I'm looking to upgrade my PC which currently has a 1060 6GB GPU, a Ryzen 5 2600X CPU, a B450M Bazooka Max Wifi motherboard, and 16GB (2x8) of Corsair Vengeance RAM running at 3200MHz. I built this system a while back, and I think it's time for an upgrade. I want to stick with DDR4 and avoid DDR5 and AM5 due to the high prices for RAM and compatibility issues with my current motherboard. My budget is under $500 for a CPU and GPU upgrade, and I'm likely to purchase used parts. Should I go for a B580 with a 5600X, or consider a 9060 XT? Should I choose 8GB or 16GB? Also, is upgrading to 32GB of RAM in a 4x8 quad-channel setup worth it? I've seen similar RAM on eBay for about $70. Any advice on how to approach this upgrade?
4 Answers
For under $500, check out this suggested build:
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT for $199
- Acer Nitro OC Arc B580 for $239.99
That totals about $438.99 and should work well together! If you can find the 9060 XT 16GB used, that would be even better. You might want to look into a used 4060 or 3070 as alternatives since they support DLSS, which is great for your resolutions!
Quad channel memory can be beneficial, and your existing RAM setup can support that. The 9060 XT would definitely outperform the B580, especially with a slower CPU like yours. Intel typically adds more CPU overhead. Just keep in mind what you're planning to play; the 9060 XT's performance will shine in gaming!
I wouldn't recommend the B580 unless your current motherboard supports resizable BAR. I've seen a significant performance boost once that feature was activated. If you can enable it, the B580 could be a solid pick!
I checked my motherboard specs, and it seems like it does support that. Should I definitely lean towards the B580 then?
With a BIOS update, your motherboard can support pretty much any AM4 processor. I'd say the 5600X is your best bet for value. For graphics, the 9060 XT 16GB is fantastic and often found for around $349—you should be able to snag both upgrades under $500.
Are you suggesting I might need a new power supply, too? And do PSUs come with thermal paste, or should I be looking to replace that separately?
Would the 5600X be enough to handle the overhead? And is it better to go for the 8GB version of the 9060 XT instead of the 16GB?