Best Upgrade Path for My Aging Gaming Rig?

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I’ve been out of the gaming loop for a while because family life took priority, but now I want to breathe some new life into my aging computer. I currently have a build that’s lagging behind, including: a 1080ti Duke GPU, an i7 8700k overclocked to 5GHz, Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz RAM (tweaked to 3600), a 750W Corsair Bronze PSU, and all SSD storage. I’ve been trying to play Stalker 2, and I want to dive into the new FFXIV and other games, but my GPU tech is holding me back.

I’m ready to ditch the notion of waiting for future-proofing since I don’t game enough right now. I can either upgrade to a new GPU like the 9060xt or 5060ti, or go for a full platform change to Ryzen with DDR5/NVMe tech. What do you think? Would getting a new GPU suffice for now, or should I jump straight into swapping out the whole platform? Love to hear your thoughts!

Best Upgrade Path for My Aging Gaming Rig
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2 Answers

NinjaByte4000 -

If you’re considering a CPU upgrade, launching into the AM5 platform with something like a Ryzen 9600X is a solid option. You wouldn’t be locked out of future upgrades, and pairing it with a good B850 motherboard and fast DDR5 RAM will enhance performance. Also, the 9060XT is a strong contender against the 5060TI, and it’s typically more affordable. I’d recommend hitting the CPU first and wait a bit on the GPU when prices stabilize.

ByteBandit23 -

I agree! The Ryzen 7000 series is pretty powerful, and the DDR5 will give you a great performance boost. Definitely a good way to start building up your rig.

FinalBossHunter -

Absolutely! Getting a solid CPU is the foundation. The GPU prices are bound to become more reasonable in the future. Just stay patient!

GameKnight47 -

Honestly, GPU prices are a bit nuts right now. Depending on where you are, you might be able to snag a 3060 for a decent price — it could get you back up and running nicely without breaking the bank. But if you’re looking for a major upgrade, going with something like the 9060XT would give you a significant boost, especially at around 319 pounds right now. Just remember to check for the 16GB version! Let’s be real, if your goal is more gaming power, it might be wiser to think about a full platform upgrade eventually.

PixelProwler99 -

For sure, the 9060XT is a way better jump than the 3060. If you’re considering long-term, it’s worth the investment! Just keep an eye on future stock and prices. But yeah, be prepared since those prices can fluctuate.

RetroRaider777 -

Prices can be insane in Canada! If you’re faced with a bottleneck either way, I feel like you’re making the right choice — considering your options wisely instead of rushing into something you’ll regret.

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