I recently upgraded my PC with a new GPU, specifically an NVIDIA GeFORCE RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6, but I'm still experiencing low FPS while gaming. As an engineering student who enjoys playing high-end survival games, I've noticed that my CPU tends to max out during gameplay, and I've got some serious lag when multitasking—like when I open too many Chrome tabs or work on CAD software. My RAM and disk drive also seem to be struggling, causing slowdowns. I'm considering upgrading my CPU next, but I'm a bit lost on how to assess if that's the right move, or whether I need to upgrade other components too. I've seen prices for CPUs, RAM, and SSDs skyrocketing recently, and I really want to make informed choices moving forward. I'd also appreciate recommendations for articles or YouTube channels that can help me understand more about PC specs, especially terms I don't grasp yet, like "thread counts" for CPUs.
2 Answers
Definitely agree with TechSavvy101! Your system sounds like it's a bit undersized for what you're trying to do. I suggest upgrading your RAM first, for sure, as that will help with multitasking and CAD work. When it comes to understanding components, a YouTube channel like 'Linus Tech Tips' is a goldmine for beginners. They break things down really well!
It sounds like your current setup could definitely use some upgrades. Your CPU is a bit on the weaker side for CAD work, and with only 16GB of RAM, that's likely bottlenecking your performance too. For AutoCAD and similar applications, 32GB is recommended, and if you're doing more complex tasks, 64GB would be even better. Upgrading your RAM and CPU should be your first steps. You’ve got a solid GPU, so that’s good!
I hear you! I’m also trying to figure out my PC upgrades. What resources have you found helpful to understand all these specs better?

Absolutely! Linus Tech Tips helped me a lot too. Don’t feel bad about being a beginner; everyone starts somewhere! Any particular tech terms you're confused about?