Hi, I’ve got a fairly modest computer by today’s standard and I’m looking to upgrade the GPU and perhaps also the CPU. Mostly I use it for playing games and your other typical PC tasks, not much video editing and stuff of that sort. Mostly MMOs, sandbox games, RPGs, CRPGs and the occasional sim or 4X.
At the time I’m having a blast with Baldur’s Gate 3 (me and everyone else), and it runs fine (albeit with a fairly hot GPU topping out around 89 C, but ambient is around 35 tbf) on High settings. Only thing I noticed is some occasionally long turn times of enemies “thinking” during combat. Also been meaning to play Elden Ring but my PS5’s GPU died early in the game (just after console warranty expired), so I’m tempted to get it for PC.
Currently got:
- Asus Prime B450M-A
- Ryzen 5 2600X
- MSI RX 580 8GB
- Corsair DDR4 16 GB (2x8GB dual-channel) 3200 memory
- 650 W PSU
I think the biggest performance gain would come from upgrading the GPU. Where I had something like a 6700 XT (currently at 330 € here) in mind.
Is it nonsensical to also upgrade the CPU to a 5800X3D (currently 320 €) instead of just waiting a couple more years and going with whatever platform is current then? Not interested in buying all new memory nor a higher-rated PSU now. Thinking the mentioned CPU can squeeze at least five more years or so out of this motherboard before I need a bigger upgrade. Perhaps it would also help with turn times?
Probably around 150 € can be recouped by selling my old parts once I have flashed the BIOS and no longer need the old CPU.
I spent a lot upgrading my PC, but I ended up being so busy with other things that I really didn't have time to play it. The promise of better looking games and better VR performance excited me, but after it was all said and done, I hardly turn the thing on. For a whole month I just wanted to play on my Steam Deck, and even just these past two weeks, I haven't had time to do any gaming at all.
Maybe your situation is different, maybe not. But think about what your day to day life will be like after you buy it, rather than focusing on game fidelity.
You said you're saving up for a house. Moving is time consuming and stressful, it will likely be a month, 2 months of making arrangements. Will you have time to game?
Those are all fair considerations. My free time outside of work mostly consists of some housework, dog-related activities, and gaming. I honestly doubt it's going to change much until we can afford to finally buy a house, and children are out of the question for us. Even when the house-buying day comes it'll probably only be a brief disruption to our normal schedules for a few months before we settle back into the routine. Of course with the extras that come with keeping a house in a livable condition.