Question I need help upgrading one of my two computer builds.

[TooMuchViolence]

I have loved video gaming since the 1970s, and this will probably be my last gaming system. I have very limited funds and want to make every penny count.
I wasn't planning to buy the PlayStation 5 Pro, but I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing with 4k resolution
If any mix-and-matching can improve one of these computers, then add a video card, power supply, and RAM.
What is the best I can achieve without using water cooling? Monitor is- QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV 4K Processor Smart Flat Screen TV for Gaming
Here are some short questions:
What is the best video card I can get based on my current setup? Should I add more RAM, or is the RAM I have already outdated?
I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach. Thank you for any help you can provide.
I have two computer builds. One was way back in 2018 (I had more money to buy latest hardware). 2nd build was in 2022 and I had a lot less money. Both computers are running win 11
2022 build
ntel® Core™ i5-11600K Desktop
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 150W TDP CPU Cooler
ASUS Prime Z590-P LGA 1200 (Intel® 11th/10th Gen)
CORSAIR iCUE 4000X RGB Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case - 3X SP120 RGB Elite Fans
CORSAIR RM Series (2021), RM750, 750 Watt, 80 Plus Gold
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive,
CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MHz

2018 build
CM Storm Trooper - Gaming Full Tower Computer Case
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler (RR-212E-20PK-R2), 120mm PWM Fan,
CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz
ASUS PRIME Z370-A LGA1151 DDR4 DP HDMI DVI M.2 USB 3.1 Z370 ATX
Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
CORSAIR AX Series, AX760, 760 Watt, 80+ Platinum Certified, Fully Modular Power Supply.

Approximate Purchase Date: Very Soon
Budget Range: $600 - $1000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: (gaming and video editing.
Are you buying a monitor: No
Parts to Upgrade: I want a system better than PlayStation 5 Pro
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (amazon but open to suggestions)
Location: Southern Idaho, USA
Parts Preferences: Everything I have is intel, but for a new build, I am open minded.
Overclocking: – I don’t know how.
SLI or Crossfire: If I upgrade… SLI, but if I do a new build, I am open
Your Monitor Resolution: (4K) display is LG QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV 4K Processor
Additional Comments: I didn't have anyone to ask when I last looked into water cooling. I'm not opposed to it, but it would be good if I could manage without it.)

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: (I want to play games with a 4k resolution.) equal to PlayStation 5 pro or better.

Thank you

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing.
Mentioning the titles and apps you wish to tax the build without an etc in that sentence would help us two fold in understanding what or where you're probably falling behind.

I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach.
I would honestly sell both builds and start anew with concurrent hardware.

 

[CountMike]

I have loved video gaming since the 1970s, and this will probably be my last gaming system. I have very limited funds and want to make every penny count.
I wasn't planning to buy the PlayStation 5 Pro, but I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing with 4k resolution
If any mix-and-matching can improve one of these computers, then add a video card, power supply, and RAM.
What is the best I can achieve without using water cooling? Monitor is- QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV 4K Processor Smart Flat Screen TV for Gaming
Here are some short questions:
What is the best video card I can get based on my current setup? Should I add more RAM, or is the RAM I have already outdated?
I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach. Thank you for any help you can provide.
I have two computer builds. One was way back in 2018 (I had more money to buy latest hardware). 2nd build was in 2022 and I had a lot less money. Both computers are running win 11
2022 build
ntel® Core™ i5-11600K Desktop
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 150W TDP CPU Cooler
ASUS Prime Z590-P LGA 1200 (Intel® 11th/10th Gen)
CORSAIR iCUE 4000X RGB Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case - 3X SP120 RGB Elite Fans
CORSAIR RM Series (2021), RM750, 750 Watt, 80 Plus Gold
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive,
CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MHz

2018 build
CM Storm Trooper - Gaming Full Tower Computer Case
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler (RR-212E-20PK-R2), 120mm PWM Fan,
CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz
ASUS PRIME Z370-A LGA1151 DDR4 DP HDMI DVI M.2 USB 3.1 Z370 ATX
Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
CORSAIR AX Series, AX760, 760 Watt, 80+ Platinum Certified, Fully Modular Power Supply.

thank you

Upgrading first one is only one that makes any sense, just ad a mid range GPU and you are all set for gaming. Since 10th/11th generation, Intel didn't make big upgrades and that one of yours is still capable CPU. Don't have to go crazy with GPU, for money you allocated you should be able to get RTX 4070 or Rx 7900xt and have some left for an NVMe SSD while not having to change PSU. With eventually only some conservative settings, should be able to enjoy gaming for some years to come.

