Upgrade Your Old PC for Modern Gaming?
Upgrade Your Old PC for Modern Gaming?
Hello, I need to improve my old computer to run newer games smoothly. Right now, playing Battlefield 6 at low and high settings gives me a frame rate between 100-140, but it drops to around 60 during intense fights. I want more stable performance. I should start by checking which parts need updating and focus on components that affect gaming speed.
Don't feel hurt by my words... your rig is almost the same as the last one I owned. By today's standards, your 3200 MHz RAM is slow; some might think an i5 processor is outdated, and your graphics card with just 8GB of video RAM will struggle in some of the newest games. I have a spare system with a GTX 1080 and a 650W PSU. If you upgrade to something better, your current 500W PSU won't suffice. If you continue down that path, it could turn into a financial loss. That's what I'd suggest—upgrade to a new rig, remove unnecessary stuff from your current one, and use it as a backup.
The specifications page lists the following details:
Hardware:
- CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X
- Motherboard: Intel 10700
- RAM: 16GB at 3200MHz (available)
- GPU: AMD 6700X (also known as Battlemage)
- Graphics Card: Nvidia 3060 Ti
Common points about the GPUs:
All these graphics cards come with 12GB of VRAM, which is sufficient for 1440p but not enough for 4K resolution. Simply upgrading the cooler won't help. A good cooling solution like Thermalright Burst Assassin or Peerless Assassin would be beneficial. These options are effective and cost-efficient, with prices ranging from 20 to 45 currency units depending on the model. They're suitable as single-tower burst assassins and perform well with modern Intel processors.
If you upgrade to a more powerful GPU, ensure your power supply can handle it. The PSU tier list is not available.
GPU considerations:
- Intel Arc is not preferred due to some driver support issues, though it offers 12GB VRAM which is adequate for 1440p.
- Other options are similar in performance but may vary in reliability and features.
Upgrade advice:
- Consider replacing a few components if you want a more recent setup, but it won't significantly improve value.
- A new build might be better for future-proofing, as upgrading parts can be done incrementally.
- Alternatively, stick with your current setup and start saving—market conditions could change in Q2 next year. Be cautious about potential shortages in memory and drives.
It seems there are limited possibilities. You might have to sell the existing device for a small amount and purchase a new one. Regarding performance, even with used components, maintaining a steady 100 fps without interruptions is challenging.
These adjustments resemble controlling a spacecraft. Some users are dissatisfied with sub144hz /100fps at 1440p and have upgraded to an AM5 model already, for BF6. Personal preference plays no role.
Their issue stemmed from a Zen 3 build equipped with a 5800x processor featuring a 22GB RAM configuration—low and slow. This led them to purchase additional RAM for the older platform, which didn’t justify the cost. Strategic planning is essential now.
If you must settle, adapt to what’s available.
Zen 3 is essentially similar to budget Zen 4 or 5 models—unless there’s an extraordinary discount, it doesn’t offer good value unless you’re in a rare sale situation.
Plan wisely and monitor the market; you might find some clearance items. Don’t let second-hand options eat into your budget.
My approach was to upgrade from an older FX system: install an NVMe card and adapter, swap the drive, reuse the case, purchase a new PSU, CPU, motherboard, and RAM. I didn’t get a budget AM5 board—I switched to AM4 since June prices were appealing. It worked out better than buying a whole new system. The decision is yours—meeting rec requirements could easily achieve 100fps.
Possible options include Intel 12th or 13th/14th generation chips, though microcode issues remain. The current market is tough for PC gamers; perhaps a console would be a better choice?
Begin by checking if your system is constrained by the CPU or graphics. Execute a basic test: play 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 setting. If FPS remains unchanged, you’re likely CPU-bound.
If CPU is the bottleneck, consider alternatives. Here are the processors your motherboard supports:
https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B560M-HDV/index.asp#CPU
You have 12 processing threads available. Improving single-thread performance for the master thread can help.
Run the cpu-Z benchmark on your 10100F. Expect a score around 478:
https://valid.x86.fr/bench/y6lqcl
You might find an i9-11900k on eBay for about $200, which scores 665. Going beyond that usually requires a new CPU, motherboard, and RAM.
If graphics are the limiting factor, you’ll need a better PSU to pair with a new graphics card.
I test at 1920 x 1080 on an AOC G2260VWQ6 screen.
It's unusual since in challenge/battleroyal mode I achieve 100 fps and sometimes it falls below 70/80 fps in more demanding areas. In challenge/conquest mode I get 100-130 fps with drops, also depending on the area.
I'm unsure if the i5-10400F is restricting the graphics card or vice versa. Would upgrading components and keeping the graphics card help? Is it beneficial to upgrade and create a new base around the RX 6600?
Makes perfect sense. You're somewhere between the minimum requirements and the recommended ones for GPU and CPU.
A rough estimate would be a 1080p low preset if they were also slightly conservative at 80fps, while your GPU and CPU are just beyond the recommended specs.
Try the pc partpicker for your region
Explore a collection of reviews and mobo tier lists for am4
Choose what suits you best – comparing the market in your area is essential
I haven’t looked at am5 for tier lists or reviews since I settled on am4. The 500 euro price point seems close enough to am5 that it might not be worth the upgrade to am4
PSU Tier list
- 650w Be quiet! 12m (the modular version! *use only the cables provided with the power supply, avoid mixing brands or models of the same brand)/Seasonic/Corsair Rx/Evga (if available) – check the power supplies section of the forum for more brand options)
An 850w, tier A unit is a bit too much but offers more flexibility for future GPU/CPU upgrades if you find one with a 10-year warranty. Most last between 7 to 10 years, though a few might reach 12 years. If you spot a good deal in your local market, use your knowledge to get the best value
5800x if you discover a solid deal on mobo + ddr4 (preferably 16GHz if possible). The key is maximizing what fits your budget
Am4 is no longer an option. All x3D chips are out of stock and will never be available again according to our knowledge. No more upgrades
Am5 offers better support – starting with a 7600x, mid-range mobo, and DDR5 case 30 RAM is ideal. DDR5 cases 32,34,36 are usually cheaper. The market is tight right now. Check the discussion about
Confused enthusiasts
. You might still be excited, but enthusiasm may be waning.