What upgrades should I consider?
What upgrades should I consider?
My PC specs are
MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
Ryzen 5 3600
16GB 3200mhz
GTX 1060 6gb
I need to upgrade my old GPU but I’m unsure which one to choose for 1080p 165hz gaming. I was thinking of models like 3060, 4060, 7600, 7600xt. There’s a good deal on the 6750xt, but my PSU is only 550W (Antec EAG) and won’t be sufficient. I was also considering a CPU upgrade without swapping the motherboard. Is the 5600x capable of handling 1080p? 5700x?
the choice of GPU largely depends on the specific games you plan to play and your long-term gaming goals over the next few years. it also depends on the desired in-game settings and the expected frame rate. a more powerful CPU is essential to achieve better performance with a high-end GPU. the 5800x3d is currently a solid option for this setup. additionally, the power supply unit won't provide sufficient power for even a mid-range graphics card. you should decide on the GPU before receiving any recommendations about the power supply model.
For gaming at 1080p I recommend choosing a 3060 or RX 6650 XT or RX 7600. I personally use the RX 6650 XT with a 1080p setup and it performs very well. The main concern is that my CPU is 5600 (non-x) and the only issue is limited VRAM. If you're happy with your VRAM, go for the RX 6650 XT; otherwise, consider the RX 3060 12GB. Your CPU is adequate for now, but upgrading your GPU would be beneficial.
I just noticed the 5700x3d is available, and I might choose that CPU. I could increase my budget to purchase a 750W PSU, and I was considering the MSI A750GF—does it provide sufficient power for the 5700x3d plus the 6750xt?
It's possible, but I'd prefer a RAM upgrade over a PSU. Check out this 32Gb G.Skill model:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/dq...16...c18d-32gvk
Consider selling the 16Gb kit to earn some cash. Then think about saving for a SeaSonic GX-750 -
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2g...ly...cus-gx-750
or similar options.
Alternatively, upgrade the PSU and RAM while postponing CPU improvements.
I wouldn't recommend going for the 3060 12Gb. It doesn't outperform a 4060 8Gb and consumes more power.
Based on my experience, a 4060 should handle 1080p well for most games, but pushing for 165 Hz at high settings is demanding. A better choice would be a 7800XT or 7900GRE. They provide solid 1440p performance in many titles and work well for 1080p.
It looks like you're trying to balance several components but can't afford everything at once. If that's the case, search for discounts and deals. Perhaps delay the GPU upgrade until next spring when new models with better value will be available.
Your decision is yours.
This CPU/GPU pairing would be a great selection, yet I prefer this option rather than an MSI.
I am considering the 4060 since it matches the price of the 3060 in my country and I wouldn’t need an upgraded PSU.
I mainly play esports games such as Siege and League, I think it will be sufficient for those titles.
It's... unusual. It performs well in some games but struggles in others, especially at high quality settings. Sometimes the issue lies with the game's optimization or the settings themselves. For your needs, it should work fine—more than just acceptable. If you encounter problems, lowering settings that don’t impact visuals but improve frame rates can help. As I mentioned before, it's a bit of an odd choice. While it meets expectations for casual or non-AAA titles, it can feel excessive for more demanding experiences. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I’m satisfied with mine, since it uses minimal resources whether you're playing or just waiting.