I'm trying to figure out which component to upgrade in my PC first. Here's what I currently have:
- CPU: I5 9400F
- Motherboard: MSI B360M VD Pro (which only supports RAM speeds up to 2666MHz)
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 3200MHz
- GPU: RX 580
- Power Supply: Sama 500W 80+
- Case: Cooler Master
I have a budget of around $150 and I'm aiming for something that will help future-proof my system. What should I prioritize upgrading?
2 Answers
Honestly, your CPU is holding you back a bit, and while it's on the higher end of your budget, going for the i9-9900K would really improve multitasking and overall speed. Just be aware that it might be a tight fit in your current setup, depending on cooling.
First off, it would help to know what tasks you plan to tackle, but with a $150 budget, your best bet might be to look for a second-hand i9-9900K CPU. It fits your current socket, and handily boosts performance without breaking the bank. Just keep an eye on local listings!
If we're thinking about the best mid-range option, I'd say consider upgrading the GPU. The RX 580 is getting a bit dated, and moving to something like a GTX 1660 or an RTX 2060 could give you a solid performance bump, especially for gaming.
How much of a difference would there be in performance between the i9 and just getting a better GPU like the 1660? I want to make the most of my budget.