I built my gaming PC back in 2014, and while it's still decent for basic tasks and older games, I'm starting to worry about it not holding up. These days, I mostly game on my PS5, Switch, or Steam Deck, so I'm not really interested in a complete overhaul. I want to know the cheapest upgrade options that will still allow me to play older games in 1080p without running into major issues. Here are my current specs:
- Motherboard: MS-7921
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4690 (4 CPUs, ~3.5GHz)
- RAM: 32 GB DDR3
- OS: Windows 10
- GPU: Nvidia 970 GTX
- Boot Drive: SSD
- PSU: EVGA NEX 650
3 Answers
If you really don't want to spend much, just remember that you could look at getting a used GPU like a non-TI 1080 or a 5600XT; whatever you can find for a good price. Though, keep in mind the 1660Ti might not give you the upgrade you're hoping for, given your current setup.
Upgrading to a used Nvidia 2060 would give you a solid boost in performance without breaking the bank. It's a great option if you want to stick with older titles at 1080p.
Honestly, you might just want to embrace the idea that it’s time to retire this setup. If you want to squeeze more life out of it, then yes, a 2060 is your best bet. Just keep in mind that Nvidia is cutting ties on game-ready drivers for Windows 10 pretty soon, so you'll need to be careful about that.
Yeah, I've heard about that. I guess I should also consider what I’ll do once support ends!
True! Any slight improvement would help while still keeping costs low.