Improve the existing configuration or purchase a replacement?
Improve the existing configuration or purchase a replacement?
Hello
My current system seems ready for an improvement. It was built in summer 2016, with only an internal upgrade—switching to an SSD and adding an M2 for storage. I’m thinking about whether it’s time to refresh my setup or invest in a new one.
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
Display: AOC 27" monitor, 1080p at 144Hz
Motherboard: ASUS MAXIMUS VIII RANGER
Processor: Intel Core i5-6600K Skylake
Graphics: Palit GeForce GTX 1070 Super JetStream - 8GB GDDR5
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3000 DC 16GB
Storage: Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD (OS)
Second drive: Kingston NV2 M.2 NVMe SSD, 2TB
Power supply: Cooler Master V 750W
I noticed the top CPU compatible here is an I7 7700K, which isn’t a major jump in performance. There are also reports that an RTX 3070 could work well with my current specs without much loss in speed, though I’m not sure about other possible limits. The PSU should handle the load, but I’m not certain about any hidden constraints. Right now I’m using 1080p and might move to 1440p. The machine is mainly a workstation, but I’d like to enjoy gaming now and then. What’s the optimal path? Upgrade the GPU? Install a new drive? Rebuild everything?
Thanks!
If your primary focus is professional tasks, upgrading from an i5 to an i7 could be advantageous based on the nature of your responsibilities. For basic office duties, adding four more threads can significantly enhance performance while handling multiple tasks. However, if your work involves heavy graphics such as rendering or modeling, you may need to consider more advanced hardware.
It all hinges on your budget.
However, if I were you, I’d opt for NVME drives in the new setup.
All other components could be sold.
You might still keep using your monitor for a while, but QHD displays have become the standard now.
Overall, about half of your system remains in decent condition for reuse (excluding the case, as I’m uncertain about the type and that could influence GPU choices due to size limitations).
Your power supply, storage, and RAM are all in good shape for a switch to a new setup.
If you’re looking to upgrade but want to stay within a tighter budget, I suggest avoiding the latest models and opting instead for a B400/500 series board paired with a Ryzen 7 3700(x) used unit (this is what I did when moving from a 6700K).
Your graphics card can be upgraded if you’re a gamer aiming to keep up with modern AAA titles. A 4060/Ti would work well with such a card, your PSU supports it, and with DLSS 3.0 you should be able to enjoy recent games smoothly for years.
If you’re not heavily gaming at the top end and mainly play lower-tier titles, a GPU upgrade might not be necessary. However, upgrading your CPU to a higher core/thread count will definitely help with multitasking and general tasks.
After making any changes, consider selling your previous components if they’re still functional.
Reminder: If you upgrade beyond the Ryzen I mentioned, you may need to replace your DDR4 with DDR5 memory—keep this in mind when evaluating options.
it's better to upgrade to a new PC. i recommend considering the AM5 platform. a 7700X would be ideal, and if you require additional cores, the 7950X is a good option. for gpu needs, for 2k gaming, the 7900x from amd or the 4070ti/4080 from nvidia would work well. these options will last longer before needing further upgrades.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 review: very accessible at $299 2k ultra settings, 4060 supports 15 games with performance around 45 fps. With ray tracing off, it reaches about 66 fps. That’s decent for the price.
Thank you for your feedback. I won't require high-intensity features unless needed. If I choose to remain with my present setup, I might look into an I7 7700K used model.
Thank you for your response.
My present situation involves a Fractal Design Define S Black that I plan to reuse. It appears to be a suitable size, though I’m uncertain about its compatibility with the newer cards that have increased significantly in dimensions.
The Ryzen suggestion caught my attention. After reviewing UserBenchmark, the I7 7700k came out faster, even if its multi-thread speeds were slower. This seems to be where the Ryzen offers good value. I’m not sure how this would perform in everyday use. If I obtain an 7700K, I wouldn’t need a new motherboard, but I also expect a new one to bring additional improvements. Locally, I found a 7700K for $80 and a Ryzen CPU bundle for $200.
Right now, I’m unable to locate a used 4060 and would likely find it cheaper to purchase a 3070 instead. I’m unsure how much the performance gap will be here. I’ll also need to consider my actual requirements. If I decide to stay with a 1080p setup, it probably isn’t necessary to upgrade, or perhaps a more affordable option would suffice. Additionally, I’ll have to think about whether my case will impose any limitations on the GPU.
Cheers!
Hey there,
I’d prefer to take a different approach. Upgrading anything on your existing setup seems like a poor use of money. Even with a CPU like the i7 7700k, the gains are minimal and it’s mainly about 1080p gaming. The GTX1070 is starting to feel outdated, and 1080p is the current standard. With four-core CPUs that support hyperthreading, modern AAA titles are struggling to run smoothly.
I’m considering selling your current system to recoup part of your investment before moving to something newer. If you’re aiming for 1440p, your existing graphics card will likely struggle.
You wouldn’t want a 7700k paired with a 3070—there’d be a major bottleneck.
Do you have a budget for any suggestions? A more modern build could still be worthwhile and last longer.