Hey everyone! I built my PC some time ago without much knowledge and mostly went with the flow. I've learned a bit since then, but I could really use some advice on what to upgrade next. I primarily use my PC for gaming and editing photos/videos.
Here are my specs:
- **Motherboard:** Phantom Gaming B550
- **Processor:** Ryzen 5 3400G (I added a dedicated GPU later)
- **Graphics Card:** MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Ventus GP OC
- **RAM:** 16GB
- **Power Supply:** 500W (but I also have an 800W PSU I can use)
I've been facing a few issues:
- My CPU often hits close to 100% usage during gaming sessions, which isn't great.
- I've experienced freezing problems where the PC locks up while playing, requiring a hard restart.
- I've also had trouble waking the PC from sleep mode as it frequently freezes, leading me to restart using the power button.
- Previously, I tried using the 800W PSU and had a 'boot drive failure' message after waking from sleep. Switching back to the 500W PSU resolved that issue, but I'm left unsure about other potential problems.
Overall, the PC runs fine, but I want to ensure everything is optimal. Any suggestions on what I should upgrade or optimize? Thanks a bunch!
2 Answers
Sounds like you might be pushing that Ryzen 5 to its limits! Given your needs, an upgrade to a more powerful CPU will definitely help with those high usage spikes. Also, you might want to check your RAM usage while gaming; if you're close to maxing out your 16GB, consider adding more. As for the PSU issue, it seems like the Corsair RM850x had some stability issues; it might be worth replacing with a more consistent model if the problems persist.
I would recommend getting a modern CPU. If you update the BIOS on your motherboard, you could drop in an R7 5800X for around $140-150. For cooling, if you’re using the stock cooler from the R5 3400G, consider upgrading that too. A reliable thermal cooler like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 could do wonders for your temperatures. The wattage of your PSU shouldn't be a problem, but ensuring good quality is key. What PSU models are you currently using?
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