Hey everyone! I'm working with an older PC build that just isn't cutting it for gaming anymore. I've got a Biostar A320MH v6.7 motherboard, a GeForce GTX 1650, and a Ryzen 5 2600, plus I recently upgraded to 32GB of Corsair LPX RAM, which is the max my motherboard can handle. I'm looking to spend around $500 to boost my performance, but I'm a bit confused about where to start. I think my GPU might be the bottleneck since the 1650 has only 4GB of VRAM and I'm experiencing significant FPS drops in games. I'm considering an upgrade to something like an RX 9060 XT, but I'm not sure if my CPU can handle it. Should I just focus on one upgrade for now, or do I need to tackle both to see a real difference? I tried a bottleneck analyzer, but the results weren't clear, so I'd love some input from you all. Thanks!
3 Answers
Have you tried checking the GPU usage while gaming? If it's close to 100%, then upgrading your CPU won't really help. But if it's low, you have a CPU bottleneck. That said, with a GTX 1650 being so outdated, I think it’s best to focus on upgrading your GPU first. Ultimately, you might want to consider saving for a complete AM5 system build if you're planning long-term upgrades. An example could be something like the Ryzen 7600 paired with the RX 9060 XT.
I recommend using the site pc-builds.com for a good bottleneck calculator. It provides useful insights, and when I tested mine, it showed my old GPU was definitely the bottleneck. It’s interesting how it can predict performance relationships after maxing out settings! It seems like you’re facing a GPU bottleneck, which explains the FPS drops you're noticing.
That site is super helpful, thanks! I used it and confirmed my suspicions about the GPU being the issue.
If you're thinking about upgrading to something like the RX 9060 XT, you won't have a problem with your Ryzen 5 2600 as long as your BIOS is updated. However, I would suggest looking into getting a used GPU in the 6700XT range instead if you can find it for around $200. If the RX 9060 XT is within your budget, go for it! Just make sure your BIOS is current on your motherboard.
Thanks for the clarification! I updated my post after realizing I mixed up the parts. Appreciate it!
I checked the usage, and it fluctuates between 70-100% for the GPU, while the CPU is around 40-60%. Sounds like upgrading both will be necessary, but I guess I’ll need to stash some cash for that!