Debating how much to spend/what to buy to upgrade my pc
Debating how much to spend/what to buy to upgrade my pc
I’m looking for advice on upgrading my gaming PC for streaming and content creation, specifically aiming for smoother gameplay in demanding titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and occasional VR streaming with my HTC Vive. My current system includes an Intel Core i5-6600K processor (3.5GHz), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB GDDR5), 16GB RAM, a 480GB SSD, Windows 10 Home, and an Asus Z170A motherboard. I stream frequently (500+ hours) and also dabble in video editing and photography.
I’m considering a significant upgrade with either the Ryzen 9 3900X or i9-9900KS processor paired with a 2070 Super or better graphics card, but I'm concerned about overspending. I’d like to improve frame rates in games and eliminate occasional drops, particularly in titles like League of Legends. I also want to be able to stream and potentially use my HTC Vive for VR streaming at some point. Given Cyber Monday and upcoming holiday sales, I’m hoping to find a good deal on parts. My system specs are:
* **Processor:** Intel Core i5-6600K Processor 3.5GHz
* **Graphics Card:** NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5
* **RAM:** 16GB
* **Storage:** 480GB SSD
* **Operating System:** Microsoft Windows 10 Home
* **Optical Drive:** Asus 24x DVDRW
* **Connectivity:** Multi-in-One Memory Card Reader, 10/100/1000 Network, 802.11b/g/n Wireless
* **Motherboard:** MSI Z170A PC Mate Motherboard
I’m aware my current system can handle these tasks but experiences frame drops even in less demanding games like League of Legends.
Here’s a rewritten version of the text, aiming for clarity and flow:
“Let's explore upgrading your system. If you’re currently running a GTX 1070, you’ll likely want to consider an RTX 2070 or similar – perhaps even an RTX 2060 – for a noticeable performance increase. You also have the option of overclocking your existing CPU; with a good cooler, you could potentially boost it to 4.2-4.5 GHz, providing a moderate speed improvement.
For streaming and multitasking, a Ryzen processor offers advantages due to its greater core count and generally lower motherboard costs. It’s worth considering if you're prioritizing those features.”
The GTX 1070 is a solid card, but upgrading to an RTX 2070 or RTX 2060 offers similar performance. Overclocking your current CPU can provide a moderate boost. Ryzen processors are generally cheaper for streaming and multitasking due to their more CPU cores and lower motherboard costs. The 3900x is overkill; the 3700x still provides 16 threads, offering a good performance increase without excessive cost. Intel’s 9900k/9900ks are fast but require significant cooling and expensive motherboards – overclocking is key to maximizing their potential. For 1080p gaming, the RTX 2070 Super will easily achieve 60fps in most games. If you're aiming for higher frame rates at 1440p or 1080p, Intel’s recommendations might be beneficial, but they come with increased costs. To simplify, a 3700x paired with an X570 motherboard and potentially upgrading your memory to 3200MHz would provide a good balance of performance and value.
To rephrase this text with different words:
Upgrading your computer setup involves considering several key components. First, think about the resolution you're gaming at – if it's 1080p, sticking with your current graphics card and focusing on improving your processor, motherboard, and RAM is a good strategy. For smoother gameplay and streaming, I’d suggest a CPU like an AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7. If you want a system that could last for several years without needing major upgrades, consider the Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 series. The Ryzen 9000X is a solid choice, while the 3900X offers excellent performance and longevity. Alternatively, a high-end Intel processor like the 9900k remains a great option, particularly if you already have compatible RAM. When choosing between AMD and Intel, consider that AMD’s Ryzen processors often benefit from faster RAM speeds – around 3600MHz with low latency – which can further enhance performance. Investing in a motherboard with PCIe 4.0 support and Wi-Fi 6 is also advisable for future compatibility and speed.
Ooh thank you both very much, both recommending the 3700x is great to know, I do have a 240hz monitor and that slipped my mind before posting this. I'm fine with spending around $1500 because I know I will use it every single day but i'd rather not spend that much unless I sell my current rig or at least pieces of it.
The system’s power supply unit (PSU) is a critical component that provides stable electricity to your computer. Choosing the right PSU can prevent issues such as instability, overheating, and potential damage to your components.
When selecting a PSU for a graphics card like the RTX 3070 or RTX 2070, consider its wattage requirements. The RTX 3070 typically needs around 550W of total system power, while the RTX 2070 requires approximately 550W total system power vs. 500w for the 1070. This is because GPUs draw significant amounts of power under load.
A lower-quality PSU can lead to problems like GPU throttling (where the graphics card reduces its performance to avoid overheating) and instability. It’s better to err on the side of having a bit more wattage than you need, especially if you plan to upgrade your system in the future.
For optimal performance and stability, aim for a PSU with at least 600-650W from a reputable brand. Look for PSUs with an efficiency rating of Gold or higher (80+ Gold is common) as this indicates better energy efficiency and reduced heat generation. A Platinum rated PSU will be even more efficient.
When researching PSUs, don't just rely on basic ratings. Read detailed reviews and look at efficiency charts provided by testing websites like JonnyGURU to assess the PSU’s performance under different loads. JonnyGurus testing reveals a lot about the quality of the PSU and how efficiently it operates.
A good quality PSU can significantly improve your system's reliability, longevity, and overall performance. It's worth investing in a reliable unit rather than skimping on this vital component.
Thank you Frag I figured my PSU was one of the biggest things they cheaped out on when making it
Yeah I would advise the same with the PSU. I prefer Seasonic Focus Gold. As far as watts, depends where you are looking at going with a GPU. 650 is a decent amount and will be plenty for almost everyone. 750 doesn’t hurt if you don’t mind the small price jump and will handle any GPU you decide to get.
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This discussion centers around PC power supplies and their ratings. It highlights a discrepancy in how MicroCenter lists PSUs – specifically, they often only state an 80 Plus rating without specifying the tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). This is concerning because it could mean a PSU isn’t truly delivering optimal performance, especially with high-end components like a 316 build with a 2070 GPU.
The key issue revolves around PowerSpec Gold rated units. While MicroCenter does sell them, they aren't prominently advertised or recognized within the build descriptions. This leaves potential buyers unaware of a higher-efficiency PSU option compared to their standard 80 Plus White rated offerings. The lack of specific wattage ratings for lower-end PSUs (like the 500w unit) adds further uncertainty – it might not even meet Bronze standards, potentially limiting performance.
Comparing this to other brands like SeaSonic and PowerSpec, a Gold-rated PSU offers better efficiency and a longer warranty (typically 2 years versus the standard 80 Plus White). However, MicroCenter’s approach – primarily highlighting 80 Plus White without specifying the tier – can mislead consumers into thinking they're getting a higher-quality unit. It’s important to verify the actual PSU rating before purchasing, especially when building a system with demanding components.