What upgrades would make this older gaming PC better for modern games?
Asked by
MellowCedar42
I have an older iBUYPOWER desktop that has barely been used: an i7-8700K, Z370 motherboard, GTX 1070, 16GB of DDR4 memory, a 1TB hard drive, a 240GB SSD, and Windows 10. I'd like to make it more suitable for current games and get the best performance for the money. Should I replace the graphics card, processor, or both? Will newer parts work with the existing motherboard and power supply, and what should I check before upgrading?
Answers
You may not need to change anything yet for 1080p gaming. This system should still run many current games if you lower settings, although newer demanding titles will expose the GTX 1070’s limits. If you want a major overall jump, selling the system and building or buying a newer PC could offer better value than replacing several parts.
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Check the power supply’s wattage, model, and available power connectors before choosing a graphics card. The PSU will determine which upgrades are safe and whether you need to replace it as well. Also make sure the new card physically fits in the case.
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The GTX 1070 is probably the first part to upgrade, especially if you want higher settings or a higher frame rate. The i7-8700K can still handle plenty of games, particularly at 1080p, so replacing the CPU and motherboard immediately may not be necessary. The best choice depends on the games, resolution, and performance target you have in mind.
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For a straightforward upgrade, keep the CPU, motherboard, and memory for now and put the budget toward the GPU. A used RTX 4060 or a faster card in that general range can be a reasonable option, but compare prices and confirm that the power supply can support it. Upgrade the PSU first if it is an old or low-quality unit.
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