Question Upgrading Gaming PC ~1000€

[Rhaegar Storm]

Hey everybody,

I have a gaming PC with some rather old parts in need of upgrading. In my opinion, that's especially true for the CPU and motherboard. Over the years, I already added a bigger SSD and upgraded the GPU. My device is currently not eligible for Win 11 and I'd like to change that. The current setup struggles with more demanding games, which lead me to avoid these games in the last few years. Not a happy gamer.
Most annoyingly, I have more and more crashes and blue screen errors. General stability is decreasing.

I have just started reading up on current PC parts and recommendations after being out of the loop for a while and would like your input. If you need any further information, feel free to ask. Thanks in advance!

Current PC

• CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K
• GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 1070
• Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6
• RAM: DIMM 16 GB DDR3-1600 Kit
• PSU: Corsair RM750 750W
• Hard drives: SanDisk 840 EVO 2,5" 120 GB, SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD 480GB, Seagate ST2000DM001 2TB
• Fans: Mugen 4 SCMG-4000
• Case: Define R4 PCGH-Edition
• Misc: Asus PCE-AC88 network adapter, DRW-24F1ST optical drive

Approximate Purchase Date: coming two weeks if possible
Budget Range: ~1000€ after rebates & shipping
Location: Germany
System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing, simple programming work, picture editing
Monitor Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Overclocking: Maybe
SLI or Crossfire: No

Parts to Upgrade: HDD drive since it is dying of old age; probably CPU and motherboard, but that's just an educated guess; anything that appears necessary

 

[Rhaegar Storm]

Am I right in assuming that the consensus preference here for the Radeon RX 6700 XT over something like a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti comes down to more VRAM and slightly better performance if we ignore ray tracing?

 

[helper800]

Am I right in assuming that the consensus preference here for the Radeon RX 6700 XT over something like a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti comes down to more VRAM and slightly better performance if we ignore ray tracing?

Yes; https://www.gpucheck.com/en-usd/com...12400-vs-intel-core-i5-12400/ultra/ultra/-vs-

 

[Why_Me]

Hey everybody,

I have a gaming PC with some rather old parts in need of upgrading. In my opinion, that's especially true for the CPU and motherboard. Over the years, I already added a bigger SSD and upgraded the GPU. My device is currently not eligible for Win 11 and I'd like to change that. The current setup struggles with more demanding games, which lead me to avoid these games in the last few years. Not a happy gamer.
Most annoyingly, I have more and more crashes and blue screen errors. General stability is decreasing.

I have just started reading up on current PC parts and recommendations after being out of the loop for a while and would like your input. If you need any further information, feel free to ask. Thanks in advance!

Current PC

• CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K
• GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 1070
• Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6
• RAM: DIMM 16 GB DDR3-1600 Kit
• PSU: Corsair RM750 750W
• Hard drives: SanDisk 840 EVO 2,5" 120 GB, SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD 480GB, Seagate ST2000DM001 2TB
• Fans: Mugen 4 SCMG-4000
• Case: Define R4 PCGH-Edition
• Misc: Asus PCE-AC88 network adapter, DRW-24F1ST optical drive

Approximate Purchase Date: coming two weeks if possible
Budget Range: ~1000€ after rebates & shipping
Location: Germany
System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing, simple programming work, picture editing
Monitor Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Overclocking: Maybe
SLI or Crossfire: No

Parts to Upgrade: HDD drive since it is dying of old age; probably CPU and motherboard, but that's just an educated guess; anything that appears necessary

I would do a system upgrade before upgrading the gpu. Google or contact Scythe for a LGA1700 bracket for your cpu cooler.

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b660-gaming-x-ddr4-a2662761.html
GIGABYTE B660 Gaming X DDR4 €143,18

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-GAMING-X-DDR4-rev-10

or with built in wifi 6

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b660-gaming-x-ax-ddr4-a2662762.html
GIGABYTE B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 €174,58

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-GAMING-X-AX-DDR4-rev-10

https://geizhals.eu/intel-core-i5-12400f-cm8071504555318-cm8071504650609-a2660245.html
Intel Core i5-12400F €152,61

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2400f-processor-18m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

https://geizhals.eu/corsair-vengeance-lpx-schwarz-dimm-kit-32gb-cmk32gx4m2e3200c16-a2059176.html
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 32GB (2x16GB) CL16 €81,90

 

[Rhaegar Storm]

I would do a system upgrade before upgrading the gpu. Google or contact Scythe for a LGA1700 bracket for your cpu cooler.

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b660-gaming-x-ddr4-a2662761.html
GIGABYTE B660 Gaming X DDR4 €143,18

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-GAMING-X-DDR4-rev-10

or with built in wifi 6

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b660-gaming-x-ax-ddr4-a2662762.html
GIGABYTE B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 €174,58

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-GAMING-X-AX-DDR4-rev-10

https://geizhals.eu/intel-core-i5-12400f-cm8071504555318-cm8071504650609-a2660245.html
Intel Core i5-12400F €152,61

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2400f-processor-18m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

https://geizhals.eu/corsair-vengeance-lpx-schwarz-dimm-kit-32gb-cmk32gx4m2e3200c16-a2059176.html
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 32GB (2x16GB) CL16 €81,90

Why would you first upgrade this set of parts for less than half my budget and then do the rest later?

