Question New PC or upgrade my existing one?
Question New PC or upgrade my existing one?
I was going to get a new PC but I'm wondering if it would be worth upgrading mine instead. Maybe I could get away with just getting a new GPU. Maybe getting a GeForce RTX 5070 TI. Maybe I could also upgrade the CPU to an i9.
Note: My motherboard was upgraded to 13th gen by ASUS when I sent it in.
CPU:
Intel Core i5-13600KF Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) - Unlocked
CPU cooler:
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler, Dual 120mm TL-C12CW-S PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1155/1200
Motherboard:
ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700(Intel 12th) ATX Motherboard (16+1 DrMOS,PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4X M.2, Intel 2.5 Gb LAN,USB 3.2 Gen 2 Front Panel Type-C,Thunderbolt™ 4,Aura Sync RGB Lighting), Ver 2204
RAM:
Crucial RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL40 Desktop Memory CT2K16G48C40U5
SSD/HDD:
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 2TB SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive SSD (R/W Speed up to 550/500 MB/s) T253TZ002T0C101
TEAMGROUP MP34 2TB with DRAM SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC NVMe 1.3 PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 2280 Internal SSD (Read/Write Speed up to 3,500/2,900 MB/s) Compatible with Laptop & PC Desktop TM8FP4002T0C101
GPU:
GIGABYTE Gaming OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 ATX Video Card GV-N306TGAMING OC-8GD REV 2.0 (LHR), V560.94
PSU:
CORSAIR RM750x Fully Modular ATX Power Supply - 80 PLUS Gold - Low-Noise Fan - Zero RPM - Black - Feb 8th, 2023
You forgot to mention the make and model of your case. If it's a prebuilt by Asus, please pass on the model and SKU to said prebuilt.
The question is, how much are you willing to spend on an upgrade path? IMHO I wouldn't go into anything that's 13th or 14th Gen, let alone on an i9 due to the mess that Intel has gotten itself into.
To add, how old is the PSU in the build listed above?
I own the HYTE Y60. The cost isn't the main concern, but the recent models began at just over 2,000 on CyberPowerCPU.
The PSU seems to be a few years old, though I'd likely replace it since 705W probably won't suffice for a newer GPU.
I'm not sure what you're referring to with the intel details.
A year back a challenge emerged with 13/14th generation processors. The underlying issue was identified and solutions implemented. https://community.intel.com/t5/Blog...n-...st/1633239
If your motherboard BIOS is up to date and you avoid overclocking, your 13600K should still function properly.
Regarding upgrades, if gaming is your main focus, perform this easy check:
Execute your games while reducing resolution and visual effects.
This helps the graphics card perform slightly better.
An increase in FPS suggests your CPU can handle a higher graphics setup.
If FPS remains unchanged, you may be more constrained by your CPU.
Your CPU is working well. You'd gain more performance from a GPU than any other option. Unless you're using something like a 4090, the difference between an i9 and your existing i5 won't be noticeable unless you're playing games that are highly dependent on CPU cache and clock speeds.
I would only replace the GPU. Your CPU performs adequately for devices up to an RTX 4080, 5070 Ti, RX 7900 XTX, or RX 9070 XT. I would, though, consider updating your motherboard's BIOS and adhere to HYTE's guidelines for any new GPU you install.
I'm not sure what you're referring to unless you're running a 4090. I was considering upgrading to a GeForce RTX 5070 TI. Is that a suitable GPU? Should I also upgrade my PSU, or should I focus on the GPU? I could invest $2500 in a new system, but if the GPU upgrade works, I'd save money by doing that instead.
I just noticed you posted at the same time. I finished updating my BIOS about ten minutes ago. I checked it after the previous person mentioned the updates for the 13th generation. Everything seems to be working now. I also installed every other update they recommended for my motherboard.
PCPartPicker Part List
Memory:
*
TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($92.99 @ Amazon)
Total:
$92.99
Costs cover shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest prices based on specified parameters
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-04-28 16:38 EDT-0400