 

[geofelt]

Your 11600K is still a decent processor.

Gaming @4k resolution will put pressure on the graphics card, more than the cpu.
Run this simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

What is your current graphics card?
4k tv's want hdmi 2.1 for 120hz operation.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Hey there,

Id agree with the guys above. Your CPU is still relevant, and the only real upgrade that would be worth the boost in gaming chops, is a GPU. Your money puts you in the ballpark of a 4070 Super => 4080 Super (and those in between) or the 7900XT/XTX. GPU is the way to go.

Just to note: Your CPU cooler is not strong enough to manage your CPU. During boost your CPU can pull in 250w. Having a cooler that can't handle that, means your CPU will throttle (admittedly only at high load) and your GPU will be starved.

For any of the more power hungry cards like the 4080 Super, you may need to factor in a PSU upgrade to 850w at least.

 

[Bob.B]

I have loved video gaming since the 1970s, and this will probably be my last gaming system. I have very limited funds and want to make every penny count.
I wasn't planning to buy the PlayStation 5 Pro, but I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing with 4k resolution
If any mix-and-matching can improve one of these computers, then add a video card, power supply, and RAM.
What is the best I can achieve without using water cooling? Monitor is- QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV 4K Processor Smart Flat Screen TV for Gaming
Here are some short questions:
What is the best video card I can get based on my current setup? Should I add more RAM, or is the RAM I have already outdated?
I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach. Thank you for any help you can provide.
I have two computer builds. One was way back in 2018 (I had more money to buy latest hardware). 2nd build was in 2022 and I had a lot less money. Both computers are running win 11
2022 build
ntel® Core™ i5-11600K Desktop
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 150W TDP CPU Cooler
ASUS Prime Z590-P LGA 1200 (Intel® 11th/10th Gen)
CORSAIR iCUE 4000X RGB Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case - 3X SP120 RGB Elite Fans
CORSAIR RM Series (2021), RM750, 750 Watt, 80 Plus Gold
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive,
CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MHz

2018 build
CM Storm Trooper - Gaming Full Tower Computer Case
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler (RR-212E-20PK-R2), 120mm PWM Fan,
CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz
ASUS PRIME Z370-A LGA1151 DDR4 DP HDMI DVI M.2 USB 3.1 Z370 ATX
Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
CORSAIR AX Series, AX760, 760 Watt, 80+ Platinum Certified, Fully Modular Power Supply.

thank you

What storage is in the 2018 build?

 

[logainofhades]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I am considering upgrading one of my PCs for gaming and video editing.
Mentioning the titles and apps you wish to tax the build without an etc in that sentence would help us two fold in understanding what or where you're probably falling behind.

I am willing to spend between $600 and $1000. I would really like to experience the best in computer gaming, but that seems out of my reach.
I would honestly sell both builds and start anew with concurrent hardware.

I have to agree with the sell both and use money on top of what you have to spend, to build a killer system, unless there is some reason you really need two builds.

If not going that route, I would upgrade the ram in the 11600k build to at least 64gb, get a 2tb NVME, and get a 7900xt.

PCPartPicker Part List

Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($95.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($159.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB Video Card ($639.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $894.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-11-18 13:00 EST-0500

 

[TooMuchViolence]

Your 11600K is still a decent processor.

Gaming @4k resolution will put pressure on the graphics card, more than the cpu.
Run this simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

What is your current graphics card?
4k tv's want hdmi 2.1 for 120hz operation.

Thank you for explaining that to me. My PlayStation 4 Pro is 4k, and I like it, but I am done with those games. I want my gaming computer to be at least as good or better than the PS 5 Pro. ty again.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

Upgrading first one is only one that makes any sense, just ad a mid range GPU and you are all set for gaming. Since 10th/11th generation, Intel didn't make big upgrades and that one of yours is still capable CPU. Don't have to go crazy with GPU, for money you allocated you should be able to get RTX 4070 or Rx 7900xt and have some left for an NVMe SSD while not having to change PSU. With eventually only some conservative settings, should be able to enjoy gaming for some years to come.

