Need guidance on improving a gaming PC - suggestions for upgrades.
Need guidance on improving a gaming PC - suggestions for upgrades.
Hi everyone, I’m seeking some guidance on the best upgrade path. My son has already achieved several goals we set, and as part of our agreement, I’m considering purchasing a new gaming PC for him. My previous build was around 2021, and I haven’t fully grasped the technical details lately. Below are my current setup and my son’s configuration. I’m trying to determine whether it makes more sense to upgrade components or purchase a new machine. I work remotely and don’t require maximum performance for gaming, but my son is aiming for 244 fps at 1080p on his monitor.
My current setup:
- CPU: 5600X
- GPU: RTX 3080 12GB
- RAM: DDR4 32GB
- Usage: Ultrawide at 1440p (3440x1440)
- Games: Division 2, FarCry, Age of Empires DE
My son’s setup:
- CPU: i5 12400
- GPU: RTX 2080
- RAM: DDR4 16GB
- Usage: 1080p with a monitor supporting 244fps
- Games: Warzone, Fornite
Possible choices:
1. Build a new gaming PC with a budget up to $1,800, focusing on a Ryzen 7800X3D paired with an RTX 4070 Ti Super and DDR5 32GB.
2. Upgrade my existing PC with an i5-13600K and RTX 4070 Ti Super, using my current MSI PRO B660-A D4 ATX motherboard.
3. Upgrade my PC with a 5800X3D and RTX 4070 Ti Super, then transfer the upgraded system to him while retaining my current RTX 3080 12GB.
Looking at these options, what would be the most sensible path forward?
5700x3D suitable for the AM4 configuration. The 12 gen i7 models offer solid improvements and are worth evaluating.
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/cpu/#m=21&s=13&F=98
What model of motherboard are you using?
Option 1 is likely the most costly yet probably the top choice.
Option 2 offers cost savings on the board itself, though it may not perform well with an unlocked i5. It’s a reasonable alternative if you’re willing to compromise on performance.
But there’s a twist—switching to a different board could improve things significantly.
The AsRock z690 Extreme is currently quite affordable, featuring a strong VRM capable of supporting even an i9 14900KS or a more practical 14700K. It shares many traits with the z790 board and supports DDR4 RAM, allowing your son to continue using existing memory.
Future upgrades are feasible for a stronger processor or a larger/more powerful 32GB RAM setup.
A key point: the z690 Extreme might not initially support 13th or 14th generation CPUs. The BIOS would likely need flashing. This process can be carried out without a host CPU or RAM, though the PSU must be connected to the motherboard for power. It can be updated using a USB drive.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor
($283.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 CPU Cooler
($79.90 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Extreme ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($129.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($116.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB
($799.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 ATX Mid Tower Case
($120.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic VERTEX GX-850 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1671.83
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-05-28 15:48 EDT-0400
Under budget and further savings are possible if you skip purchasing a new case, don’t need an NVMe drive or PSU.
Also think about the Vertex Platinum 1000:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/m7...fu...ex-px-1000
It offers durability, versatility, and a solid warranty—making it a strong alternative even at a higher price.
Your choice of case is important, especially if you plan to reuse one.
If you’re looking for a similar setup but with less space for a GPU or USB-C, check this link:
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#...,635000000
The 7800X3D would perform comparably or better. Still, the z690 Extreme remains a budget-friendly option with solid upgrade potential for years to come. By then, newer, more powerful models will likely be available.
For a comparable experience, the 7800X3D could provide better gaming performance but at a higher price. In certain scenarios, it might even outperform the 13600K or 14700K.
1080p 244 would either fit a 5700x3d rig with a RAM and GPU upgrade, or require a 7800x3d build. Do you live close to a Microcenter?
I believe the Asus X570 Tuf Gaming Motherboard works well with the 5800x3d. I'll review it carefully. My son mainly plays games.
DDR4 should remain functional beyond three to four years. DDR5 offers greater speed but introduces higher latency, which may negatively affect gaming performance; therefore, a DDR4 model with reduced latency can still perform adequately.
In three to four years, the situation will change. If choosing the AMD 7800X3D path,
@logainofhades's build is solid, but I wouldn't recommend a power supply below 850W. Both CPUs and GPUs can spike their power needs occasionally, so extra capacity is advisable. Running a PSU near its maximum output isn't ideal either.
If opting for Intel, I highly suggest the AsRock Extreme. It supports all current Intel CPUs and is a premium motherboard rather than a budget option. Plus, it's very affordable right now.
What power supplies are you using with your son? How old are they? If they're still working well, you likely won't need a replacement for another three to four years.
Here is what you currently have. This is what I purchased a couple of years ago from MicroCenter.
GPU - RTX 2080 (my previous GPU)
Price: 61.99
SAMSUNG E 500GB 980EVO NVME M.2 SSD
Model: S64ENJ0RA28680
Price: 348201
G.SKILL 16G 2X8 D4 3200 C16 RJ
Price: 66.99
INTEL INTEL I5-12400 BOX
Model: M1NT706103291
Price: 169.99
MSI PRO B660-A D4 ATX
Model: 601-7D59-010B2201005237
Price: 129.99
EVGA BQ 750W 80+B SM ATX
Model: 2103560705845832
Price: 84.99
MONTECH AIR 1000 MESH TG ATX MT B
Price: 89.99
5700x3d is clearly the superior choice from a gaming standpoint compared to 5600x. My Microcenter was offering them at $100 less than the 5800x3d model. The 7800x3d package stands out as the most advantageous option if you're considering a platform upgrade.