Optimize the upgrade route for an AM4 system.
Optimize the upgrade route for an AM4 system.
I own a Ryzen 3600 on an MSI B450 Gaming Plus MAX board with a 1660 Super GPU, all driven by a Be Quiet Pure Power 11 600 watt PSU. The system feels a bit lacking, so I’m considering an upgrade. The main concern is how much performance can be extracted without changing the motherboard or PSU. My budget is around a thousand USD, though it could reach two thousand if I rebuild everything from the ground up.
Consider upgrading to a 5700X3D for gaming—it offers solid performance gains. This should preserve your motherboard, RAM, and power supply. Just refresh the BIOS on the motherboard. The GPU might be the main limitation here; swapping to a faster graphics card would really boost your gaming experience.
It seems underpowered because the 1660 Super is likely limiting performance more than the CPU speed. A quicker CPU won't necessarily boost results much. You also think some key details were missing, like your intended use for the computer.
I agree with that. Opt for a 5700X3D or a 5800X3D when you can find a better deal at a similar price. The variation is almost insignificant. Let's allocate the remaining funds to a GPU.
I really want to experience Cyberpunk 2077 with RT firsthand, but my main games are competitive shooters and indie titles—both have felt less impressive since CS:GO replaced CS2, and even Deadlock seems mostly in early stages. That’s a fair observation. I’d probably use some of this PC for my wife’s gaming projects too.
PCPartPicker list shows CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D 3 GHz 8-core ($357) and Video Card: Asus DUAL OC Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB ($718.77). Total comes to $1075.77. Shipping, taxes, and discounts are included. Prices are from September 2024. If you plan heavy Cyberpunk use, consider replacing the RX 7800 XT with a 4070 for a higher price. You might save by sourcing parts from eBay.