 

[helper800]

Why would you first upgrade this set of parts for less than half my budget and then do the rest later?

Because you can save a bit more in between the purchases while waiting for parts to become cheaper thus giving you a better upgrade overall at the cost of it being a 2 step process.

 

[Vic 40]

I would do a system upgrade before upgrading the gpu. Google or contact Scythe for a LGA1700 bracket for your cpu cooler.

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b660-gaming-x-ddr4-a2662761.html
GIGABYTE B660 Gaming X DDR4 €143,18

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-GAMING-X-DDR4-rev-10

or with built in wifi 6

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b660-gaming-x-ax-ddr4-a2662762.html
GIGABYTE B660 Gaming X AX DDR4 €174,58

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-GAMING-X-AX-DDR4-rev-10

https://geizhals.eu/intel-core-i5-12400f-cm8071504555318-cm8071504650609-a2660245.html
Intel Core i5-12400F €152,61

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2400f-processor-18m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

https://geizhals.eu/corsair-vengeance-lpx-schwarz-dimm-kit-32gb-cmk32gx4m2e3200c16-a2059176.html
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 32GB (2x16GB) CL16 €81,90

Think if going just a system upgrade would i just go all the way and get a 13600K and ddr5 plus matching motherboard like the first buld by Eximo, if going the way above just get something you can have fun with with a better gpu as well like this,

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor (€172.89 @ Caseking)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK400 66.47 CFM CPU Cooler (€32.90 @ Alza)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B660 GAMING X DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (€143.18 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory (€83.90 @ Alza)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€59.99 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: KIOXIA EXCERIA G2 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€63.89 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Video Card: Gigabyte EAGLE Radeon RX 6650 XT 8 GB Video Card (€316.99 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€123.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Total: €997.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-11 22:24 CET+0100

Reuse you current case. Yes no 3.0 ports, but the motherboard has the necessary fast ports for if you need those.

Well that is my point of view.

 

[Rhaegar Storm]

From all your advice, it sounds like I should replace everything. Either right now or as soon as I can. So, I combined all your suggestions into this build. Yes, it blew right past my initial budget idea. But since it's not just an upgrade, but a whole new system, I might be willing to spend this much for a decent gaming PC. Any comments on the build?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor (€320.90 @ Alza)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (€85.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PG LIGHTNING ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (€223.75 @ Computeruniverse)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€156.88 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€121.90 @ Alza)
Video Card: ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card (€457.99 @ Mindfactory)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case (€83.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€133.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Total: €1584.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 20:05 CET+0100

 

[helper800]

From all your advice, it sounds like I should replace everything. Either right now or as soon as I can. So, I combined all your suggestions into this build. Yes, it blew right past my initial budget idea. But since it's not just an upgrade, but a whole new system, I might be willing to spend this much for a decent gaming PC. Any comments on the build?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor (€320.90 @ Alza)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (€85.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PG LIGHTNING ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (€223.75 @ Computeruniverse)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€156.88 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€121.90 @ Alza)
Video Card: ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card (€457.99 @ Mindfactory)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case (€83.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€133.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Total: €1584.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 20:05 CET+0100

are you going to be doing anything other than Gaming? The 13400/f would be essentially just as fast for this sole task. The Gigabyte motherboard in my previous build is nicer and comes with WiFi 6e and BT 5.2. That is a very solid build as it stands. You can reduce the cost a bit like this:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor (€232.42 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler (€48.49 @ Aquatuning)
Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PG LIGHTNING ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (€223.75 @ Computeruniverse)
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€147.54 @ Computeruniverse)
Storage: Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€121.90 @ Alza)
Video Card: PowerColor Fighter Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card (€407.99 @ Mindfactory)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case (€83.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€133.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Total: €1399.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 20:57 CET+0100

 

[logainofhades]

It looks like the price of your build went up, or you have some mail in rebates in there, that are lowering the overall price. I click on it, and it is €1711.16 .

I came up with this, in an attempt to get close to your price, and giving you a better GPU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13400 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor (€285.02 @ Amazon Deutschland)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Pure Rock 2 CPU Cooler (€35.70 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B760M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (€202.66 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€154.99 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€127.74 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Video Card: PowerColor Fighter OC Radeon RX 6800 16 GB Video Card (€576.82 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Case: Antec NX410 ATX Mid Tower Case (€79.94 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G6 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€134.05 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Total: €1596.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 21:03 CET+0100

 

[Why_Me]

From all your advice, it sounds like I should replace everything. Either right now or as soon as I can. So, I combined all your suggestions into this build. Yes, it blew right past my initial budget idea. But since it's not just an upgrade, but a whole new system, I might be willing to spend this much for a decent gaming PC. Any comments on the build?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor (€320.90 @ Alza)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (€85.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PG LIGHTNING ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (€223.75 @ Computeruniverse)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€156.88 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€121.90 @ Alza)
Video Card: ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card (€457.99 @ Mindfactory)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case (€83.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€133.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Total: €1584.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 20:05 CET+0100

