I built my PC nearly ten years ago and have only changed the storage and heatsink since then. While I've been able to run most new games surprisingly well, I've recently encountered some performance issues, especially with Oblivion Remastered telling me my system doesn't meet the recommended specs. Luckily, I can still play it on medium settings, but I'm starting to feel ready for an upgrade, especially with Borderlands 4 coming out. I'm open to overhauling my setup, but my budget is limited so I'll likely do it in stages. Here are my current specs: Intel Core i5-6500, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, ASUS H170 Pro Gaming Motherboard, 2TB SSD, and CoolerMaster HAF 912 Tower Chasis. My keyboard and mouse are fine, and I might upgrade my monitor later. I assume upgrading the CPU and GPU is the way to go, but I want to confirm if they'll be compatible with my motherboard or if I need to replace that too. Also, I know I did a sloppy clone from my old HDD to the SSD, and I'm wondering if that's something I need to worry about. Any advice?
2 Answers
It's likely that you'll need to replace your CPU, motherboard, and potentially RAM all at once, especially since they often work in tandem. You can upgrade your GPU separately, though. Generally speaking, you're looking at about $500 to $1,200 for a decent upgrade depending on how extensive you want to go.
Honestly, given the age of your components, I'd suggest keeping the SSD and chassis and replacing everything else. It's a more effective strategy considering your needs. If you’ve got around $500 to start with, we can definitely help you figure out the best components. What region are you in?
I'm in the US, and I can handle about $500 now, with possibly another $700 down the line.