Gaming PC Advice - Top Tier Last Gen Vs Bottom Tier Current Gen

RangaWal on 12/08/2023 - 14:51

I need to replace my aging i5 6600/RX580 rig with a failing GPU. I don't play super high-end games (actually, mostly Arma 3 lately lol), but this could change with a better PC. I tossing up whether to go the the base level of the most current platform, or high level of previous platform (if that makes sense). Therefore, possibly RTX3080 spec, or RTX4050 that I can upgrade later.

So looking for advice on mobo/CPU/GPU in both configurations (I've built plenty of my own PCs in the past, so happy to DIY), but have taken my eyes off the landscape over the past decade, so no idea what to look for. Happy to go Intel or AMD for CPU/GPU

Or… maybe just a cheaper gaming laptop like this https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/793215 until I make up my mind?

Any helpful advice appreciated.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • freefall101 on 12/08/2023 - 15:11
    +2

    IMO you'd be better getting a used 3060ti or 6700xt in your current desktop than burning money on that laptop. You'll get better performance and save more in the long run because you could just flip it again when you're ready to upgrade.

    What resolution do you play at? If it's under 4K then a 3070 would probably do. At 4K, so long as you're not too worried about full ray tracing in CP2077 it'll play everything fine, at 1440p/1080p you'll be futureproofed for a few years (assuming you don't want 120fps or something). The 4050 (I don't think that's out yet in desktop?) won't be that great, the 3080 is still faster than the 4070 except when running DLSS3.

    tl;dr version, unless you have the budget for a 4080 then you'll still be fine for years with a modern desktop and a 3080.

    • RangaWal on 12/08/2023 - 15:42

      Thanks for the advice. What about CPU upgrade - don't bother?

      • Malik Nasser on 12/08/2023 - 16:10
        +1

        That CPU/platform is too old. Go with AM4, ryzen 5 5600 or similar.
        Or as per @phinkydude below, go with a complete new system for ~$900.

        https://www.cpuagent.com/build-compare/amd-ryzen-5-5600x-vs-…

      • scrimshaw on 12/08/2023 - 16:29
        +1

        In terms of CPU Platforms, the quick summary is that

        • The AMD AM4 platform is now End of Life, but AMD AM4 processors are still plentiful. New AM4 motherboards have risen slightly in price since they are gradually getting phased out (fewer being manufactured), so if you're buying new today you might notice that even a basic B550 board starts at $130 when they might only cost just $80 a few years ago.

        • That said, you can grab some pretty decent deals in the second hand market, and some system integrators (like Techfast) are still trying to clear old stock (but don't expect high end stock). If you're trying to go budget the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a good choice and either a new or used B550 board with PCIE gen4 support is what I'd recommend.

        • If you can spare $600+ on CPU/ Mobo / DDR5 RAM combo then either the Intel LGA1700 or AMDs AM5 would be a better choice, now that DDR5 prices have settled and more affordable motherboards exists, it's now possible to put together a current gen system without spending too much.

      • freefall101 on 12/08/2023 - 17:25
        +1

        Definitely need a CPU upgrade as well, it'll be necessary for modern games. I had a system a little slower than yours playing assassins creed a couple of years ago, it really struggled on the CPU front.

        It comes down to budget but as mentioned below any CPU above a Ryzen 5 5600/Intel i5-12400 is going to be fine at getting 60fps in any modern game. If you want to play flight sims or play at higher than 60fps, throw a bit more money at it, but basically go for best bang for buck above that price (I'm not really up on prices). Also as mentioned, AM5 is a reasonably priced platform and gives you some upgrade options in a few years rather than a whole new system (they've promised support until at least 2025).

  • RangaWal on 12/08/2023 - 20:56

    Thanks everyone. I think I'll just build a new PC, probably Ryzen 5 5600/Intel i5-12400. I don't mind spending a little more on 13th gen Intel - worth it? Just need to work out which mobo and GPU to go with it, and probably source it all from Umart, which is where I usually shop.

    • jk82 on 12/08/2023 - 21:47
      +1

      13th gen intel is only about 15% performance gain so not worth the extra $$$ when you can grab 12th so cheap. 12th is a great gen and fantastic bang for buck. Apparently 14th gen will see larger improvements but we won’t know until it releases late this year.

      I’d recommend a DDR4 B660 chipset mobo if you’re budget conscious.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/08/2023 - 07:17
      +2

      AMD > Intel for gaming performance per dollar in most price segments, Intel mainly pulls ahead for productivity workload and streaming setup that can take advantage of Intel 12th/13th gen CPUs core count and QuickSync Video.

      If you were to spend on a 13th gen Intel system, you could get a better deal with an AM5 system instead, that's the crux of it.

  • RangaWal on 24/08/2023 - 20:38

    How does this stack up?
    https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/jW9QVW

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