How to upgrade a PC for the first time?
How to upgrade a PC for the first time?
I have a gaming PC build and am considering an upgrade. I've upgraded the GPU and added another RAM stick; all other components are already in place. I need recommendations to improve performance for games like Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, Valorant, and Elden Ring Nightreign at maximum settings. Could you share some ideas on what to change?
Budget: $1,500
Country: USA
Usage details:
Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, Valorant, and Elden Ring Nightreign on full settings.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/KjqdPJ
I received the gaming PC build and want to enhance it.
Is the inherited machine mentioned in the PCPartPicker link? If yes, how recent is the PSU? What power did it provide during its use?
On max settings
At what resolution?
For reference, when considering a RAM upgrade, check for modules with labels indicating compatibility with the X99 platform or listed on the motherboard’s memory section. Ignoring such markings often leads to instability or failure to boot. Corsair is the sole brand offering PCB-compatible memory modules due to sourcing from various suppliers. When combining different RAM kits, expect potential troubleshooting challenges.
In short, you’re likely starting fresh with hardware planning.
The price for a 3070ti is really high. Wouldn't it be better to choose an 9060 XT 16Gb for $350 to $380? Also, most of your games are competitive ones that usually require more CPU power.
The situation arises because it appears more logical this way. (If you wish to sell the entire setup, use it, or pass it on, case isn't intended for ATX systems; it's meant for smaller boards and doesn't prioritize good front airflow.)
This board is compatible with both configurations. Choosing the new case might suggest pairing it with an ATX motherboard. This seems to align with my understanding.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor
($178.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($35.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B650M MORTAR WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard
($169.99 @ MSI)
Memory:
TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($91.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($124.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Asus PRIME OC Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB Video Card
($719.99 @ Amazon)
Case:
Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case
($64.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($129.90 @ Amazon)
Overall Cost:
$1515.74
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-06-24 05:18 EDT-0400
To determine whether a CPU or GPU upgrade would be most beneficial, perform this straightforward test: run your games at reduced resolution and lower graphical settings. This helps the graphics card perform slightly better. An increase in FPS suggests your CPU can handle a higher graphics setting. If FPS remains unchanged, you are likely more constrained by your CPU. If CPU limitations are the main issue, an upgrade won’t help without a motherboard change.
A LGA1700 motherboard with four DDR4 RAM slots would cost around $150. An I5-13400 processor would be about the same price. It offers four additional processing threads and doubles single-thread performance compared to your current I7-6800K. It also includes a suitable cooler.
Your air conditioner is probably nearing its limit. Of course, you could push it further. If you increase the settings, check single-thread performance for gaming. You might still use your existing DDR4 RAM.
If more graphics power is needed, an 850W power supply may suffice. However, if the PSU is aging, consider replacing it with a stronger unit and a warranty of at least ten years. Try a CPU upgrade first to get a clearer picture of what you require.
I understand it makes sense to begin anew with a fresh setup considering the budget constraints. I chose a 9700x and a 9070. The 9070xt offers improved speed, though it doesn’t exceed $100 in gain. Adding extra cores can help avoid stuttering during gaming when the system or other applications need background processing.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
Price: $304.64 (Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM
Price: $49.69 (Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B850 Pro RS ATX AM5
Price: $169.99 (Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
Price: $91.99 (Amazon)
Storage: SK Hynix Platinum P41 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
Price: $114.99 (Newegg)
Video Card: ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 16 GB
Price: $599.99 (Newegg)
Case: Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower
Price: $64.98 (Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 - TT Premium Edition 850 W
Price: $109.99 (Amazon)
Total: $1506.26
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
If you have more budget flexibility, a 7800x3d could be considered, which may offer better performance for CPU-intensive games.
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-06-24 10:36 EDT-0400
2025-06-24 10:40 EDT-0400
Just to make sure, what GPU you mentioned you already added is clear?
If you’ve already purchased the RTX 3070, that’s great.
If you’re still deciding whether to upgrade and are weighing your options, feel free to share more.
For the games you listed, you’d like to run at maximum settings—none of them need anything beyond a RTX 2070, except one that needs a stronger CPU. We know you can still enjoy them with an older, more powerful CPU, and your game list should work fine.
You mentioned having a $1,500 budget.
Finding a used GTX 1080 Ti for $100 or a $300 RTX 3070 is a tight balance.
Your PC is free, just add a GTX 1080 Ti and it should handle everything.
Then use the remaining funds to upgrade other components so you can get a better future system.