Check for any delays or restrictions in your process. Your system may be nearing its capacity.
Check for any delays or restrictions in your process. Your system may be nearing its capacity.
I started my first build a couple of years ago. Recently I’ve seen some games struggle even at lower settings, like Dune:Awakening. It sometimes crashes, likely because of the CPU. What’s causing this? Is there a single part limiting performance? Your setup looks solid: a mid-range Ryzen 3, decent cooler, good RAM, and a powerful GPU. If you want better performance without spending too much, consider swapping the GPU or adding more RAM. A new build could work if you need a big jump, but upgrading parts is often more cost-effective.
The game needs an 8-core CPU to function properly, yet it seems to fail even on a 4-core setup despite the minimum requirements. Reviews and Steam feedback confirm this instability, along with many other complaints. It appears the game is often unreliable, and it’s not uncommon for it to crash or behave poorly. You’ll find a decent build here, but the RYEN 5600 is selling for around $80 in the US—great value. Pair it with a budget thermal tower cooler to ensure proper cooling. Beyond that, this machine was built affordably, with noticeable cost reductions throughout the process. The low-power PSU also caps GPU upgrades, and temperatures during gameplay are quite high due to poor airflow. A stock cooler won’t suffice even for a 3200G, making performance a real concern.
They mentioned you can reuse the motherboard. The CPU, GPU, and power supply are all upgradable. A larger power supply is necessary—400 watts is quite limited. It makes sense to upgrade the power supply and GPU first. Once you have enough funds, add a new CPU and install a cooler for it. You might also consider adding 32 GB of RAM later if desired. If you prefer not to make all changes at once, spread the expenses over time for a gradual upgrade. The AM4 platform offers many modern affordable and high-quality CPU choices.
What financial plan are you considering? A CPU replacement seems like the most logical choice. For a new CPU on AM4 in the US, the top picks right now are the R5 5500 at $75, R5 5600 at $125, and R7 5700X at $155. Each offers a substantial upgrade over the 2200G. The decision hinges on your budget. To stay economical, you can maintain your existing cooler and power supply. Currently, all these models support up to 88W, which should work with your existing cooler and a 400W PSU. You might want to test the CPU upgrade first to gauge performance. If results aren’t satisfactory, you’ll need to consider a GPU and PSU upgrade, as 400W may not suffice for high-end options like the 9060XT 16GB or 5060Ti 16GB.
Thanks for your responses! This confirms my thought that an upgrade isn't just about one component. Since this was my first PC build, I think a fresh start makes more sense. I plan to use an R5 7500F and an 9060 XT 16Gb, which should deliver the performance I need for the Sands of Arrakis. The only decision left is picking a 27-inch monitor. Appreciate your input!
It's closer to a 10-year build than 2 years. The 2200g is quite weak, but you can upgrade to something like 5600 or higher. You could also switch the GPU to a model such as the 3060.
You need to upgrade quickly! The 5600 works but I’d wait for a sale and pick up a 5700. I’ve noticed Amazon listings where it’s around $120 to $130. It isn’t helping you much, but a stronger CPU would be better. A budget option could be the 2080 Super, which I’ve seen for $200–$220 on eBay, or the 3070 at about $270. If you’re looking to buy new, you might find a good deal on an RX 7600 (about $200) or a 9060XT with 16GB for $380.