I should have included what I am about to say in my OP. I have been playing on the PlayStation 4 Pro, which is 4K. I want this PC to be at least as good PS5 Pro or better. Do you think this will do the trick? Thanks.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

Hey there,

Id agree with the guys above. Your CPU is still relevant, and the only real upgrade that would be worth the boost in gaming chops, is a GPU. Your money puts you in the ballpark of a 4070 Super => 4080 Super (and those in between) or the 7900XT/XTX. GPU is the way to go.

Just to note: Your CPU cooler is not strong enough to manage your CPU. During boost your CPU can pull in 250w. Having a cooler that can't handle that, means your CPU will throttle (admittedly only at high load) and your GPU will be starved.

For any of the more power hungry cards like the 4080 Super, you may need to factor in a PSU upgrade to 850w at least.

ty.... which cooler do you think I will need? I can upgrade my PSU. ty again

 

[TooMuchViolence]

What storage is in the 2018 build?

It's been a long time since I last used that computer, and it's in a difficult spot at the moment. Amazon shows that I purchased a Western Digital 1TB WD Blue PC Internal Hard Drive HDD—7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD10EZEX in 2018. I just can't believe I didn't upgrade it when I upgraded to Windows 11. I may have some old SSD's in there as well.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

I have to agree with the sell both and use money on top of what you have to spend, to build a killer system, unless there is some reason you really need two builds.

If not going that route, I would upgrade the ram in the 11600k build to at least 64gb, get a 2tb NVME, and get a 7900xt.

PCPartPicker Part List

Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($95.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($159.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB Video Card ($639.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $894.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-11-18 13:00 EST-0500

I like having a multiscreen-capable backup PC. But I have thought about selling. How much do you think I can ask for them? ty

 

[Bob.B]

It's been a long time since I last used that computer, and it's in a difficult spot at the moment. Amazon shows that I purchased a Western Digital 1TB WD Blue PC Internal Hard Drive HDD—7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD10EZEX in 2018. I just can't believe I didn't upgrade it when I upgraded to Windows 11. I may have some old SSD's in there as well.

I was just thinking your not going to game very well with just a single 500GB ssd so if there was some storage you could move from the 2018 it could help a bit and it's free.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

ty.... which cooler do you think I will need? I can upgrade my PSU.

You could go with either a TT Phantom Spirit Evo,, or TT Peerless Assassin, both of which are great value and offer amazing performance for what they are.

 

[logainofhades]

I like having a multiscreen-capable backup PC. But I have thought about selling. How much do you think I can ask for them? ty

For an idea on used pricing, I would look to what the individual parts are going for on Ebay.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

Your 11600K is still a decent processor.

Gaming @4k resolution will put pressure on the graphics card, more than the cpu.
Run this simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

What is your current graphics card?
4k tv's want hdmi 2.1 for 120hz operation.

Thank you for reminding me about the HDMI 2.1 ports. The only graphics card I have worth mentioning is the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW DT Gaming ACX 3.0, 8GB GDDR5X, purchased in 2017. right now, it's in the 2018 build.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

For an idea on used pricing, I would look to what the individual parts are going for on Ebay.

I will look into that. On eBay, would you take them apart for parts or the whole system?

 

[logainofhades]

Generally, you can get more money parting out a system, but iirc there is a section for CPU and motherboard combos and such too. Doesn't hurt to see what local prices are via FB marketplace either, for whole systems, or parting out.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

I was just thinking your not going to game very well with just a single 500GB ssd so if there was some storage you could move from the 2018 it could help a bit and it's free.

I just copied my SSDs from the orders page. I have 2 500 GB SSDs in my 2022 build.

 

[TooMuchViolence]

Generally, you can get more money parting out a system, but iirc there is a section for CPU and motherboard combos and such too. Doesn't hurt to see what local prices are via FB marketplace either, for whole systems, or parting out.

Thank you for posting the link how to ask for advice on upgrades. It would have been easy to just go down the list and give the needed information.