Hey everyone! I built my PC about 11 years ago and it's been solid so far, but I'm looking to upgrade to Windows 11 and improve performance for CPU-heavy games like CK3, EU4, and Football Manager. I've put together a new parts list based on my research, but I'd like some advice on compatibility and whether these components will work well together. My current plan is to stick with my old GPU, a GTX 980, at least for now, since it should handle my games without causing a bottleneck. I've also opted for a new 4TB SSD to replace my old 120GB drive, which has been a real pain. I want to ensure that my build is ready for a future GPU upgrade, so I've chosen a solid power supply and a new case, while reusing some fans from my old setup. Do you think these parts are compatible? Will they give me a nice boost in gameplay?
2 Answers
I think you're overdoing it a bit with the motherboard! You could save around £200 by going for something simpler like the MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX. And that 4TB SSD? It seems like overkill to me. You could grab a 990 Pro for about £260, which is still fast but much cheaper. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more than adequate for gaming.
Honestly, you don't need to spend that much on your CPU cooler either. A Thermalright Phantom Spirit cooler will do the job just as effectively for about a third of the price. Look into something like the MSI X870 GAMING PLUS WIFI for the motherboard. And that SSD price is wild! The Crucial T500 offers great speeds for much less. With all that saved cash, you might even snag a RX 9600 XT, which would be a big improvement.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely switch to a PCIe 4.0 SSD and reconsider the motherboard. Didn't realize those options were available!
That’s a solid point! Saving money on the motherboard can really help when you're ready to upgrade that GPU later on.