Should I consider upgrading my computer?
Should I consider upgrading my computer?
I've noticed my performance has been slipping in some games lately. For instance, I'm consistently hitting a maximum of 55fps on Rust, and it frequently drops to 25-30fps even at the lowest settings—this seems particularly challenging given it's the most demanding game I play. Other titles like CS2 can reach up to 144fps in low settings but often fall around 70fps depending on the map. The issue is that I enjoy playing smoothly, and I use a 144Hz monitor.
I'm considering whether to upgrade some components or first try updating the BIOS and drivers to see if that improves things. To be honest, I've had this PC for about 6-7 years now, and while some parts are still quite recent, upgrading seems a sensible option.
Here are my current specifications:
Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II, BIOS 3802
CPU: Ryzen 5 2600, Stock cooler
GPU: Radeon RX 6650XT 8GB
RAM: 16GB (2x8) DDR4 2666MHz TeamGroup
Storage: Kingston A400 240GB SSD, Seagate Barracuda 1TB HDD, Crucial P3 1TB M.2
Power Supply: Corsair CX550M (nearly 7 years old)
Case: ATX Sentey Z20
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Display: MSI 1080p 24" at 144Hz
I'm trying to keep costs below 400 usd, but I'm unsure if I can find quality components within that range. Also, since I don't plan to replace the new parts, I just need a well-rounded setup focused on the motherboard and GPU.
I had to change my initial CPU cooler decision, since your case only accommodates coolers up to 150mm tall (which is quite limited), and the top PSU mount isn’t suitable either. You might want to consider updating both the case and power supply if you plan to upgrade your graphics card later.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
Price: $154.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE PLUS 66.17 CFM
Price: $19.79 @ Amazon
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16
Price: $84.99 @ Amazon
Total: $259.77
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-06-30 15:14 EDT-0400
Alternatively, if you aim for a higher budget, around $400 could be invested in something more robust.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
Price: $154.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler: ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM
Price: $29.99 @ Amazon
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16
Price: $84.99 @ Amazon
Case: Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case
Price: $64.98 @ Amazon
Power Supply: Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
Price: $84.90 @ Newegg
Total: $419.85
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-06-30 15:22 EDT-0400
This PSU, case, and CPU cooler should remain reliable for future builds as well, making the investment worthwhile in my view.
I also suggest a case that has the ability to breathe properly. It’s possible you’re experiencing thermal throttling now, especially with this particular case paired with the standard cooler. The PSU isn’t a reliable option and is past its warranty period.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor ($154.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 81.88 CFM ($48.59 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 ($50.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower ($75.97 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Montech CENTURY II 850 W, 80+ Gold Certified, Fully Modular ATX ($84.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $415.44 (shipping, taxes, and available discounts included)
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-06-30 15:20 EDT-0400
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll attempt to secure the items I can (just need to verify delivery options). Also, I understand my situation is weak, but I'm not experiencing any thermal throttling, at least during gaming. Occasionally, I run stress tests and my CPU reaches around 77°C while my GPU stays lower, though I'm unsure if those temperatures are actually high since they're at full capacity.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
*
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor
($123.48 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
*
Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($17.89 @ Amazon)
Memory:
*
Klevv BOLT X 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory
($52.99 @ Amazon)
Total:
$194.36
Costs cover shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-06-30 16:07 EDT-0400
Argentina, Amazon functions properly, but not every product is delivered. Therefore, I only require some references, and if I can't obtain those items, I should seek alternatives.