Is it time to upgrade my processor?
Is it time to upgrade my processor?
Hello, recently my computer has been experiencing issues like freezing during squad play, and I’ve had to keep my graphics settings low. I was considering upgrading my CPU since my GPU is pretty much up-to-date – it's a GTX 1050Ti – and my processor is an AMD FX™ 8320. Do you think the processor is just outdated, and I should upgrade to something newer? Also, I have 12GB of RAM.
The 8320 is a pretty dated architecture these days. While it’s respectable enough if you already have it, I wouldn't look to upgrade on the same socket. If you decide you want to, I'd look to an entirely new platform (CPU+MB+DDR4). However, are you monitoring your system usage – CPU, RAM, and GPU – while gaming? And what about temperatures as well?
Everything isn’t too high, it’s perfectly normal. I’ve had this PC for six years now and I’ve never needed to replace the processor.
It’s really quite expensive, honestly. I don't think it's worth the money at all.
What would you recommend I do i'm unfamiliar with pc parts and I just want to be able to run my games on high to ultra. I was thinking about a new motherboard but I dont know any good ones
What games do you play? A 1050TI is probably a bit of a struggle for High/Ultra on anything other than like CS:GO, Fortnite etc.
Those titles are fairly CPU intensive, so your 8320 would definitely be holding you back.
You wouldn't be simply replacing the "motherboard", you'd have to look to CPU+MB+RAM.
What kind of budget would you be working with?
I mainly play MMOs like Arma 3, Squad, and other high-end PC games. I also use VR on this computer. When I was playing CS:GO, my PC handled it really well with no problems at all. I’m mostly looking for a good CPU that’s compatible with my motherboard – ideally something AMD, although I'd prefer an Intel one. My budget is around $100-$400, so I’m hoping to find something decent or at least something that can handle the more demanding games.
Any CPU compatible with that board isn't going to be an improvement; the CPU itself is dated, and the architecture is about 8 years old. Titles like Squad recommended an i7-4790K from launch, a CPU with a much better IPC than the FX architecture. They’ve revamped that since, to a minimum of 4 core Intel or Ryzen CPUs, and recommended 6 cores for Intel or Ryzen. Your CPU just can't compete. Even lowering resolution scale or in-game settings will push frame rates higher, putting more strain on the weak CPU. An update requires a new CPU+MB+RAM. On a budget, I’d stick with AMD on their newer Ryzen platform. The minimum you should be looking at is about $250-$260. You could always spend more or less, but this would be a good route:
CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($139.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450M-HDV R4.0 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($64.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $264.77