[SOLVED] PC upgrade advice wanted so i can play Alyx

[MagnaFarta]

Hi all,

I was pointed towards the below template regarding request for PC upgrade advice - would appreciate your input.

Current gaming build


Approximate Purchase Date: no rush, but within next few month

Budget Range: approx £300 on top of whatever i make selling the current components (approx £100-200...but this depends upon what you recommend I upgrade).

System Usage from Most to Least Important: (e.g. gaming and VR gaming. Current set up is fine for counterstrike, but my main motive for the upgrade is I really want to play Alyx with my Oculus Quest 2, and i do not think my current set up is good enough.

Note - Alyx min spec:
Processor: Core i5-7500 / Ryzen 5 1600
Memory: 12 GB RAM
Graphics: GTX 1060 / RX 580 - 6GB VRAM

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: (e.g.: CPU, mobo, RAM) Include Power Supply Make & Model If Re-using
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR3-1866
(....possibly if you say so) Video Card: MSI Radeon RX 480 8 GB GAMING X

Do you need to buy OS: No
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (uk based; scan, amazon, pc world, etc

Location: Manchester, UK

Parts Preferences: No pref. I've always been AMD, but happy to flip to intel

Overclocking: Maybe. I've tinkered previously, but would rather not need to have to

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe. No pref

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: Basically, is there a way to fix my current build so it can play Alyx via VR. If not, then whats a decent - but not too expensive - upgrade.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Current set up is fine for counterstrike, but my main motive for the upgrade is I really want to play Alyx with my Oculus Quest 2, and i do not think my current set up is good enough.

Cheers

 

[geofelt]

Why not buy the game and see how you do?
Then upgrade what you need to.
Assuming the minimum specs are correct, your processor is not adequate.
The FX-6300 has 6 threads and a passmark rating of 4113. That is when all 6 threads are fully utilized. The weakness is the single thread rating of 1476. That is what most games depend on.

The i5-7500, one of the minimum processors has only 4 threads but a rating of 6138/2289.
The other r5-1600 has 12 threads and an impressive rating of 12418, but a modest single thread rating of 2089
Of note is the adequacy of the 7500 with only 4 threads.

You can translate $ to pounds, and your shopping options may differ.
To fit your budget, look at the $115 i3-10100. It has 8 threads and a rating of 8949/2648.
It is a fine budget gaming processor.
Here is a review:
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i3-10100/15.html
You will need a lga1200 socket motherboard. They start around $70.
A 2 x 8gb DDR4 ram kit of 2666 speed will be about $60.

Your current RX480 is in the same performance class as the minimum graphics cards so see how you do with it.
A graphics upgrade if you need it is easy.