I'm looking to upgrade my PC but unsure what component to tackle first. My budget is around $1000 max, and I play a variety of games like Baldur's Gate, Elden Ring, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals. My main goals are to improve load times and FPS without compromising on graphics. I occasionally stream, but I've had to stick with less demanding games due to my PC's limitations.
Here are my current specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400F
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4 GB)
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 932 GB HDD and 239 GB SSD
- Motherboard: B460M Pro4S/ac
I don't have much technical expertise, so any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
In addition to the GPU, look into upgrading your storage. Your current SSD is on the smaller side, so consider replacing your HDD with a larger SSD—like a 1TB model. This will greatly reduce loading times, especially for your favorite games, so they're ready to go quicker!
I’d recommend starting by upgrading your GPU for a significant boost in FPS. The GTX 1650 is pretty limited, so something like a 5060 Ti would work well for you, especially at 1080p. Just keep in mind that a new GPU might require more power, so check your PSU wattage before making a purchase. If you want high settings in AAA games, you might need to stretch your budget a bit to get a better card.
Thanks for the tip! Any recommendations for specific GPUs?
You might also consider adding more RAM, but 16 GB should be fine for now. If you're looking for a future-proof setup, going to 32 GB could be beneficial, but it's not crucial at the moment.

Great idea! I’ll definitely think about swapping for an SSD.