Question Looking for PC Upgrade Recommendations (Budget $200-$400)

[davidipekk]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently using my PC (it's not the best) with the following specs:

• Motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z370-P
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4
• CPU: Intel Core i3-8100 (3.60 GHz)
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 3GB
• Storage: 120 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD

I'm looking to upgrade my PC with minimal changes but noticeable improvements, and my budget is between $200 and $400. Ideally, I want to replace certain parts rather than completely overhaul the system.

What parts would you recommend upgrading first? I assume the CPU and GPU might need to be swapped out, but I'm not very technical, so I’m not sure what will be the most effective upgrades for my system.

Also, does my motherboard (ASUS PRIME Z370-P) support newer GPUs, or would I need to replace that as well?

I would really appreciate your advice on which specific parts would give the best performance boost for my budget. Thanks in advance!

 

[punkncat]

IMO, try to find at least something like an 8400 or better, on the used market.

Update to at least 16GB of RAM.

According to what power supply and age, it would probably be a good idea to look towards a newer GPU as well.

 

[Lafong]

You don't mention the purpose of this PC or exactly what it won't do that you'd like it to do.

Why do you need a video card at all?

 

[logainofhades]

Please see the link in my sig and report back with relevant information. Need the make/model of your power supply as well.

 

[triplex1]

Something like this

 

[punkncat]

Something like this

This is a great suggestion for price and age of the platform. It is important to note that the motherboard could require a BIOS update to work properly.

 

[davidipekk]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently using my PC with the following specs:
• Motherboard: MSI LGA1151 Z370 SLI PLUS
• RAM: Crucial DDR4 2400 MHz 8GB Kit
• CPU: Intel Core i3-8100 (3.60 GHz)
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 3GB
• Storage: Kingston SSDNow UV400 120GB + 1TB HDD
• PSU: CoolerMaster MasterWatt 500W

I’m looking to upgrade my PC with minimal changes but noticeable performance improvements, and my budget is between $200 and $400. My goal is to achieve better gaming performance, ideally running most games at 144 FPS. I also need the system to handle study/work tasks, multitasking, and software applications smoothly.

Which parts should I prioritize for the best results? I assume the CPU and GPU might be worth upgrading, but I’m not very technical and am unsure where the most effective gains would come from.

Additionally, would my MSI LGA1151 Z370 SLI PLUS motherboard support a newer GPU, or would I need to consider replacing it as well?

Thanks in advance for any guidance on what specific upgrades would provide the best performance boost within my budget!

 

[davidipekk]

Hey guys,

Thank you for the anwsers. Sorry for not including all the specific parts of the PC, and my motive with it (what i am going to use it for). I have posted a new thread for more clarity. Id be thankful if you all would go over there and anwser.

 

[Lutfij]

You're advised to stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread;

*How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice*

How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel...

forums.tomshardware.com

This site is based in the USA, if you're located outside of it, we will also need to know what sites you have access to, hence your preferred site for purchase(which is also stated in the thread linked above).

Merged similar thread to an existing thread. Stick to one thread please. Moved thread to Systems section from PC Gaming section.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I’m currently using my PC with the following specs:
• RAM: Crucial DDR4 2400 MHz 8GB Kit
• CPU: Intel Core i3-8100 (3.60 GHz)

my budget is between $200 and $400.
My goal is to achieve better gaming performance, ideally running most games at 144 FPS.
I also need the system to handle study/work tasks, multitasking, and software applications smoothly.

You could upgrade cpu to i7-8700/i7-8700k and
upgrade ram to 16GB or 32GB.

CPU will probably be used. Not sure, how much $ is left afterwards.
For gpu upgrade your budget may not be enough.

 

[logainofhades]

For what you are wanting, you are going to have to spend more. Your PSU is not of sufficient wattage, or quality, for a GPU upgrade, and your CPU isn't up to the task either. Modern games should be run on an SSD also, so that's an additional cost. You bascially need a whole new rig.

 

[davidipekk]

Thank you for the ideas! I realize my budget might be a bit tight, so I looked up some different parts to consider upgrading. Here’s what I have in mind so far:


• PSU: Corsair CX50 650W


• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 or i7-8700K


• RAM: G.Skill 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3000MHz CL16 Aegis


• Storage: Kingston SSD 400GB





I’m also planning to upgrade the GPU. What would be a good option that isn’t too expensive but offers a significant boost over the GTX 1060 3GB?





Lastly, with Black Friday approaching, I’m wondering if it’s worth going for these individual parts or if I’d be better off buying a whole new PC.


Ps (I could sell this PC and buy a new one, but i am afraid i will get almost nothing for it, it would be nice doing the best with what i have)





Thanks again for the guidance!