Need help with improving my prebuilt PC?
Need help with improving my prebuilt PC?
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for advice on upgrading my prebuilt
MSI Aegis R Gaming Desktop PC
(full specs below).
My goal is to be able to play games like
Resident Evil Village
,
Path of Exile 2
, and
Grim Dawn
(I know, it's old but a favorite of mine) at
1920x1080 resolution
with decent FPS and no stuttering. So, no 4K gaming and I am
not looking to overclock.
Current Specs:
OS:
Windows 10
CPU:
Intel Core i7-10700F
GPU:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
RAM:
16GB
Storage:
1TB SSD
Monitor:
ASUS 24" VG248QE (1080p, 144Hz)
Prebuilt model link:
MSI Aegis R
Budget:
I have about $1000 for upgrades.
Parts Preferences:
Brand:
None (open to any reliable brand).
SLI/Crossfire:
No.
Current Issues:
Grim Dawn
stutters occasionally, even when graphics settings aren’t maxed out.
GPU temperature reaches 90°C while playing, which might be due to not replacing the thermal paste in over two years.
I’m not sure about the case specifications (cooling potential, size, etc.), so I’m unable to create a PCPartPicker list accurately.
Location:
I live in Charlotte, NC, United States. I’m near several Best Buy stores and this Micro Center:
link
.
Also, just wondering if the the Intel Core i7-10700F causes the RTX 3070 to be bottlenecked, particularly at 1080p?
The RTX 3070 can handle 1080p, 1440p and even 4K resolution. The problem isn’t about hardware specifications, but something else. From what you mentioned, I have two possibilities:
1. Stutters are difficult to identify, but I think it might be a software-related issue. The simplest solution would be to reset the OS drive and install a fresh, clean Windows version. This should eliminate software problems, unnecessary programs, and malware (except for firmware rootkits). Clearing the OS and trying a new clean installation could help.
2. A solid thermal paste alone won’t solve the issue in two years, especially if the GPU fans aren’t working at all or the case fans aren’t functioning properly. To address this, spin all your fans at full speed. If that doesn’t help, remove the side panel and run the PC without it to prevent the GPU from overheating inside the case. Also, check whether the GPU fans are actually turning.
Thank you for your feedback! For a fresh Windows setup to resolve possible software problems and verify fan functionality, consider prioritizing CPU, RAM, and cooling components. Even though the RTX 3070 handles 1080p gaming well, enhancing these parts could improve overall performance. Let me know if you need further guidance!
MicroCenter offers a 32GB DDR5 6000 kit for computer builds.
PCPartPicker provides a detailed list of components.
CPU Cooler options include the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM model priced at $37.90 on Amazon, with total costs reflecting shipping and applicable taxes.
Selected parts are determined based on predefined criteria.
Generated by PCPartPicker on 2024-12-21 16:48 EST-0500
When discussing PSU, what is the make and model or part number? If you're unsure, check the rear side panel or remove the PSU shroud to find the label. Capture the image of the label showing all the wattage and amperage details and share it online, for example on www.imgur.com.
Before considering an upgrade to the CPU, ensure the build is supported by the CPU first, after a clean Windows installation.
To test performance:
Play any game with high/ultra settings at 1080p and record the average FPS.
Then repeat with low settings on the same resolution.
An increase in FPS indicates reduced GPU load, meaning the CPU is sufficient.
If FPS remains unchanged despite lower graphics settings, the CPU may be limiting performance.
In such cases, a more powerful CPU would be necessary.
Regarding the AMD bundle and CPU cooler you mentioned, it seems like you're looking for some guidance on why someone might purchase both. However, there are no explanations provided.
It appears you haven't responded with any reasoning or comments.
Feel free to share your thoughts when you're ready.
My PSU is available here:
https://imgur.com/3AEPTA6
You can see it at the same link.
I plan to perform a clean installation soon, but I need to back up everything first.
Wow, this is quite old and doesn’t provide enough information to power your RTX 3070. I wasn’t able to locate any official specifications for that power supply, apart from the fact that its make and model are Delta GPS-550LB. There were no reviews found either, which is a concern. Given that it features two +12V rails with 80+ Bronze efficiency, it likely dates back around 2010. Most current PSUs now use a single +12V rail and offer higher efficiency ratings like 80+ Gold, Platinum or Titanium. The unit in question isn’t a 550W model as indicated; instead, it’s a 360W version at its best (which equals +12V × 30A). You can’t just merge voltage rails to boost output capacity.
RTX 30-series power supplies often struggle with sudden power demands, where the GPU can spike 2 to 2.5 times its TDP. Since the RTX 3070 has a 220W GPU, it could surge to around 600W.
What causes these spikes? A video to check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnRyyCsuHFQ
For this reason, a new PSU is essential.
If you opt for an ATX 2.2 or 2.5 model, it needs significantly more wattage to handle such fluctuations. For the RTX 3070, I’d recommend something around 850W.
However, if you choose an ATX 3.0 or 3.1 power supply, they’re built to manage these spikes and can double their output during those brief moments. A 650W unit would be suitable for this setup.
For ATX 3.0/3.1 models, here are some good options:
- Seasonic Focus/PRIME
- Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi
- Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium
There are also ATX 3.0 units from Seasonic and PRIME available. My own PCs use Seasonic, including two PRIME TX-650 units and a Focus PX-550. Full details with pictures are in my profile.
It’s possible the Delta PSU you have generates excessive ripple, which can lead to instability and performance drops. We can’t assume the problem is with the PSU until you’ve tested it with a reliable replacement.
The recommended steps would be:
1. Update the operating system and reinstall (a guide can be shared if needed)
2. Replace the power supply
3. Address any GPU overheating concerns
After that, we can consider CPU replacement if necessary. At this stage, an OS reset, a new PSU, and improved GPU cooling might resolve your issues.
I’ll let you know if you’re playing games and you opt for one of the Microcenter bundles displayed above. I have the 7600x3d bundle, which works well for its price. It’s not the fastest CPU available, but I’m satisfied with it. I’ve been using it extensively in the latest Indiana Jones titles.
However, as others mentioned, the main focus should be on the power supply. You can begin with a fresh Windows installation and proceed from there.
Given your budget of 1000 dollars, here’s another idea: if you upgrade the PSU, reinstall Windows, and are generally content with the system, consider moving up to a 1440p display. A decent 27-inch MSI monitor in the 200 dollar range is available for 180Hz, and I found one for just $130. Pairing it with an RX 7800XT card could surprise you in terms of performance and visuals. On the flip side, increasing the resolution shifts more processing power to the GPU, which may reduce the CPU’s workload since it won’t have to handle as much.
Just a few thoughts—going to 1440p definitely improves clarity and detail compared to 1080p.