Hey everyone! I just got this computer for free and I'm looking to upgrade it a bit for gaming. I think I'm facing a CPU bottleneck, but I'm not sure how much I can improve without replacing the motherboard. Here are the specs:
- Motherboard: HP 8308
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (I'm thinking about upgrading to a 2000 series)
- CPU: Intel i7 7700
- RAM: 16GB
- PSU: 500W
I mainly play games like Valorant, open world RPGs like Cyberpunk and Horizon Forbidden West, and Escape from Tarkov. I could use a bit more power but I'm unsure what upgrades to prioritize. Any suggestions? Thanks!
2 Answers
Your CPU might struggle with AAA games since it's one of the best options for your motherboard. If you're on a tight budget, consider a Ryzen 5 5500 with a B450 motherboard, which you can grab for around $150. If you can spend a bit more, a Ryzen 7 5800XT with a B550 at about $250 would give you a nice boost without breaking the bank.
For a solid upgrade, I recommend looking into an RTX 3060 12GB. It should pair well with your setup, though you'll need to check if your motherboard can handle it. Also, keep in mind the physical space in your case for a larger GPU!
I've been reading that the size might be an issue for the 3060, so it's worth double-checking dimensions before buying.
I could see myself investing around $500-$700 for a good upgrade. I'm just hesitant to mess with the motherboard if I don’t have to. Thanks for the advice!