Question New PC or upgrade my existing one ?

[kennethrjones.cs]

I was going to get a new PC but I'm wondering if it would be worth upgrading mine instead. Maybe I could get away with just getting a new GPU. Maybe getting a GeForce RTX 5070 TI. Maybe I could also upgrade the CPU to an i9.

Note: My motherboard was upgraded to 13th gen by ASUS when I sent it in.

CPU:
Intel Core i5-13600KF Desktop Processor 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) - Unlocked

CPU cooler:
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler, Dual 120mm TL-C12CW-S PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1155/1200

Motherboard:
ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700(Intel 12th) ATX Motherboard (16+1 DrMOS,PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4X M.2, Intel 2.5 Gb LAN,USB 3.2 Gen 2 Front Panel Type-C,Thunderbolt™ 4,Aura Sync RGB Lighting), Ver 2204

RAM:
Crucial RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL40 Desktop Memory CT2K16G48C40U5

SSD/HDD:
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 2TB SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive SSD (R/W Speed up to 550/500 MB/s) T253TZ002T0C101

TEAMGROUP MP34 2TB with DRAM SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC NVMe 1.3 PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 2280 Internal SSD (Read/Write Speed up to 3,500/2,900 MB/s) Compatible with Laptop & PC Desktop TM8FP4002T0C101

GPU:
GIGABYTE Gaming OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 ATX Video Card GV-N306TGAMING OC-8GD REV 2.0 (LHR), V560.94

PSU:
CORSAIR RM750x Fully Modular ATX Power Supply - 80 PLUS Gold - Low-Noise Fan - Zero RPM - Black - Feb 8th, 2023

 

[Lutfij]

You forgot to mention the make and model of your case. If it's a prebuilt by Asus, please pass on the model and SKU to said prebuilt.

The question is, how much are you willing to spend on an upgrade path? IMHO I wouldn't go into anything that's 13th or 14th Gen, let alone on an i9 due to the mess that Intel has gotten itself into.

To add, how old is the PSU in the build listed above?

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

I have the HYTE Y60. The price doesn't matter so much, but the new ones started were just over 2,000 on CyberPowerCPU

The PSU is probably a couple years old, but I would probably change it anyway because I don't think 705W is going to be enough for a newer GPU.

I don't know what intel mess you're talking about.

 

[LordVile]

What res?

 

[geofelt]

I have the HYTE Y60. The price doesn't matter so much, but the new ones started were just over 2,000 on CyberPowerCPU

The PSU is probably a couple years old, but I would probably change it anyway because I don't think 705W is going to be enough for a newer GPU.

I don't know what intel mess you're talking about.

A year ago, a problem with 13/14th gen processors appeared.
The root cause wad discovered and fixes were put in place.
https://community.intel.com/t5/Blog...n-Desktop-Instability-Root-Cause/post/1633239
If your motherboard bios is current and you do not indulge in overclocking, your 13600K should still be sound.

As to upgrading, if gaming is your primary activity, try 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.

 

[logainofhades]

Your CPU is fine. You would benefit more from GPU vs anything else. Unless you are running something like a 4090, you are not going to see much difference with an i9 vs your current i5, unless you are playing a game that is very sensitive to CPU cache and clocks.

 

[artk2219]

I would upgrade just the GPU. Your cpu is honestly fine for anything up to an RTX 4080, 5070 ti, RX 7900 XTX, or RX 9070 XT. I would however upgrade to the latest BIOS on your motherboard if you havent in a while, and follow HYTE's size recommendations for any new GPU.

https://support.hyte.com/hc/en-us/articles/6245831375124-GPU-Compatibility-Y60

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

Your CPU is fine. You would benefit more from GPU vs anything else. Unless you are running something like a 4090, you are not going to see much difference with an i9 vs your current i5, unless you are playing a game that is very sensitive to CPU cache and clocks.

I'm not sure what you mean, unless I'm running a 4090. I was thinking about upgrading to a GeForce RTX 5070 TI. If that's a good GPU.

Should I upgrade my PSU as well, or should I only upgrade the GPU?

