I built my PC back in 2017, and while it was great for its budget at the time, I find that I can't run every game at maximum settings anymore. However, it still performs well enough that I haven't been too upset about it. Now that I have a bit more money to spend, I want to make some upgrades that will keep my setup viable for another 5+ years, especially with Cyber Monday approaching. Here's my current setup: [link to the specs].
I'm considering upgrading my CPU, memory, storage, and video card. The tower, monitor, motherboard, power supply, and fans seem fine. Just to add, I don't really do intensive tasks like video editing or running virtual machines, but I often have multiple applications open (like Discord, Chrome, and Spotify) while gaming. I'd appreciate suggestions on brands, specific parts, or any baseline specs that would be good for my needs.
3 Answers
If you’re running multiple applications while gaming, upgrading your RAM can make a significant difference. Look for options around 16GB or even 32GB, especially since RAM prices have fluctuated quite a bit lately due to high demand. You might also want to consider switching to a 1440p monitor if you haven't already for a better gaming experience. For your CPU, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a solid choice - a step up from the Ryzen 5 2600 you currently have.
Upgrading your storage to an NVMe SSD will really boost your system's performance. I recommend the Samsung 970 Evo Plus for reliability and speed. And if you need more space, consider a 2TB drive like the Lexar Professional NM800PRO, which is quite affordable right now. This combination should handle all your gaming needs while keeping loading times low.
Great suggestion! I definitely need more storage, especially since I use a lot of mods. I'll look into those SSDs.
You're on the right track with your research! Definitely upgrade your monitor if you haven’t yet. A 1440p monitor will let you take full advantage of the new graphics card as well. It’s also a great investment in the long run, especially for gaming.
I appreciate the tips! I’ll start looking into monitors and put together a nice upgrade list.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely check out the Ryzen 5 5600. I was wondering, how much of an improvement will I really notice compared to my current CPU?