Question Upgrading from R9 270x, primarily for 1080p gaming

[VrushankD]

Hi,

My current Sapphire Vapor-X R9 270X finally broke down after around 9 years. I last upgraded my PC in May 2020 but the GPU was the same from the previous setup as it was in a working condition.

I searched this forum for GPU suggestions for 1080p gaming but to be honest, I am not up to speed with the latest GPUs since my last purchase. Additionally, my components are a mixture of older + newer models so I need advice for some of them as well.

Below is my current list of components followed by my queries.

Current List of components​

Component	Model
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor
Motherboard	GIGABYTE B450 AORUS Elite (rev. 1.x)
Memory	VENGEANCE® LPX 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz C16 Memory Kit - Black (x2 for a 16GB of RAM)
GPU	Sapphire Vapor-X R9 270X OC
SSD	Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD 500GB
HDD	Hitachi Deskstar (I think) 3.5 HDD
PSU	Corsair VS 550
Case	Circle (don't remember the model) This was purchased during my first build back in 2012. It supports an ATX motherboard and is a metal body and has dimensions close to most Mid Tower form factors.
Monitor	Acer Nitro VG240Y M3

GPU Related Queries​

BUDGET RANGE:

• Max 35-37k INR in the worst case. I am trying to avoid unncessary purchases since other major components are in a working condition.
• 2024 / recent models seem to be on the pricey range starting around 55k which is too steep considering I do not get as much time for gaming nowadays and I rarely play on full settings.
• I would be purchasing from my local dealer but Flipkart or Amazon.in can be used for reference. Other stores for India listed in this thread.

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT:

• Gaming (mostly single player RPGs and RTS), programming, online video streaming.
• I am currently playing a modded Skyrim (2k textures level), Subnautica, Shadow of the Tomb Raider. I intend to play games like Witcher 3, Elden Ring, Uncharted, Cyberpunk and similar as part of my backlog.

​

PARTS PREFERENCES:

• Either AMD or NVIDIA GPUs are fine. Not sure if AMD cards pair well with AMD CPUs. If I can utilize the max advertised refresh rate of 180 Hz of my new monitor, that would be great.
• I am ok with not having the fancy stuff of ray tracing / ultra graphics / similar. I am looking for reasonably high FPS as per the game and focus on gameplay then screen archery. Also, longetivity... my current GPU lasted for long and performed extremely well considering its age. The only changes I performed on my current GPU was changing the thermal paste.

OVERCLOCKING: None beyond the factory defaults.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

• Length restriction (if I NEED NOT get a new case... see below) is 264 mm (which is that of the current one for reference and it fits the available space with only a finger's worth of gap followed by the rigid frame for mounting the HDD.
• Would an 8GB card be sufficient? Or should I go for a 12 GB one?

Other Queries​

• Will my PSU require an upgrade?
• Will I need a new case?
  • Current GPU length is 264 mm. Filtering on the same on pcpartpicker with the other components added as per the above table for compatibility, I do get recent GPUs but then they seem to be slightly taller than the current one which makes me wonder if the new card would fit in it.
  • If I would need to get a new one, could someone suggest a basic one (no glass body or light show) in the range of 3k INR?
    • I am restricted by space (current compartment has the dimensions - 48cm H x 26.5cm W x 45cm D).

I hope I have provided enough details. If anything is missing, please let me know.

 

[Lutfij]

You could look into the 7600XT but for 2K resolutions, you would need to look at something higher up the hierarchy, meaning more towards your budget.

How old is the PSU in your build? Even if it was brand new, I would upgrade the PSU, (look in)to something more reliable built and with 650W or more for the entire system so you can retain if to a for long while.

You should also look at upgrading the processor to the Ryzen 5000 series. Might want to add images of your case, I have sneaky suspicion that it might cook your innards.

 

[VrushankD]

Hi Lutfij,

Thanks for your inputs.

You could look into the 7600XT but for 2K resolutions, you would need to look at something higher up the hierarchy, meaning more towards your budget.

Do you mean I should go for a more expensive card? Above costs around 36k which is within my budget. Also, will NVIDIA card have any issues with AMD builds? If not any suggestions for an equivalent card?

How old is the PSU in your build? Even if it was brand new, I would upgrade the PSU, (look in)to something more reliable built and with 650W or more for the entire system so you can retain if to a for long while.

I had purchased it as part of my first build back in 2011 after my first year at job. I guess 550W won't give enough headroom so I would need to purchase a new one, probably modular? Would 650W be enough?

You should also look at upgrading the processor to the Ryzen 5000 series

This would result in me having to buy a new motherboard due to the different socket.

Might want to add images of your case, I have sneaky suspicion that it might cook your innards.

Uploaded some snaps in a google album : https://photos.app.goo.gl/huTAAiYL2f2sTpEa8

Last three are WITH the card.