I could spend $2500 on a completely new system, but if upgrading the GPU in this will work then I can save a lot of money so I'd rather do that.

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

I would upgrade just the GPU. Your cpu is honestly fine for anything up to an RTX 4080, 5070 ti, RX 7900 XTX, or RX 9070 XT. I would however upgrade to the latest BIOS on your motherboard if you havent in a while, and follow HYTE's size recommendations for any new GPU though.

https://support.hyte.com/hc/en-us/articles/6245831375124-GPU-Compatibility-Y60

I just saw this, you posted at the same time. I just got done updating my BIOS 10 mins ago. I looked that up after the previous poster said something about the updates for 13th gen. It's back up and running so it appears everything worked. I also installed every other update they had for my motherboard.

Edit: Here is the CPU I'm thinking about getting. There are several 5070 TI on Amazon all different prices from $900 to $1200. I want to make sure I get the right one. This one also has 16GB GDDR 7 and my current one has 8GB GDDR6.

https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Graphics-WINDFORCE-GV-N507TGAMING-OC-16GD/dp/B0DTRC7782

 

[Why_Me]

RAM:
Crucial RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL40 Desktop Memory CT2K16G48C40U5

PCPartPicker Part List

Memory: *TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $92.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-04-28 16:38 EDT-0400

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

I need that RAM too?

 

[artk2219]

I'm not sure what you mean, unless I'm running a 4090. I was thinking about upgrading to a GeForce RTX 5070 TI. If that's a good GPU.

Should I upgrade my PSU as well, or should I only upgrade the GPU?

I could spend $2500 on a completely new system, but if upgrading the GPU in this will work then I can save a lot of money so I'd rather do that.

Why_Me made a good call out, your ram is pretty slow at 4800 Mhz, and you're definitely leaving some performance on the table. An upgrade to 32GB of DDR5 6000Mhz or faster RAM could get you a good 5 - 10% extra performance depending on what youre doing. Also, I'd take look at the RX 9070 XT if you can find it around MSRP. Its not much slower than the 5070 TI, for generally less.

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/ddr5-memory-performance-scaling/5.html

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

Why_Me mad a good call out, your ram is pretty slow at 4800 Mhz, and you're definitely leaving some performance on the table. An upgrade to 32GB of DDR5 6000Mhz or faster RAM could get you a good 10% performance. Also, I'd take look at the RX 9070 XT if you can find it around MSRP. Its not much slower than the 5070 TI, for generally less.

The main game I play have several known issues with AMD GPUs so I probably don't want to get one. There are lots of people on discord complaining about the graphic glitches that have been around for a couple years now. I don't know why, but there are issues and every time the game releases a new expansion there are more issues popping up.

I'm talking about Snow Runner. I have over 5,000 hours in that game. Otherwise, I'm playing Oblivion Remaster, Witcher, and Dark Souls games.

 

[artk2219]

The main game I play have several known issues with AMD GPUs so I probably don't want to get one. There are lots of people on discord complaining about the graphic glitches that have been around for a couple years now. I don't know why, but there are issues and every time the game releases a new expansion there are more issues popping up.

I'm talking about Snow Runner. I have over 5,000 hours in that game. Otherwise, I'm playing Oblivion Remaster, Witcher, and Dark Souls games.

I see what you mean. Snow Runner seems like a weirdly optimized game, especially since most people are saying to lock it to 60FPS for the stake of stability since the trucks get weird when running faster than that. Some games are like that sometimes though

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

I see what you mean. Snow Runner seems like a weirdly optimized game, especially since most people are saying to lock it to 60FPS for the stake of stability since the trucks get weird when running faster than that. Some games are like that sometimes though

Yes, it needs to be locked at 60 FPS otherwise you lose engine power.

This is my final cart. I think I have everything right. I'm saving over $1,000 by getting these vs. a new PC.

RAM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4NKHXK7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AWD7GDDT7Q2ZT&th=1

PSU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJ1JL3MK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

GPU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DTRC7782/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[thestryker]

Personally speaking with a RPL CPU I'd lean towards a DDR5-7200 C34 kit as it has additional bandwidth and lower latency for probably around $15 more. Otherwise the rest looks to be as good as you're going to get quality/perf/value wise.

