I'm looking for some advice on which component to upgrade next on my PC. I've built PCs before, but I wouldn't say I'm an expert. Right now, I have an i5-12600K and an RX 6600XT. I'm trying to figure out if I'm bottlenecking with my CPU or my GPU. What do you think?
5 Answers
Honestly, a simple case upgrade could give you better airflow, but if you're asking about CPU vs GPU, definitely look at upgrading the GPU first. The 12600K should still hold up well in most scenarios!
Your CPU is pretty solid, especially if you game at higher resolutions. Upgrading to a more powerful GPU would likely give you the best boost in performance. But keep in mind, the bottleneck can vary based on the game and settings, so that’s something to consider!
Most folks seem to agree that upgrading your GPU might be the way to go. The RX 6600XT is decent, but depending on what games you play or how you run them, it could be holding you back a bit. Consider something like a 3060 or similar if you're looking for a solid improvement!
If I were you, I'd focus on the GPU too. It's where most of the improvement will come from. Just remember, each game handles things differently, so check how your current setup is performing with the games you like before making a choice!
Some people suggest looking at your entire system to see what you can upgrade, but in your case, it seems like the GPU is the bottleneck for many users. Just be sure to match it well with whatever new GPU you choose!

Thanks for the insight!