What CPU and GPU should I consider to upgrade my 5-year-old setup?

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I’m looking to upgrade my current PC, which has been running for about five years now. I’m concerned that my AIO cooler might fail soon. I want to find a current version of my existing components that were relatively mid-range options back in the day since my computing needs are pretty modest. Here’s what I currently have:

– **Processor:** AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8X 3.6GHz / 32MB L3 Cache)
– **Video Card:** GeForce RTX 2060 – 6GB GDDR6 (VR-Ready)

My other specs include:
– **Cooling:** 120mm RGB Liquid Cooling System (just needs to be quiet)
– **Memory:** 16GB (8GB x 2) DDR4-3200MHz RGB (I’m aware DDR5 is out but still want 16GB+)
– **Motherboard:** MSI B550-A PRO (I think any current board would work for me)

These components manage my gaming and everyday tasks just fine. Once I pinpoint a CPU/GPU combo, I’m planning to look for a prebuilt system with those parts. Just to clarify, I’m not looking for the absolute best components regardless of cost; I’m really after today’s budget-friendly versions of mid-tier CPUs and GPUs. If I can get a decent setup for around $1,200, that’s great, but I’m okay spending up to $1,800 if needed. Interested in knowing what the modern equivalent of a good mid-range system looks like!

1 Answer

TechWizard123 -

If you’re looking for a solid upgrade, I recommend considering the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X or the Ryzen 7 5800X. They offer great performance in the mid-range category without breaking the bank. For your GPU, the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT is a decent choice too—it’s pretty competitive for most games while keeping costs reasonable. If you can find an RTX 3060 or 3060 Ti, those would also be good options. For your cooler, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III is a great pick that’s both quiet and efficient. Definitely do some price comparisons before you buy!

GamerGirlXx -

Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate the specific models, but I’m wondering, if I stick with AMD, would I need a new motherboard too? Just making sure the new CPU will fit with my current setup.

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