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

Personally speaking with a RPL CPU I'd lean towards a DDR5-7200 C34 kit as it has additional bandwidth and lower latency for probably around $15 more. Otherwise the rest looks to be as good as you're going to get quality/perf/value wise.

The only RAM I found like that is $100 more.

https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-VENGEANCE-7200MHz-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0BLYLPC9L

 

[thestryker]

The only RAM I found like that is $100 more.

https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-VENGEANCE-7200MHz-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0BLYLPC9L

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4NJB8VH/

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

Thanks

 

[Why_Me]

I need that memory too?

Yes. Your current set of RAM is dead slow.

 

[dark_globe]

Yes, it needs to be locked at 60 FPS otherwise you lose engine power.

This is my final cart. I think I have everything right. I'm saving over $1,000 by getting these vs. a new PC.

RAM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4NKHXK7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AWD7GDDT7Q2ZT&th=1

PSU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJ1JL3MK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

GPU
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DTRC7782/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

there is no point in taking out 750w corsair and replace it with 850w unit of the same quality for $134 .
what if in a 2-3 years you will want to put xx90 class card in your system , you will be selling 850w unit again and replacing it with 1-1,2kW unit ?
if you are going to make a psu upgrade now than i suggest buying a 1 200w unit outright rather than these partial small upgrades - that way at least you will be prepared to accommodate any current or any future gpu without needing to upgrade your psu for the next 7-8 years .
Montech CENTURY II 1200 W 80+ Gold
Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 1350 W 80+ Gold
ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 1200 W 80+ Gold
FSP Group Hydro PTM X PRO,Gen5 1200 W 80+ Platinum
(all of these units have a 10 years warranty and they are build to last for a long time
also they cost the same or just a little more compared to 850w units)

otherwise don´t bother and just keep your current psu - it will actually run rtx 5070Ti just fine .
maximum power draw of this card (spikes included) is 360w (and on average it´s only 250-270w) ,
the rest of your system is not that power hungry .
(13 600K consumes below 100w of power while gaming)

other than that you will need faster memory as others already pointed out
and than you are set for another 2-3 years .

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

Thanks, I can take the PSU out of my cart. I was getting it because the GPU said it required a 750W PSU. I figured I would need to upgrade it because if the GPU required 750W that left nothing left for the rest of my system.

Since it's not needed, I'll just remove it.

 

[logainofhades]

I'm not sure what you mean, unless I'm running a 4090. I was thinking about upgrading to a GeForce RTX 5070 TI. If that's a good GPU.

Should I upgrade my PSU as well, or should I only upgrade the GPU?

I could spend $2500 on a completely new system, but if upgrading the GPU in this will work then I can save a lot of money so I'd rather do that.

Unless you are going to run something as fast as a 4090, you are generally not going to see much, if any performance difference, with your i5 vs an i9. Given how the 5070ti is basically 4080 performance, I don't think the CPU will do much.

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/msi-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-ventus-3x/34.html


A new GPU for sure. Faster ram, as others have mentioned, isn't a terrible idea, but you will have to decide whether it is worth that extra cost. I wouldn't bother doing more than DDR5 6000 CL30.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTmbYak_8gE

 

[kennethrjones.cs]

What about the GPU itself? Will I see any noticeable difference between the new one and my current one to justify the $1100 upgrade in the first place?

 

[logainofhades]

What about the GPU itself? Will I see any noticeable difference between the new one and my current one to justify the $1100 upgrade in the first place?

Look at the review I linked and decide if the 50%+ more performance is worth it for you. A 5070ti should not cost you $1100.

PCPartPicker Part List

Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($849.99 @ B&H)
Total: $849.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-04-29 11:44 EDT-0400

I edited my post earlier. I don't really think you need the new PSU. I took my build and changed the CPU to a 13600k, and the GPU to a 5070ti, and the wattage was about 579w. Your current PSU is a high quality unit, so should be fine.