Time to renew system
Time to renew system
I was given help on here about 3.5 years ago with a new build. Since then I have upgraded the CPU a couple times. I mostly run FPS games and just do searches for stuff online. Right now, my games are running sluggish and I'm getting indications of a CPU that is barely within specs and that my memory is too low.
Here is what I have:
ASUS ROG B560-A
i5-11400
Win 11 X64
Hyper 212 Cooler Master CPU Cooler
16G Corsair DDR4-3200
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB)
800W PS (HG-X800)
SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB (C
2TB (E
120GB (F
I'm thinking I should replace one of my drives with another SSD. The 2TB is an old spinning drive so that one is the one that will go. I don't remember the brand of the 120GB but it is an SSD.
I'd like to keep the build under $1,000 if possible. I'm not opposed to a full system if it can be upgraded later when needed. I have a mid size tower, from an old Cyberpower, right now but I'm sure there a full size out in the garage. Also, if anyone knows of a place in the Austin, TX area that the items can be purchased from at a good price I can go pick them up. As a retiree I have nothing but time on my hands.
Thanks for any help and suggestions.
16G Corsair DDR4-3200 RAM in 2024 is insufficient. Aim for 32GB or more. While you can upgrade your RAM, it seems your current modules might be from the Vengeance series. Corsair uniquely sources RAM ICs from various suppliers, which is why they include PCB revision details on their kits. Using RAM with similar appearance but different revisions could cause system instability. I recommend a 2x16GB DDR4-3200MHz, low-latency kit.
Are you certain about your power supply unit model?
I’m considering swapping one of my drives for a new SSD. The 2TB drive is outdated and should be replaced. Most users have transitioned from mechanical hard drives to SSDs. I usually use a small-capacity SSD (500GB) for booting, apps, and launchers, followed by a larger SSD (2TB+) for faster game libraries. An HDD (2TB+) would be suitable if you need mission-critical data or finalized content, such as for streaming.
Please format your thread with the requested information:
*How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice*
This adaptation comes from the original *Animal's How To Ask For New Build Advice*. I made it because many people ask for upgrade guidance here and on CPU forums. The community can offer useful tips.
my games are running sluggish
Including the titles would help, as well as a breakdown of your system’s resource usage to pinpoint platform limitations.
Which FPS game do you enjoy playing? Based on the specific game, you might opt for a different CPU setup.
I'm experiencing 40s to 50s in Grazy Zone Warfare right now. I'm not sure what I'll get in Black Ops 6. This MB is maxed out on the CPU, so I was considering a new build. Thanks QyInvoLing.
Approximate purchase timing: for example, within the coming weeks
Budget range: around $1,000
Usage priority from highest to lowest: playing games, currently using Grazy Zone Warfare and Black Ops 6
Monitor purchase: not required; I already own an LG 32-inch monitor
Upgrade components: CPU, MB, RAM. My GPU seems fine but I’m open to advice
OS purchase needed: not necessary; if required, I can buy one
Preferred parts sources: no specific preference
Location details: North Austin, TX area
Parts selection preferences: brand or type not important; past experience with Intel and AMD
Overclocking plans: no intention to overclock
SLI or Crossfire support: not applicable
Monitor specs: 2560X1080 at 75Hz
Special note: The system feels slow, CanURunIt suggested the CPU is near limit and RAM is insufficient.
The 11400 sits near the end of the i5 range for that motherboard. There are multiple i5 models above it, along with entire lines of i7s and i9s. However, I have no certainty about BIOS problems if you attempt to upgrade to the 11000 series. The performance gains might not match your expectations, which could mean you'd need a newer board that supports more recent CPUs. Are your performance challenges new? Have you experienced strong results with this hardware for typical tasks before? It’s unlikely your issues stem from the CPU itself. Perhaps a better GPU would help significantly in gaming. Your decision depends on how much you’re willing to invest. You could go all out if you have the budget, rather than guessing which components should be upgraded.
If your games are running on that HDD, it might be contributing to the sluggish performance you're experiencing, especially if the load times are what you're referring to. You seem to be a bit below the recommended system requirements. It would be best to consider swapping it out, provided it performs well in airflow and offers SSD storage, which could help reduce costs. The total comes to just over your budget, but it provides a solid upgrade option.