I'm looking to enhance my gaming PC's performance and tackle some serious issues I've been facing. For context, my download speeds on platforms like Steam and the RSI launcher are really slow. I'm not sure if it's my internet connection or something else, considering I have a wireless connection that runs at about 180mbps. Additionally, my Windows often crashes, getting stuck with a full disk in Task Manager, even though the Windows OS is on a relatively new SSD. I typically use my system for gaming, so here's what I have:
- Ryzen 5 3600
- RX 6650XT 8GB
- 16GB DDR4-3000 RAM
- Aorus B450M motherboard
- 500W PSU (model unknown)
- KingSpac NX512 Gen3x4 NVMe 512GB SSD
- PNY 500GB SATA HDD
- TP-Link wireless USB adapter (AC1300 or AC600)
- MSI G272CQP monitor
I don't believe I need to upgrade my GPU or CPU since they meet my needs, but I suspect my motherboard and Wi-Fi adapter might be bottlenecks. Would upgrading to an Aorus B550M motherboard help? I'm trying to improve overall performance or resolve the issues I mentioned without spending more than $150, ideally buying used components. What do you suggest?
3 Answers
The slow downloads are likely linked to your wireless adapter. Look for something based on the AX210 chip. The one you have isn't cutting it, and the upgrade could make a noticeable difference. As for the crashing issue, clarify if the disk is showing 100% usage or if it's full. Use a tool like CrystalDiskInfo to check your SSD's health.
I noticed my SSD hits 100% usage while installing games alongside other tasks, so it's a bit of a bottleneck too.
Yeah, SSDs can slow down a lot when they get filled past 80%. Plus, many USB Wi-Fi adapters aren’t reliable. You could definitely benefit from a PCIe AX210 card, which is much better than what you currently have! Also, keep an eye on your storage and consider getting more if needed.
Hey, first off, try not to get your SSD too full. It's recommended to keep at least 15-20% free to maintain speed. Your downloading issues could likely stem from the 180mbps wireless connection too. Have you thought about switching to a wired connection? That might help a lot with speed stability.
I checked, I still have about 40GB free on the SSD, so I'm not at risk of being full yet. But thanks for the tip!
I’ve heard that SSDs slow down significantly beyond 80% usage, especially if they lack DRAM. You might also want to look into freeing up some space.

I typically connect via the classic USB on the back of my case. Where should I connect this upgrade?