I'm in a bit of a pinch and could use some advice on updating my old PC to run some recent games. I built my PC about eight years ago with my dad, who has since passed away, so I'm not super knowledgeable about hardware. Up until now, everything was running great, but I recently tried to play FF7 Rebirth, and it wouldn't launch because my specs don't meet the requirements. I'm on a tight budget, and I'm wondering if I can just swap out my graphics card without risking my PC's future. My goal is to play newer games smoothly, even if it means lowering the graphics settings. My current setup includes an Intel i5-8600K, 16GB of RAM, a 233GB SSD, and a GTX 1070 Ti. I'm willing to spend up to 500 CAD for an upgrade. What do you think? Can I upgrade the GPU safely, and will it help? Also, if not, what budget options might I explore to make my whole system decent?
3 Answers
Totally feel you! It's tough nowadays to run new games on older hardware. Your PC should be able to handle FF7 Rebirth, but since it seems like ray tracing is a requirement, you'll want a newer GPU. Check out RTX cards starting from the 2000 series or AMD's RX 6000 series, but avoid lower models like the RX6500. The GTX 3060 or 6700XT could be solid picks for future-proofing you a bit more. Just keep in mind you might need to also check your power supply's wattage to avoid any issues when swapping cards.
You're in a tricky spot since your upgrade budget is about the same as what your current setup is worth. Upgrading to a new GPU that supports ray tracing might be the way to go, but remember to look for used options too. You could score a decent deal that way. I'd steer you towards something like the RTX 4060 Ti or RX 6700 for your budget. They'll give you a nice boost but still check your PSU to ensure it can handle the power draw.
Honestly, since you're already at the limit of what's possible with your current PC, an upgrade is definitely doable. Just focus on the GPU since that's the primary bottleneck right now – a new graphics card should let you run recent games without a hitch. I'd suggest something with at least 12GB of VRAM for better longevity. Look for a 3060 or a used higher-end option if you can find it!
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