Hey folks! I’m looking for some advice on upgrading my setup. Currently, I have a GTX 1650 GPU, an Intel i5-9400F CPU running at 2.90GHz, and I’m using an H310M PRO-VDH PLUS motherboard. I’m considering moving up to a 30 series GPU with at least 8GB of VRAM, but I need to swap out my motherboard first. I’m trying to find a budget-friendly motherboard that will allow for future GPU upgrades as well.
I know that upgrading my GPU will likely be bottlenecked by my current CPU, so I’m a bit unsure if I can afford both upgrades right now. My budget is around £300, with an extra £50 if needed. If you have any suggestions that might be slightly over my budget, please let me know—I’ll save up!
Also, I plan on using a PC building website for more help, but I’m not sure if my current fans can handle an upgrade. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide!
2 Answers
You actually don’t need to change your motherboard to upgrade your GPU! The performance differences in PCIe versions are minimal—like, 5% at most. As long as you pick a GPU that fully uses the 16 lanes, you’ll be fine. You should definitely check out PCPartPicker for building your rig; it makes things easier! Just keep in mind how much you’re willing to spend on a new or used GPU. You could get a used RTX 3080 for around £300-350, which is a great option right now.
I thought you had to switch motherboards too, but it sounds like you can upgrade your GPU without the hassle! If one of your RAM slots is broken, you might want to check that before making any moves, but if it’s still somewhat functional, you could stick with it until there’s a bigger reason to replace it. I’d look for a good deal on a GPU while you figure out your motherboard situation. Just keep an eye on prices and don’t rush into it!
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