How can I upgrade my 2016 build?
How can I upgrade my 2016 build?
Hey there, I’m planning to refresh my system around the end of this year. I’m aiming to keep costs low by not replacing much hardware. I mostly use the machine for sound processing in Ableton occasionally, and it’s just a hobby. I’m open to suggestions, as my budget is limited but I’d like to tweak things to adjust the pricing.
I’m considering a few changes: I could switch the CPU to something cheaper yet with similar performance. I’ve got a 1080p monitor and haven’t thought about swapping it just yet—I really enjoy it but will likely upgrade to 2K soon.
I’ve already marked the parts I’d like to change. Here’s what I’m thinking:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor
CPU Cooler:
Noctua NH-D14 64.95 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B660M DS3H AX DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
($39.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Samsung 850 Evo 500 GB 2.5" SSD
Storage:
Corsair MP510 960 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME
($65.98 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Western Digital Blue 2 TB 3.5" HDD
Video Card:
PNY XLR8 Gaming VERTO EPIC-X RGB GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB
($1099.99 @ B&H)
Case:
Corsair Vengeance C70 ATX Mid Tower
Power Supply:
SeaSonic FOCUS Plus 650 Gold 650 W (80+ Gold Certified)
($132.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1813.51
Includes shipping, taxes, and any available discounts.
I’m open to adjusting other components later—maybe in a year or two. Right now, the PSU has served me well for years.
Let me know your thoughts!
I would choose a brand new PSU when the opportunity to purchase your components arises. Your build can handle 1440p without any problems, but you're missing out on potential gains when downgrading to 1080p.
If you're using a K suffix processor, opt for a Z series chipset. For a B series processor, it's better to switch to a non-K suffix processor.
By the end of the month, prices will likely drop significantly. I would really think about switching to DDR5 if you're upgrading to a new processor.
As for motherboard, something like this?
ASUS PRIME Z690-A Intel Z690 Soket 1700 DDR5
Also do you have any other recommendations?
I will set price alarms and keep the price chart updated till I secure some funds. I want K processor to utilize overclocking capabilities
About the PSU, it really bogs down my price budget. Would it cause too much headache if I kept this PSU, and maybe I can upgrade it a bit later on? I will eventually go for 1440p soon after I have this built set up.
During the inflation in my country, it is more advantageous for me to purchase it as soon as possible at the initial price reductions. The hardware prices will never fall here, but there are occasional flash sales offering discounted rates, which is why I am focusing on what to aim for.
Overclocking a 13600K offers minimal benefit. It might be worth considering it for hobbyist or experimental purposes instead of performance gains.
For non-K options, you're unlikely to find a 13600; they are mostly limited to OEM pre-built boards. You may want to look at the 13500 or 13700 instead.
If the 13700 is too costly, I wouldn't hesitate to use a 13600K on a good quality B series board without overclocking.
Passmark single thread results:
13500: 3937
13600K: 4181
13700: 4180
The 13700 provides two additional cores and four more threads, but I'm unsure how much that would impact your needs.
Appreciate the detailed answer. So, if I get another PSU which is 750W, it is going to be hard on my budget, so I might have to downgrade to 4070Ti, would that futureproof me for 1440p gaming? If I choose this path I can actually snuggle a 1440p monitor. I would really appreciate playing stutter and lag free games. My 1070 is finally causing me distaste, it was an amazing card though.
My other option is to get Seasonic 750W 80+ Gold or Corsair RMx750(which as of now the half the price of Seasonic! I wonder if this is a good PSU, on tier list it is on par with Seasonic)along with GTX4080... which is quite expensive but if it is better, I am not leaving it off the table.
I am definitely buying AN i5 13600k, I am certain on that and for the motherboard I can afford ASUS PRIME Z690.
Now, all I need to decide is whether 4070ti + i5 13600k is good at 1440p gaming for its price budget.
Seasonic focus/prime and Corsair RMx are both premium power supplies with 7/10 year warranties.
Avoid buying them too cheaply.
Modern graphics cards often experience significant power surges that a more robust PSU can manage effectively.
Upgrading the PSU should aim for at least 850W, rather than settling for a basic 750W model.
It will only draw the power it requires, no matter the maximum capacity.
I’m not an expert on the new ATX 3.0 standard, but I believe a fresh PSU should align with that specification.
Check out some reviews.
What games do you enjoy playing?
Fast-paced shooters may need a high-performance graphics card.
Simulation, MMORPGs, and strategy titles benefit from solid single-threaded performance.
Higher resolution images can be handled with a slower card for better visuals.
Graphics cards and power supplies are straightforward to upgrade.
Consider a 4070ti that isn’t overclocked excessively; it will need more power.
You should be able to operate with your existing 650W PSU.
At least give it a try first.
I’ve reviewed some benchmarks for the 4070ti + i513600k on 1440p gaming and am quite pleased with the results. I’ll continue playing at 1080p, which should boost performance even more. My main games are high-action titles, FPS, and MMORPGs.
I’ve also looked into 850-watt power supplies. Switching to an RTX 4070Ti would allow me to use Cooler Master MWE, Be Quite System Power 10 950W 80+ Gold, or CORSAIR RM850x Shift 850W. It seems sensible to opt for a cheaper GPU and invest in a more robust PSU of 850 watts, what do you think?
With the current setup—RTX 4070ti, i5 13600k, Asus Prime Z690 and an 850-watt PSU—I’m considering a tier list for PSUs. I’m leaning toward the CORSAIR RM850x Shift 850W among my options.
I might research how my 650 seasonic would perform with this configuration later, and then plan upgrades accordingly.
One thing to note is whether I’d really need an 850-watt PSU for this build, or if a 750-watt unit would suffice.