Consider upgrading your ASRock B450M motherboard to a newer model with better performance and features.
Consider upgrading your ASRock B450M motherboard to a newer model with better performance and features.
Current setup: processor Ryzen 5 3600, graphics 1660 Super Main, main SSD Crucial P5 Plus 1TB, secondary SSD 500GB Seagate Barracuda, RAM 16GB DDR4 3000MHz, Mobo ASRock B450.
This depends on your existing setup and how well your current graphics card is working in the games. Just like the motherboard, only upgrade when necessary. For example, if you already have an RTX 3060 and you’re achieving 100 FPS in X-Game at 1080p, consider upgrading if you plan to use a 1440p display or switch to Max settings while still maintaining 100 FPS.
The need for an upgrade clearly exists, with a solid reason behind it.
I'm honestly starting to think about it. My reasoning is that I should upgrade my PC since I've had it for two years, which feels like a really bad idea right now.
I appreciate the progress you're making with your thinking. Many people improve their systems when they aren't meeting their expectations, such as when games lag or streaming isn't smooth. If your setup is working for you, it's best to let it stay as is. For better performance and a more seamless experience, we can discuss options. Upgrading simply because your hardware is a few years old isn't usually necessary for most users, though some here struggle with older technology. My current rig (below) handles everything I need, and it's been around 4-5 years. I plan to pass it on to my son and replace it with a new one later this year.
Nope. Use paste when you see a big rise in heat. It's not about oil in a car, where you swap it every XXX months. Most pastes work well for years. Want more SSD room? What about your external gear?
Additionally, I believe upgrading my GPU or other components is necessary to achieve better performance.
Aiming for better visuals and smoother gameplay is the target. Budget plays a key role here. Consider upgrading to a higher resolution monitor and checking if it fits your needs. Expect performance gains, but be mindful of potential hardware changes required.