Upgrading my ITX setup

[GEStarr]

Long post coming...

TLDR: Is it better to go w/ a new build all together given my current hardware is already 2-3 generations old? Or is the performance boost still great getting a few select components even if they're 1 generation behind?

 

 

A little caught on my upgrade path that I'm hoping the community here can help with. 

I live in NYC so I've been riding the ITX build bandwagon for years now as an effort to keep a smaller footprint. I see 2 paths for my build that I'm hoping to navigate.

 

Current Core Components:

CPU: 2700X (OC to 4.2)

MB: ROG Strix B450I-Gaming

GPU: EVGA 2070 (non-super)

RAM: 32gb @ 3200mHz

 

It's a solid build that plays tons of games at a med/high settings at anywhere from 60-120fps (title pending).

I'd like to see a bump in the performance both on the settings and fps count for smoother and consistent gameplay. As newer titles come out, I've seen it start to chug a bit and I'm starting to see the trend of more games at lowered settings to keep the frames up (though still high enough to enjoy the detail somewhat).

 

PATH 1:

Keep the platform, upgrade the big components.

CPU: 5800x or x3d 

GPU: 3090ti or 6950xt / 7900xt (or something in that performance range/price)

 

Pros: cost savings on a full build while seeing performance boost from the components that make the biggest difference.

Cons: Not the latest generation of hardware, specifically the CPU so the upgrade path is already at its end

Other thoughts: Should I upgrade off the b450i up to 550 for the advantages of the newer CPU

 

PATH 2:

Retire my current built and start fresh with build like (just spitballing components)

CPU: 7600x

GPU: 7900xt

RAM: something that's compatible

MB: a decent ITX board with some OC ability

 

Pros: latest gen hardware that has more life down the road for upgradability

Cons: Cost of a full setup rather than a few components

 

 

I'm fortunate to where budget isn't the end-all factor as far as decision making but I'd rather keep the cost down if the performance isn't too far off. My initial thought is to take path 1 but am I just delaying the inevitable? Am I spending less now, but having to spend a greater amount in the long run? I've had this PC for almost 4 years now, would like to keep that timeframe before big spending.

[Dedayog]

Path 1 requires a PSU too, unless you have a nice 750-850w one in there already?  It makes the most sense to drop a 5800x3d and some mid-high GPU in there, selling the old stuff.

 

Path 2 is a full build, selling or keeping the old. 

 

Only you can know what makes sense.  I'd get a spreadsheet out and start doing columns and numbers.  How big is that wallet btw?

 

[filpo]

12 minutes ago, GEStarr said:

PATH 1:

Keep the platform, upgrade the big components.

CPU: 5800x or x3d 

GPU: 3090ti or 6950xt / 7900xt (or something in that performance range/price)

 

Pros: cost savings on a full build while seeing performance boost from the components that make the biggest difference.

Cons: Not the latest generation of hardware, specifically the CPU so the upgrade path is already at its end

Other thoughts: Should I upgrade off the b450i up to 550 for the advantages of the newer CPU

path 1 seems like the best in my opinion, go for a used 6950 xt if you can and upgrade to a 550 later on since b450 is still safe. 7900xt is best for 1440p but not 1080p, then 3090 ti is way overpriced so wouldn't recommend. If you can upgrade to a b550 mobo tho for gen 4 then the best price to performance mobo is the Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX 

[GEStarr]

3 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

Path 1 requires a PSU too, unless you have a nice 750-850w one in there already?  It makes the most sense to drop a 5800x3d and some mid-high GPU in there, selling the old stuff.

 

Path 2 is a full build, selling or keeping the old. 

 

Only you can know what makes sense.  I'd get a spreadsheet out and start doing columns and numbers.  How big is that wallet btw?

 

Budget is about 1500ish. Have some flexibility.

PSU is a SFX600 so would need an update there too, good catch. 

 

I think my dilemma comes down to, if I just drop in a new CPU/GPU/PSU combo, am i going to get enough life out of them for another 4 years or is it better to cut the losses now and just go all in on a new rig.

[Dedayog]

2 minutes ago, GEStarr said:

Budget is about 1500ish. Have some flexibility.

PSU is a SFX600 so would need an update there too, good catch. 

 

I think my dilemma comes down to, if I just drop in a new CPU/GPU/PSU combo, am i going to get enough life out of them for another 4 years or is it better to cut the losses now and just go all in on a new rig.

Short answer:  Yes.  The 5800x3d will definitely handle 4 more years, you may have GPU issues depending on what you play, which you get, etc.  You may move up to 4k, who knows.

 

Personally, I would go 5800x3d, 6950xt for $649, and some 850w PSU of your choice.  Done.

 

How close are you to a NY Microcenter?  

[dizmo]

• I'd make sure your motherboard can support a chip with a lot of power before throwing it in there. Some B450 boards really aren't up to the task.
• Can your ITX case fit these cards? Most are monsters, unless you're going to find a way to water cool them.
• I'm not sure the 7600x is a good choice, check Intels offerings and compare. The 13600k is on average a better CPU.

Something you should seriously consider, do you actually need the latest and greatest? Look at the games you play and the performance differences. More often than not we chase the high numbers, when realistically we're not going to notice the difference in day to day use. Based on how long you hold onto hardware I don't think you should take upgradability into consideration, you'll likely be upgrading again with your next build anyway.

 

As for delaying the inevitable? Yes, but regardless of what you pick, you'll be doing that. You will eventually have to upgrade any platform you get.

[GEStarr]

Thanks everyone for the replies. 

A lot of great thoughts on both. I'll likely go with the first path of a few upgrades on my current platform. It's a little less $$ but should also give me the performance boost I'm looking for without becoming obsolete within 3-4 years since that's my current cycle.