Question Lifetime Console Gamer

Feb 24, 2025
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CPU: 11th Gen Intel i5-11600KF
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Motherboard: MAG Z590 Tomahawk WIFI (MS-7D08)
Memory: 16GB not sure how to figure out more info
SSD: Samsung SSD 980 Pro 500 GB


Recommendations on what to upgrade first. Budget is $1,500

Looking to play FPS games at 120 Frames
 
CPU: 11th Gen Intel i5-11600KF
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Motherboard: MAG Z590 Tomahawk WIFI (MS-7D08)
Memory: 16GB not sure how to figure out more info
SSD: Samsung SSD 980 Pro 500 GB


Recommendations on what to upgrade first. Budget is $1,500

Looking to play FPS games at 120 Frames


1 resolutuon your trying to play.

2 power supply in your system make and model and wattage all important.

3. how many sticks do you see in your system of ram.
 
Your GPU is the single most important component when it comes to high performance with rasterized games. Moreover, an 11600KF is significantly newer (and thus more performant) when compared to the age and raw performance of the GTX 1050 Ti. 32GB of memory would also be a nice bonus, especially if you're on Windows 11, or like to have numerous programs running while gaming.

I also want to highlight an upgrade that frequently gets swept under the rug: a new monitor. Depending on what you're using, you may get a vastly improved experience (with more than just playing video games) by upgrading your display. I would shoot for a 1440p high-refresh rate gaming monitor, considering your budget. The AOC Q27G3XMN has always been a standout, not just for its fast refresh rate, response times, and Mini LED panel, but also for its outstanding value. If you want something fancier, the Acer Predator X27 is a monster of a gaming display. Even if you have a fancy 1080p monitor, you should make this upgrade a priority.

In terms of GPUs, keep in mind you might have to dedicate some budget to a new PSU, depending on what you're currently running. That said, for your budget, your options are unfortunately quite limited in the current GPU space. Unless you need a new graphics card right now, I would seriously consider waiting for things to die down a little. Pricing for AMD and NVIDIA products alike, even at your budget, are way out of control, and if you can tide over for awhile, you may be able to snag something for much better value in the coming months. If you do want something right now, the only sensible option is to consider the used GPU market. If you aren't comfortable with that, then halt the GPU upgrade alltogether.

With all that said, you can go ahead and upgrade your memory and power supply right now if you want to prepare for your upgrade down the road. Depending on the card you end up with, I wouldn't go any lower than a 850 watt unit. The Cooler Master MWE V3 is a solid choice, as well as the Corsair RMe 850. Bear in mind if you wanted a GPU above the performance tier of something like the 4080 Super, then 850 watts will not be enough, and you will be looking for 1200 watt units.

For memory, you could presumably buy an exact kit of the memory you already have and (hope) it will work with your current set to double your capacity, but getting a new set of 2x16 might be better for you in the long run. This Corsair Vengance LPX DDR4 is fast and has low latency for the price. I assume you deliberately left out any other storage you might have besides the SSD, but if for some reason you didn't, or you are running out of space, spend the 80 bucks on a 4TB hard drive for your games.

For your convenience, I also put together a parts list of your current system, containing all of your (listed) parts. With the memory, PSU, and monitor upgrades, it still leaves you with a sizable budget for your next video card.
 
Last edited:
CPU: 11th Gen Intel i5-11600KF
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Motherboard: MAG Z590 Tomahawk WIFI (MS-7D08)
Memory: 16GB not sure how to figure out more info
SSD: Samsung SSD 980 Pro 500 GB


Recommendations on what to upgrade first. Budget is $1,500

Looking to play FPS games at 120 Frames
Here is my recommendation for a new build. Add in either a 7900 XT or XTX for 750 or lower, or either a 5070 / 5070 ti / 4070 ti S if you can find one for 750 or less.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-14600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($219.96 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: NZXT N7 Z790 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Best Buy)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Inland Performance Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($131.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li Lancool 207 ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($107.94 @ Amazon)
Total: $810.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-02-24 23:39 EST-0500
 
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