I was hoping to spend around $300 now, and I realize that a GPU is probably out of the question.
$300 is not enough to buy a new gaming PC. The budget is tight but because you are reusing many parts it's possible to buy a intel motherboard that has room for future CPU upgrades. There are two i can think of.
If your PSU is not too old, you can keep it but
if it's out of warranty it's not wise.
A GPU for $300 is not going to be enough improvement.
The problem is that your CPU can only send the data to the GPU so quickly. A better GPU could process the graphics faster but would still have to wait for the CPU.
This is why some of us here suggest going with a new computer, because your existing CPU+motherboard combo cannot be upgraded much. A 1080 would be a quick & dirty improvement on your RX580, but that's about it.
Would it be worth it to get something like a 1080 for ~$125? Didn't know if that would be worth it in addition to the other stuff.
No. Put the $125 towards a new GPU.
Reason is the CPU limit as mentioned above
Sounds like maybe investing in a new mobo might be worth it? I have a Micro Center not too far, and I see they have some nice AMD and Intel bundles right now. Are either preferred or just down to preference? Some of them come with 16GB of DDR4, but do most people go for 32GB? Is DDR4 still good with DDR5 out there?
I think it would be worth it in the long run.
Check out the Microcenter bundles. If you're unsure why not ask here? Sometimes a junk item is part of a bundle. You know how it is.
32Gb is better but if a bundle has a good price, 16 is acceptable. 16Gb will become a limiting factor in years to come but not yet. A 32Gb DDR4 kit will set you back $50 or less anyway.
DDR4 still good. Very good. If you're buying a new PC on a budget, DDR4 can still last 5-8 years, maybe 10. Depends on how soon software bloat and demanding games drive hardware development.
And will any of this be too much for my 650W PSU?
No, but it's the age of the PSU that is a concern. And the warranty.
You will be limited to a 4060 level GPU, without a new PSU. ...that's not bad.
Oh, and would be cooler work with Intel or would I need a new one? I have
this one. I'm guessing I might need to have a different bracket or something?
It says it supports LGA1700 (Intel 12,13,14th gen) and AMD AM4 and AM5. You should look into the box/manual. There is a mounting bracket in there.
Worst case scenario, you'll need $20-40 for a new tower cooler.
Thanks again for all the help!
No problem, happy to help.
Here are two options:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX GT A-RGB 64.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($0.00)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Extreme ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
*** optional Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ B&H)
Total: $389.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-29 14:07 EDT-0400
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i3-12100F 3.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($94.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Extreme ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
*** optional Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ B&H)
Total: $314.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-29 14:07 EDT-0400
You can see the motherboard specs here:
https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z690 Extreme/index.asp
The main feature is the power delivery actually. This motherboard can drive all 12, 13 and 14th gen intels. In the future, when you have the money you can upgrade to any one of them including i9. So you wont be in the situation where you have to buy a new motherboard or PC anytime soon.
Other features are good. Some very good. For the money, that z690 Extreme lives up to it's name.
The 12600K Intel is a major improvement over your existing Ryzen, and it will not limit any lower or mid tier GPUs.
You can continue to use your RX580, and your frame rates will improve. Graphics quality will be limited by the GPU though.
The 13600K CPU costs around $270 by itself. It would be a monstrous upgrade but it's not something you can afford right now. If you were willing to spend money on it... But as it is, you will have a decent CPU while you scout a good GPU. Maybe one of the new generation, or maybe you find a RTX 40XX, RX7800 or RX7900 GRE on sale.
If you find yourself with a better GPU than your CPU can handle, you can look for upgrades. And that's why i'm ultimately suggesting this motherboard. Because it's super cheap right now and can still handle any current gen Intel you throw at it.
The fact it's DDR4 shouldn't be an issue for a long time.
The other, cheaper option is less of an improvement right now but it still allows for future upgrades.
An i3 12100 is the least powerfull of the current intels and the cheapest. It's also doesn't have any e-cores, but has quite a nice boost clock for it's position in the lineup. With a motherboard that doesn't choke it, it can punch above it's weight.
It's still ultimately a very budget CPU and is only a modest improvement over the one you have.
But if you're limited to $300 you cannot do better.
If you choose this option, you will be looking at a CPU upgrade at the same time as your GPU upgrade. The bright side is that you never spent too much money on the CPU you're replacing.
Just be aware that a 12100F doesn't have integrated graphics, so you will have to reuse the RX580.
Or you can buy the more expensive 12100 -
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/qrhFf7/intel-core-i3-12100-33-ghz-quad-core-processor-bx8071512100
Other CPUs to consider for the z690 Extreme:
13600K -
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LfNxFT/intel-core-i5-13600k-35-ghz-14-core-processor-bx8071513600k
13600KF -
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/GV...600kf-35-ghz-14-core-processor-bx8071513600kf
14700K -
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/BmWJ7P/intel-core-i7-14700k-34-ghz-20-core-processor-bx8071514700k
The 14700K is out of reach for now, but that may be your CPU some day. The more powerfull i9 14900K is... quite pricy but not
that much better for the money. But who knows.