[SOLVED] Is this a decent gaming spec?

[adambuckley]

Hi folks,

My friend's son was given a gaming PC by his grandmother who bought it off someone "she knew at work".

He's complaining that it takes forever to start up and he's getting poor frame rates when playing e.g. Fortnite or Call of Duty.

The machine has the following spec (which I got via Windows System info / Task Manager)...

• OS: Windows 10 Home
• CPU: AMD A8-7650K
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660
• RAM: 8GB DDR3
• HDD: Toshiba DT01ACA100 ATA (I'm not convinced - may be falsely reported)

Is this spec good enough for modern gaming? If so, then I will reinstall Windows 10 Home afresh, as the machine does seem to suffer from bloatware (and malware possibly).

If the spec is not good enough... then what would you change?

Thanks in advance!!

- Adam.

 

[Dj0gany]

The GPU is really good for 1080p.
It can game any title at high settings at 60fps (when paired with right hardware).
The CPU however is on the weaker side.
I would upgrade that first to a new platfrom.
With 300$ you can build something like this that will be a really good pair for your 1660.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-10100F 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($128.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H410M-HDV/M.2 Micro ATX LGA1200 Motherboard ($108.97 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($96.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $334.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2021-02-25 07:48 EST-0500
For 30$ more,you can go for 10400F.
Not much difference in gaming CURRENTLY, but im sure 6 cores and 12 threads will be much more useful for the next 5+ years, than 4 cores and 8 threads.

 

[boju]

Specs are ok. Could use more ram and a better cpu but in saying that, has a decent gpu in it. It should perform well in said games as is really.

I think best course of action right now is do as plan and fresh install Windows, then go from there with possible hardware upgrades, ie an 2.5" SSD to replace the HDD and a kit of 2x 8GB ram to start off.

 

[Jacozeelie]

A new cpu and mobo and ram will go along way with that gpu. Check for new psu aswell

 

[Dj0gany]

A new cpu and mobo and ram will go along way with that gpu. Check for new psu aswell

I suppose since it is running a 1660 that a psu might not be necessary now.

 

[adambuckley]

Hello again folks, thanks so much for your replies!

The motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-HD2 - do you think I should replace that as per @Djoza suggestion?

And the HDD is indeed a mechanical one 🤦‍♂️ I will replace that without delay!

- Adam.

 

[Dj0gany]

Hello again folks, thanks so much for your replies!

The motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-HD2 - do you think I should replace that as per @Djoza suggestion?

And the HDD is indeed a mechanical one 🤦‍♂️ I will replace that without delay!

- Adam.

Dont replace the cpu/mobo/ram until we can see what Rocket Lake has to offer.
Its launching March 15th, so wait 2 more weeks and then decide.

 

[NOT_PROVIDED_16]

I'd buy an SSD (for the boot drive), but keep the hard drive for storing games.