F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop I can assist you with upgrading one of your computer builds.

I can assist you with upgrading one of your computer builds.

I can assist you with upgrading one of your computer builds.

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Llabros
Senior Member
740
01-08-2021, 06:43 AM
#1
I have enjoyed video gaming since the 1970s, and this might be my final gaming setup. With limited funds, I aim to maximize every dollar.
I wasn’t intending to purchase the PlayStation 5 Pro, but I’m thinking about upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing at 4K resolution. If any combination of components can enhance these systems, then consider adding a video card, power supply, and RAM.
What’s achievable without water cooling? My monitor is a QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV with 4K Processor – Smart Flat Screen for Gaming.
Here are some quick questions:
- Which video card suits my current setup? Should I upgrade RAM, or is it outdated?
- I’m comfortable spending $600 to $1000. I really want the best gaming experience possible, but that feels beyond my budget. Thank you for your advice.
I have two PC builds: one from 2018 with more funds, and another from 2022 with tighter finances. Both run Windows 11.
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Llabros
01-08-2021, 06:43 AM #1

I have enjoyed video gaming since the 1970s, and this might be my final gaming setup. With limited funds, I aim to maximize every dollar.
I wasn’t intending to purchase the PlayStation 5 Pro, but I’m thinking about upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing at 4K resolution. If any combination of components can enhance these systems, then consider adding a video card, power supply, and RAM.
What’s achievable without water cooling? My monitor is a QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV with 4K Processor – Smart Flat Screen for Gaming.
Here are some quick questions:
- Which video card suits my current setup? Should I upgrade RAM, or is it outdated?
- I’m comfortable spending $600 to $1000. I really want the best gaming experience possible, but that feels beyond my budget. Thank you for your advice.
I have two PC builds: one from 2018 with more funds, and another from 2022 with tighter finances. Both run Windows 11.

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Tijeyd
Member
189
01-08-2021, 11:34 PM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing.
Mentioning the titles and apps you wish to tax the build without an etc in that sentence would help us two fold in understanding what or where you're probably falling behind.
I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach.
I would honestly sell both builds and start anew with concurrent hardware.
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Tijeyd
01-08-2021, 11:34 PM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing.
Mentioning the titles and apps you wish to tax the build without an etc in that sentence would help us two fold in understanding what or where you're probably falling behind.
I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach.
I would honestly sell both builds and start anew with concurrent hardware.

D
Doiwix
Junior Member
11
01-09-2021, 04:58 AM
#3
Upgrading the first component is just the beginning; adding a mid-range GPU makes complete sense. Since the 10th/11th generation, Intel hasn't made significant improvements, so your current setup remains functional. You don’t need to overhaul your GPU—within your budget, you should be able to get an RTX 4070 or RX 7900 XT and still have room for an NVMe SSD without needing to replace the PSU. Eventually, with only modest settings, you should still enjoy gaming for years to come.
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Doiwix
01-09-2021, 04:58 AM #3

Upgrading the first component is just the beginning; adding a mid-range GPU makes complete sense. Since the 10th/11th generation, Intel hasn't made significant improvements, so your current setup remains functional. You don’t need to overhaul your GPU—within your budget, you should be able to get an RTX 4070 or RX 7900 XT and still have room for an NVMe SSD without needing to replace the PSU. Eventually, with only modest settings, you should still enjoy gaming for years to come.

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Vikky777
Member
119
01-09-2021, 05:44 AM
#4
Your 11600K remains a solid processor.
Gaming at 4k resolution will strain the graphics card more than the CPU.
Try this simple test:
Run YOUR games, but reduce the resolution and visual effects.
This causes the graphics card to slow down slightly.
If your FPS improves, it suggests your CPU can handle better graphics settings.
If your FPS remains unchanged, you're likely CPU-limited.
What graphics card are you using?
4k TVs require HDMI 2.1 for smooth 120Hz performance.
V
Vikky777
01-09-2021, 05:44 AM #4

Your 11600K remains a solid processor.
Gaming at 4k resolution will strain the graphics card more than the CPU.
Try this simple test:
Run YOUR games, but reduce the resolution and visual effects.
This causes the graphics card to slow down slightly.
If your FPS improves, it suggests your CPU can handle better graphics settings.
If your FPS remains unchanged, you're likely CPU-limited.
What graphics card are you using?
4k TVs require HDMI 2.1 for smooth 120Hz performance.

