Set up AdviceUpgrade for demanding visual experiences?
Set up AdviceUpgrade for demanding visual experiences?
No, you'll need a completely new motherboard to run either CPU or RAM, since both require DDR 5 memory. This means essentially a fresh PC setup. That's why I mentioned someone might suggest a build. I've only recommended parts, but you'll also need the rest of the components. You didn't mention the power supply, which would limit your GPU options too.
What kinds of games do you enjoy playing? There are some that rely mainly on graphics, such as fast action shooters. Others depend more on CPU speed, like strategy, sims, and multiplayer games. Multiplayer usually benefits from having many threads open. With your current setup, there aren’t many useful CPU upgrades possible. However, you do have some components that can be repurposed. I recommend making a few upgrades over two or three stages. Step 1 focuses on the CPU. Keep your PSU and 1070ti. Run the CPU-Z benchmark on your 8600K. You should achieve a score around 653: CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i5-8600K (1T) - CPU-Z VALIDATOR Best CPU performance - 64-bit - January 2026 valid.x86.fr I believe your budget could support an i5-14600K. Most 760 DDR4-based motherboards should work fine. Your NH-U12s cooler is acceptable, though not ideal. INTEL Core i5-14600K | CPU Compatibility | Noctua Compatibility Centre Series: Raptor Lake-S, Socket: LGA1700 ncc.noctua.at Check your progress. Step 2 is about improving your monitor. I’d aim for larger or wider displays. Consider keeping your existing monitor as a secondary screen. This helps determine the needs for graphics cards first. Step 3 involves upgrading your graphics card. Tom’s provides a useful GPU hierarchy chart: GPU Benchmarks and Hierarchy 2023: Graphics Cards Ranked We’ve tested numerous GPU benchmarks across Nvidia, AMD, and Intel cards, ranking them in our detailed system. A substantial upgrade is likely needed to meet expectations. Aim for a card in the 4060 class or higher. This might require a PSU upgrade. What are the specifications of your case and PSU? They’re probably still usable, but they could benefit from a refresh. Your LGA1700 motherboards support DDR4 RAM, and performance is comparable to DDR5. Noctua will provide you with a free LGA1700 mounting kit for your NH-U12s.
there are two choices available, DDR4 RAM can be reused. you can obtain a B760 motherboard and models with 14700 or 14600 specifications. however, you won't be able to upgrade to the latest generation of CPUs. for around 70 euros in savings, you'd be investing in an outdated system that might provide adequate performance for 3 to 4 years.
the alternative is to opt for AM5, which offers upgrade possibilities even three years from now. this way, your motherboard and CPU combination could last at least eight years.
you can certainly reuse the U12S CPU - 7800X3D - 399 -
https://www.alternate.nl/AMD/Ryzen-...M5...ug=7800X3D
Motherboard - MSI Tomahawk B650 - 225 -
https://www.paradigit.nl/msi-mag-b650-to...19/product
RAM - 32GB 6000mhz CL30 - 116 -
https://www.alternate.nl/G-Skill/32-GB-D...ct/1839808
GPU - 7800 XT - 570 -
https://www.alternate.nl/ASRock/Rad...6G.../100016578
if your PSU isn't a tier A model:
PSU Tier List rev. 17.0g - Cultists Network
this list will assist you in selecting the optimal PSU from hundreds of options available. whether for budget or top-tier power supplies.
cultists.network
PSU - MSI A850L - 127 -
https://www.alternate.nl/MSI/MAG-A850GL-...ct/1921302
also consider the PSU - 1438 euros
80% of my gaming time focuses on Total war titles, ranging from older versions with extensive mods to recent releases, while the remaining sessions are spent on City skylines. If my PC permits, I’ll likely dedicate more hours to this genre. I plan to review the CPU and GPU benchmarks once I’m back home this afternoon.
I also have some updates about the FPS problems I faced yesterday:
While playing Total war Attila with mods, the frame rate plummeted so much it became unplayable. I attempted a clean install of the graphics card, updated BIOS and all components, but nothing resolved the issue. Interestingly, my FPS never fell below 55, yet the game was still unusable due to stuttering and low performance. By the time I realized the FPS was back to normal, it was too late—I didn’t have enough time to investigate further. Could it be a monitor-related problem?
Thanks for the thorough list. I appreciate the longevity approach. Right now I'm dealing with some technical problems, which made me consider an upgrade. However, I've checked and my FPS is still fine, so I'm not sure what's really causing the low frame rate (I'm not even sure if it's the cause). This gives me two points to consider:
After identifying the issue, it will indicate which components need replacement or if the problem lies with the monitor. If that happens, it might mean I have another year or two left with my current setup, depending on how I resolve the matter. Of course, this all depends on what solution I discover for my current issue.
Total war games are known for their high CPU demands. I recall playing Three Kingdoms on my old gaming laptop equipped with an i5 8600H processor. Without any mods, the game stutters during intense battles when there are more than 500 units in the field—especially in mid to later stages, where your army might consist of just 150 to 200 units. So, a stuttering battle scene in a modded version isn’t unusual. You should check YouTube benchmarks with similar scenarios and 400 to 500 units before considering any upgrades.
I'll forward a screenshot once I'm back home of my CPU/GPU/Memory stats from Task Manager during the intense battle. It looks like none of the parts are under any stress, which is confusing.
https://imgur.com/LG4IJOD
View: https://imgur.com/LG4IJOD
the CPU spike is when I alt tab. but that being said, CPU usage is a bit high. but nevertheless, it doesn't look out of control, yet it is totally unplayable. is the CPU the only cause? could it be a bottleneck somewhere? I ve played hundreds of hours with way more units, this is an early game battle so I’m really curious to know whats causing it.
curious as what you mean by that, what upgrades specifically?
The B650 board performs similarly to the MSI tomahawk i linked previously. The AM5 platform and B650 are compatible with the next generation Ryzen (9000 series) and possibly even the 11000 series. This means you can upgrade the CPU from 4 to 5 years later, extending the system's lifespan to 8 to 10 years with a new processor. For more details, see the referenced thread.