Need assistance with upgrading my gaming PC.
Need assistance with upgrading my gaming PC.
My computer has been freezing unexpectedly, especially when playing games or watching movies, accompanied by a loud buzzing sound. I’ve been thinking about upgrading my old machine. It’s been quite some time since I built my own PC, and I’m seeking guidance on which components to replace or if a full overhaul is necessary. I don’t want a high-end gaming setup; instead, I’m aiming for a simple budget upgrade that lets me run mid-to-high graphics games smoothly at around 60 frames per second. I’m not planning to upgrade to 4K anytime soon.
Budget Range:
Around $1000 USD (the lower the better)
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Watching movies / Gaming at 1080P resolution
Current System Setup:
CPU: Intel Core i5-8600K
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler
Motherboard: ASRock H370M-ITX/ac
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz C15
Storage: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA III SSD
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2, 80+ GOLD 750W
Case: Thermaltake Core V1
Parts to Consider Upgrading:
CPU, Motherboard, GPU, RAM?
Preferred Websites for Parts:
amazon.com
Are you purchasing a monitor?
No
Do you need to install an operating system?
No
Overclocking?
No
SLI or Crossfire?
No
Monitor Resolution:
1080p
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: To replace my 8-year-old PC
Your PSU is eight years old, but you might be able to upgrade to a GPU and PSU, such as an RTX4060 or better. However, you're limited by the overclocking restrictions of your K suffix processor because of the H series chipset, and your RAM is actually running at DDR4-2666MHz instead of the higher speeds you intended.
PCPartPicker List of Components
CPU:
*
Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor
($149.97 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
*
Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($18.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
*
MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory:
*
Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($48.97 @ Amazon)
Storage:
*
Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD
($79.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
*
MSI VENTUS 2X BLACK OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card
($299.00 @ Newegg)
Case:
*
Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case
($79.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply:
*
Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($99.99 @ Best Buy)
Overall Total: $906.78
Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Created by
PCPartPicker
2023-08-16 21:03 EDT-0400
In this situation, I recommend considering an upgrade to the 9th generation i7 on the second-hand market, a superior cooler, and a graphics card like the 6xxx or 7xxx series RX cards or a more affordable 4xxx RTX. Additionally, a newer power supply unit would enhance reliability.
You are able to utilize the available RAM and storage space.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor ($206.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Burst Assassin ARGB 66.17 CFM ($24.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 ($0.00)
Storage: Samsung 860 Evo 500 GB 2.5" SSD ($0.00)
Storage: Corsair MP600 GS 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI VENTUS 3X OC GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB ($389.99 @ B&H)
Case: Deepcool CG560 ATX Mid Tower ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 750 W (80+ Gold Certified, Fully Modular ATX) ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $994.84
Shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts are included
Generated by PCPartPicker
2023-08-17 05:28 EDT-0400
The specifications limit the CPU cooler height and GPU length. I suggest this revised setup:
PC Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor
($206.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Silver Soul 135 82 CFM CPU Cooler
($30.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
ASRock B760M-ITX/D4 WiFi Mini ITX LGA1700 Motherboard
($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
(Purchased for $0.00)
Storage:
Samsung 860 Evo 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
(Purchased for $0.00)
Storage:
Corsair MP600 GS 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($42.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card:
PNY VERTO GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB Video Card
($377.79 @ Amazon)
Case:
Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Desktop Case
(Purchased for $0.00)
Power Supply:
Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($89.99 @ Newegg)
Overall Cost: $898.65
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2023-08-17 08:11 EDT-0400