Question PC Upgrade

[schmurfy]

Hi,
I have been looking for a few weeks now to upgrade my current computer, here is my current setup:

Gigabyte Z370P D3
Core i5-8600K
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GB
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GT OCV1
1080p Monitor

That config still works well, but I would like to refresh it, especially to pair it with a 1440p monitor
I have been thinking about changing the graphic card alone and switch to an RTX 3060, but I am afraid the CPU will drag the system down

Can I keep my current MB/CPU, at least for a time and upgrade it next, or will it limit the new system too much ? The PCI Express slots are one concern as they are only Gen 3.
I saw that the RT 6600 could be a good alternative to the GTX 3060, but I have a very bad memory of my last AMD GFX cards, although it was a long time ago: buggy drivers, very limited configuration options and crashes

I was aiming at 900/100 euros to buy a new monitor and a new GFX card, but I can go higher if required, after my research the only thing I manage to pinpoint is the monitor but nothing is set in stone, I was looking at :
Dell S3222DGM which seems G sync compatible, although the informations are not clear).

Current games I play / wanna play:

• Dying light 2
• Far cry 6
• CYBERPUNK 2077
• Nier replicant

Any advice would be more than welcome as I am drowning under the various options xD

 

[Lutfij]

You forgot to mention the make and model of your PSU. If you intend to recycle the existing PSU, please mention the age of the unit as well.

 

[schmurfy]

My PSU is an ANTEC hcg series 520, I didn't think it was that old but while searching I realized it is already 10 years old.
It is the oldest component with the case in my current system.

 

[geofelt]

8600K is still quite competent.
And, with your motherboard you should be able to overclock to perhaps 4.90
https://siliconlottery.com/pages/statistics
You might need a good cooler.

To see if it can run a stronger graphics card, 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.

I would think that your psu should be capable of running a stronger graphics card like a rtx3050.
Here is a handy psu sizing chart:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

 

[DSzymborski]

I'd be inclined to change the PSU. The HCG 520 was a rebadged SeaSonic S12 II, which means it's a group-regulated PSU. It's about as good as group-regulated PSUs got, but it's time to move on from a decade-old PSU that's using an archaic topology. 2013's budget PSU shouldn't be the identical solution to a budget PSU in 2023.

 

[schmurfy]

8600K is still quite competent.
And, with your motherboard you should be able to overclock to perhaps 4.90
https://siliconlottery.com/pages/statistics
You might need a good cooler.

To see if it can run a stronger graphics card, 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.

I would think that your psu should be capable of running a stronger graphics card like a rtx3050.
Here is a handy psu sizing chart:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Thanks, I tried what you suggested and I can already bring my cpu to 85% with Dying Light 2 xD
I did the test at 4.5GHz, my current cooler struggle after that.

 

[schmurfy]

I'd be inclined to change the PSU. The HCG 520 was a rebadged SeaSonic S12 II, which means it's a group-regulated PSU. It's about as good as group-regulated PSUs got, but it's time to move on from a decade-old PSU that's using an archaic topology. 2013's budget PSU shouldn't be the identical solution to a budget PSU in 2023.

Thanks, what would you suggest aiming for ?

 

[Why_Me]

Thanks, what would you suggest aiming for ?

What country are you located?

 

[Lucky_SLS]

I would suggest the following upgrades:

CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (PA 120 SE ARGB) - PCPartPicker
Deepcool AG620 BK ARGB 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler (R-AG620-BKANMN-G-2) - PCPartPicker

Check for the CPU cooler height limitations with your case!!!

PSU -
A 750w tier 1 PSU from this list - Discussion - PSU recommendations and power supply discussion thread - Tom's hardware | Tom's Hardware Forum (tomshardware.com)

Monitor:
MSI Optix MPG321QRF-QD 32.0" 2560 x 1440 175 Hz Monitor (Optix MPG321QRF-QD) - PCPartPicker HDR600 certified

GPU:
Would suggest you to wait for 4070 and get it.

Might go to about 1100 euros, but i would say you would have quality components that will last you a while...

 

[geofelt]

If you are looking to buy a psu, go big.
A psu will only use the power demanded of it, regardless of the max capability. There is usually only a modest price delta as you go from 650w to 750w/850w/950w.
For instance, the Seasonic GM 650w psu costs $120:
https://www.newegg.com/seasonic-focus-650-gold-ssr-650fm-650w/p/N82E16817151202
The 750w unit is $10 more and you get 850w for $147.

A very important consideration is psu quality.
Tier lists are useful, but they are just opinions.
I think for the non expert, that is best evaluated by looking at the warranty.
The focus units above have a 7 year warranty. I would want at least that.

Consider how strong of a graphics card you might upgrade to.
Here is a handy chart for psu sizing:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Tom's gpu hierarchy chart is a handy way to get a general performance capability.
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gpu-hierarchy,4388.html

 

[schmurfy]

What country are you located?

France

 

[Why_Me]

France

https://fr.pcpartpicker.com/product...ied-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-mpg-a750gf

 

[Lucky_SLS]

The 4070 is priced a bit high for the performance imho. But if you want RTX and DLSS options, you are looking at a 100 euro premium over the 6800XT and 10 to 15% better performace.

View: https://www.youtube.com/embed/uZHDq-LEGzw


I would say something like this:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (€45.90 @ Amazon France)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 319 CORE Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB Video Card (€599.00 @ Amazon France)
Power Supply: NZXT C850 (2022) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€116.27 @ Amazon France)
Monitor: BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710Q 27.0" 2560 x 1440 165 Hz Monitor (€349.00 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1110.17
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-04-13 09:37 CEST+0200