Consider building AdviceCPU and GPU upgrades?
Consider building AdviceCPU and GPU upgrades?
Hi all,
I hope you're all well.
I am looking to upgrade my computer soon (within the week hopefully) partially as I am concerned prices will continue to increase.
My main hope was to be able to play games like Helldivers 2 and Darktide at high (preferably the highest) graphics at 60FPS on 1080 (possibly moving onto 1440p in the future).
I don't need a monitor etc just to upgrade the computer components.
I currently have:
OS - Windows 10 (with extended security)
Mobo - B450 Tomhawk Max
CPU - AMD Ryzen 5 3600
GPU - AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
RAM - 16GB DDR 4
I was looking at potentially:
GPU - MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB or Sapphire Pure AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC, 16GB
https://www.currys.co.uk/products/m...ve...75127.html
and
https://www.amazon.co.uk/sapphire-techno...1b6e3d217f
respectively.
and
CPU - AMD Ryzensets 5 9600X Processor
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D6NN6...LKBN3JFF&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I was hoping to stick with just the GPU and CPU but I am getting conflicting information on whether they would be compatible with the mobo. If not, I would potentially upgrade to a B850 Tomahawk but I'm not sure if that would be compatible with the DDR4 RAM.
I am really hoping to avoid buying new RAM due to the current pricing. Is there a way for me to upgrade to those sorts of GPUs and CPU without upgrading the mobo or at least not having to buy new RAM.
Am in the UK and my budget would be £800-£1,000 max but aiming lower if at all possible.
Thanks all.
The processor won't fit directly onto the current motherboard because of the mismatch between AM4 and AM5 connectors. To use a 9600x processor, you'll need a B650 chipset motherboard with solid VRM design and a BIOS update. If you used a B850 chipset, you can skip the BIOS update but still require a good VRM setup for the 9000 series or newer processors.
You should avoid pairing DDR4 RAM with AM5 because the integrated memory controller in Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 series supports only DDR5. The best choice would be a Ryzen 7 5000 series processor, such as the 7800X3D or 5800X3D, if you can find one without high costs.
When connected to the motherboard, you can choose from this CPU selection.
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B450-TOM...upport#cpu
I noticed I could apply a BIOS update on some sites but not others, so I wanted to verify. What makes a good VRM design?
Understood. The 7800X3D appears quite costly but offers better performance in certain areas. The 5700X seems promising and should still function well at 1080p.
My RAM is Corsair VENGEANCE LPX DDR4, 16GB (2x8GB) at 3600MHz. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CORSAIR-VE...fo...2d5ad71bfe&th=1
The PSU is an EVGA SuperNOVA 750W, Gold model from 2015. It wasn’t always available with the 5700XT; previously it ran a 1650 Super and an R9 280. Now I see it’s quite outdated.
Appreciate the info!
I made a mistake, I thought it was the 7800X3D, but it's actually the 5800X3D.
For your PSU, you should replace it, check this option:
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product...ul...ry-ii-850w
Could do that too, or if you opt for a 5060ti or 9060xt in 16gb, I’d think the Ryzen 3600 would likely perform well. I believe especially at 1080p you’ll hit a CPU bottleneck with the 3600 at 1080p alongside a 9070. I imagine the same might apply to lower-end models too. As far as I recall, Helldivers 2 can be quite challenging.
Some games rely heavily on graphics capabilities, such as fast action shooters.
Others depend on CPU speed, like strategy, sims, and multiplayer games.
Multiplayer usually benefits from more threads.
Give yourself a chance to run this basic test:
Play your games while reducing resolution and visual effects.
This can put extra strain on your graphics card.
An increase in FPS suggests your CPU is powerful enough for better graphics settings.
If your FPS remains unchanged, it likely means your CPU is the limiting factor.
There are recent processor improvements available for your motherboard.
Before installing a new CPU, make sure to update your BIOS to the latest version.
For enhanced graphics, consider upgrading your power supply as well.
EVGA performed well in its era, but power supplies tend to lose efficiency over time.
I would consider a straightforward CPU upgrade to something like a 5700x, which is fairly affordable and would provide better performance compared to the 3600.
A recent look at the 5700x here:
View: https://youtu.be/RijAyVshtok?si=RDnWaLnUloWqGFA-
It still works well and remains a reasonably priced upgrade.
Next, I would invest in a GPU and PSU. Since you're on the B450 platform, I'd be cautious about any GPU with an x8 interface, as it might sacrifice some performance (the 5060ti is the main one here). However, personally I'd lean towards the 9070 or 5070 series if possible. The 9070 would be a good option if you can fit it within your budget, though for 1080p it might be a bit excessive but it would offer better longevity.