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LaZyN
Junior Member
4
01-09-2021, 06:27 AM
#5
Hey there,
I agree with the others. Your CPU is still useful, but the biggest upgrade that makes sense for better gaming performance is a GPU. Your budget fits around a 4070 Super to a 4080 Super (and similar models) or the 7900XT/XTX. A GPU is the best choice.
Just a reminder: your CPU cooler isn’t powerful enough to keep up with your CPU during intense moments. It can only handle about 250w under boost, so if it can’t manage that, your CPU will slow down and your GPU won’t get enough power.
For very demanding cards like the 4080 Super, you might also need to upgrade your power supply to at least 850w.
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LaZyN
01-09-2021, 06:27 AM #5

Hey there,
I agree with the others. Your CPU is still useful, but the biggest upgrade that makes sense for better gaming performance is a GPU. Your budget fits around a 4070 Super to a 4080 Super (and similar models) or the 7900XT/XTX. A GPU is the best choice.
Just a reminder: your CPU cooler isn’t powerful enough to keep up with your CPU during intense moments. It can only handle about 250w under boost, so if it can’t manage that, your CPU will slow down and your GPU won’t get enough power.
For very demanding cards like the 4080 Super, you might also need to upgrade your power supply to at least 850w.

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_klearix_
Member
204
01-10-2021, 03:23 AM
#6
The storage details from the 2018 build are not specified.
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_klearix_
01-10-2021, 03:23 AM #6

The storage details from the 2018 build are not specified.

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WildCandy
Senior Member
675
01-24-2021, 06:58 AM
#7
I have to agree with the sell both and use money on top of what you have to spend, to build a killer system, unless there is some reason you really need two builds.
If not going that route, I would upgrade the ram in the 11600k build to at least 64gb, get a 2tb NVME, and get a 7900xt.
PCPartPicker Part List
Memory:
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($95.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($159.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card:
ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB Video Card
($639.99 @ Newegg)
Total:
$894.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-11-18 13:00 EST-0500
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WildCandy
01-24-2021, 06:58 AM #7

I have to agree with the sell both and use money on top of what you have to spend, to build a killer system, unless there is some reason you really need two builds.
If not going that route, I would upgrade the ram in the 11600k build to at least 64gb, get a 2tb NVME, and get a 7900xt.
PCPartPicker Part List
Memory:
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($95.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($159.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card:
ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB Video Card
($639.99 @ Newegg)
Total:
$894.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-11-18 13:00 EST-0500

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AwesomeBird707
Junior Member
5
01-30-2021, 05:00 AM
#8
Thanks for clarifying. I understand you're satisfied with your current setup but wish to upgrade to a system that matches or exceeds the performance of the PS 5 Pro.
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AwesomeBird707
01-30-2021, 05:00 AM #8

Thanks for clarifying. I understand you're satisfied with your current setup but wish to upgrade to a system that matches or exceeds the performance of the PS 5 Pro.

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TheDerpyThug
Junior Member
5
01-30-2021, 06:43 AM
#9
You should have mentioned your current setup in your original request. I’ve adjusted the wording while keeping the same length and structure.
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TheDerpyThug
01-30-2021, 06:43 AM #9

You should have mentioned your current setup in your original request. I’ve adjusted the wording while keeping the same length and structure.

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q_viktor_p
Member
112
02-01-2021, 01:27 AM
#10
What cooler would you prefer? I can upgrade my PSU. Ty again
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q_viktor_p
02-01-2021, 01:27 AM #10

What cooler would you prefer? I can upgrade my PSU. Ty again

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