Here are a few cost cutters.

https://geizhals.eu/corsair-rmx-series-rm750x-2021-750w-atx-2-52-cp-9020199-eu-a2501839.html
Corsair RMx Series (2021) RM750x 750W 80+ GOLD Modular Power Supply €124,90

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b760-gaming-x-ax-a2872179.html
GIGABYTE B760 Gaming X AX €199,90

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B760-GAMING-X-AX-rev-10#kf

https://geizhals.eu/intel-core-i5-13400f-c0-cm8071505093005-a2871161.html
Intel Core i5-13400F €220,90

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...3400f-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-60-ghz.html

https://geizhals.eu/deepcool-ak400-r-ak400-bknnmn-g-1-a2721475.html
DeepCool AK400 CPU Cooler €31,79

DeepCool AK400 Review

The DeepCool AK400 may be a classic four-heat-pipe tower cooler, but traditional design aside, it is a compelling entry-level option. Its price-to-performance ratio is impressive, and the lack of ARGB lighting doesn't affect its aesthetically pleasing appearance. Drop in a good warranty and low...

www.techpowerup.com

https://geizhals.eu/kingston-fury-beast-dimm-kit-32gb-kf556c36bbek2-32-a2812852.html
Kingston FURY Beast DDR5-5600 32GB (2x16GB) CL36 €141,59

You are going to want a 120mm rear exhaust fan for that case you have chosen.

https://geizhals.eu/arctic-p12-pwm-schwarz-acfan00119a-a1920124.html
Arctic P12 PWM 120mm 4-Pin Case Fan €5,90

 

[Vic 40]

It looks like the price of your build went up, or you have some mail in rebates in there, that are lowering the overall price. I click on it, and it is €1711.16 .

Weird cause when i click on it is it about exactly the price he gives.

 

[logainofhades]

Weird cause when i click on it is it about exactly the price he gives.

My reply was to Rhaegar Storm. Helper's post wasn't up, when I was working on my post.

 

[Vic 40]

My reply was to Rhaegar Storm.

I know, was what i was talking about.

 

[logainofhades]

I know, was what i was talking about.

MIR's are on by default. I have it turned off, on my PCPP account. That is probably why. I never include MIR's in a build, as getting that MIR can sometimes be a crapshoot, whether you get it or not. A person could forget to turn it in, or it gets lost in the mail, ect.

 

[Vic 40]

Not on with me as well and doubt that Germany has a rebate system anyway.

Did not want to forget AMD,

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (€273.00 @ Mindfactory)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (€85.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (€265.99 @ Mindfactory)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€156.88 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€59.99 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Kingston NV2 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€56.90 @ Alza)
Video Card: XFX Speedster SWFT 309 Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card (€447.99 @ Mindfactory)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case (€83.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€117.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Total: €1548.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 22:04 CET+0100

 

[Why_Me]

Not on with me as well and doubt that Germany has a rebate system anyway.

Did not want to forget AMD,

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (€273.00 @ Mindfactory)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (€85.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (€265.99 @ Mindfactory)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory (€156.88 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€59.99 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Kingston NV2 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€56.90 @ Alza)
Video Card: XFX Speedster SWFT 309 Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card (€447.99 @ Mindfactory)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case (€83.89 @ notebooksbilliger.de)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€117.71 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Total: €1548.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-12 22:04 CET+0100

A few changes to that build.

https://geizhals.eu/amd-ryzen-5-7600-100-100001015box-a2871174.html
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 €254,00

AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Review - Affordable Zen 4 for the Masses

Ryzen 5 7600 is AMD's most-affordable Zen 4 processor. It retails for only $230 and even comes with a heatsink. The testing in our review confirms that the performance difference to the more-expensive 7600X is minimal, and gaming performance even beats the 5800X3D.

www.techpowerup.com

https://geizhals.eu/gigabyte-b650-gaming-x-ax-a2824411.html
GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX €217,87

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B650-GAMING-X-AX-rev-10-11#kf

https://geizhals.eu/deepcool-ak500-r-ak500-bknnmt-g-a2814745.html
DeepCool AK500 €54,35

DeepCool AK500 Review

DeepCool's AK500 slots in between the AK620 and the AK400, proving to be a near-perfect balance between the two. It delivers solid performance, a clean visual aesthetic, and, best of all, offers exceptional performance per dollar. Making it a solid contender in the mid-range air cooler market.

www.techpowerup.com

https://geizhals.eu/kingston-fury-beast-dimm-kit-32gb-kf556c36bbek2-32-a2812852.html
Kingston FURY Beast DDR5-5600 32GB (2x16GB) CL36 €141,59

https://geizhals.eu/corsair-rm-series-rm850-2021-850w-atx-2-4-cp-9020235-eu-a2551271.html
Corsair RM Series (2021) RM850 850W 80+ GOLD Modular Power Supply €125,04