!
5 Answers
If you can reuse your case and power supply, consider getting an AMD combo with a GPU like the 9060XT and a decent AM5 CPU with 32GB RAM. You might find a solid option under $1000. If you're open to it, a used GPU like a 3060 Ti could also fit in your budget and give you a good performance boost.
If you're focusing on the games you're playing, I recommend upgrading your CPU first. Something like the AMD 7 or the 9000X3D is excellent for WoW. You'd be surprised at the fps gains with an upgrade like that. A 7600X or 7700X would also be solid and save you some cash.
Why not look for second-hand parts to upgrade your current setup if you're planning to build a new one soon? In Australia, I’ve seen GTX 1080s going for around $150 AUD. To figure out which part to upgrade, check your CPU and GPU utilization in-game. If your GPU is maxed out, consider upgrading that instead. Waiting for a $2000 build next year could also really enhance your performance and allow you to game at 1440p without any issues.
I think upgrading your CPU would be the best bet since your current one is quite outdated. Adding 32GB of RAM could help too, but it might not be essential for the games you're playing. Honestly, if you're spending money, upgrading the CPU should be your priority, then consider RAM next if you feel it's needed.
Honestly, for $1000, you're better off building a new rig. Your CPU and GPU are both aging, and upgrading one will just bottleneck the other. If you're in the US, check if you're near a Micro Center; they often have good deals on components.
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