Question Upgrading, triaging which component to upgrade first

[Mercforhire]

Howdy, current setup is as follows:

• i3-9100f
• 1650Ti
• 16Gb DDR4
• B365M Mortar
• SSD as C:// HDD & external SSD
• Dual monitors, 1080p resolution
• Windows 10

// Use case -- gaming, very light CAD work
// Targeted resolution -- 1080p, =/> 60fps
So, with that out of the way, I'm looking to upgrade, working in segments of ~$250 tops. I'm playing mostly older titles or smaller modern titles, but I'm looking to achieve a solid 60fps/1080p on Battlefield 2042, on medium. Right now, my setup is getting me ~20-30 with severe chugging on and off, lowest settings and using a significantly reduced render resolution. I've currently had my eye on the i5 lines, and the i7s, namely the i7-8700k, or the i5-9600k. With GPUs, I'm kinda out of my element other than "bigger number = better" when it comes to generations, and don't really know what the hell I'm looking at in terms of specs for both, at least in terms of real-world effects.

 

[Why_Me]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($147.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($17.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte B660M AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($50.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $346.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-03 22:03 EDT-0400

 

[Bob.B]

Howdy, current setup is as follows:

• i3-9100f
• 1650Ti
• 16Gb DDR4
• B365M Mortar
• SSD as C:// HDD & external SSD
• Dual monitors, 1080p resolution
• Windows 10

// Use case -- gaming, very light CAD work
// Targeted resolution -- 1080p, =/> 60fps
So, with that out of the way, I'm looking to upgrade, working in segments of ~$250 tops. I'm playing mostly older titles or smaller modern titles, but I'm looking to achieve a solid 60fps/1080p on Battlefield 2042, on medium. Right now, my setup is getting me ~20-30 with severe chugging on and off, lowest settings and using a significantly reduced render resolution. I've currently had my eye on the i5 lines, and the i7s, namely the i7-8700k, or the i5-9600k. With GPUs, I'm kinda out of my element other than "bigger number = better" when it comes to generations, and don't really know what the hell I'm looking at in terms of specs for both, at least in terms of real-world effects.

It's your call if you want to build up with your current mobo.

Based on the 2 cpu's you mentioned go with the I7.

Keep your psu in mind as you build up.

 

[Mercforhire]

It's your call if you want to build up with your current mobo.

Based on the 2 cpu's you mentioned go with the I7.

Keep your psu in mind as you build up.

I'm taking it the mobo and PSU are going to be my main limiters moving forwards, at least in terms of potential upgrades? If that's the case, any recommendations? I've little care for RGB & general aesthetics, but what kind of power overhead should I hold in reserve, such as getting a 750w PSU, keep system component utilization under 650w or should I have more/less wattage in reserve? Additionally, what should I be looking for in a motherboard, as it'll be my first time upgrading one?

 

[--SID--]

I'm taking it the mobo and PSU are going to be my main limiters moving forwards, at least in terms of potential upgrades? If that's the case, any recommendations? I've little care for RGB & general aesthetics, but what kind of power overhead should I hold in reserve, such as getting a 750w PSU, keep system component utilization under 650w or should I have more/less wattage in reserve? Additionally, what should I be looking for in a motherboard, as it'll be my first time upgrading one?

What's the brand and model of your current PSU?

B365M Mortar is fine for a i7-8700. Only get the 8700 when it's cheap, max $/€100.

 

[Bob.B]

I'm taking it the mobo and PSU are going to be my main limiters moving forwards, at least in terms of potential upgrades? If that's the case, any recommendations? I've little care for RGB & general aesthetics, but what kind of power overhead should I hold in reserve, such as getting a 750w PSU, keep system component utilization under 650w or should I have more/less wattage in reserve? Additionally, what should I be looking for in a motherboard, as it'll be my first time upgrading one?

Only you know how high up the perf ladder you want to go.

The mobo and cpu mentioned in #2 would be a big bump up from what you have.

Psu....It's not only size but also quality.
Size?.....you need to know the parts first.
Quality?.....I would not fit a psu with less than a 7 yr warranty in a gaming rig.