Hey everyone! I've built a PC using some used parts for about $300 mainly for drone simulations, which don't need much power. Lately, though, I've been playing Apex Legends quite a bit and I'm not satisfied with the performance. I'm getting around 80-90 fps on average, but it dips a lot on specific maps and during fights. My current setup includes an i7-4790 and a 1650 Super, and I'm gaming on a 3440 x 1440 160Hz monitor. I'd love to push for 144+ fps (160fps would be great but I'm not sure if that extra 16 fps is worth it) and I'm flexible with graphics settings. I'm wondering if I should prioritize upgrading my CPU and what kind of CPU would give me the best performance for my money. Also, will I need a new motherboard for that? And after the CPU, what GPU would give me the best value for gaming, especially since I'd like to play Battlefield 6 sometime in the future?
5 Answers
Honestly, your current CPU and motherboard are pretty much maxed out for that socket. If you're looking for a significant performance boost, upgrading your GPU is a must. The 1650 Super is going to struggle at a resolution like yours. I recommend looking into the RX 6800 XT—it'll really help improve your frame rates. For the CPU, if you decide to upgrade, consider the Ryzen 7600 with a B650 motherboard combo; it offers great performance for the price. Just remember, you'd also need to upgrade to DDR5 RAM with that.
You’ve already got the best CPU for your socket, so you’ll definitely need a new motherboard if you're looking to upgrade to a newer CPU. Plus, keep in mind that you’ll have to switch to DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. It really comes down to your budget—what do you have in mind?
A CPU upgrade is a good approach for boosting Apex performance, but your GPU is pretty dated too. Since you’ll need a new mobo for a CPU upgrade, it might be worth considering a whole systems overhaul. If you're looking for budget options, try to find deals on AM4 boards and processors, as they can provide solid performance. Alternatively, you could look for a bundle deal on an AM5 system to future-proof your setup.
Before making any moves, make sure your power supply can handle an upgraded GPU. A card like the RX 580 would be a great step up. Even a GTX 1070 would outperform your current setup. If power is a limitation, starting fresh with a new system might be the better route.
You're hitting the limits with that old setup. It was great back in the day, but now it's definitely causing a bottleneck. If you want an affordable upgrade path, check local marketplaces for used components. A decent AM4 motherboard with a Ryzen CPU combo could enhance your performance noticeably, and it’s still relevant for modern titles like BF6.
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