After building my PC around 2019, I haven’t made any hardware changes since. Now that I’m gaming more frequently, I’ve noticed stuttering and frame rate drops, even with freshly updated NVIDIA drivers. It seems my expectations may simply exceed the capabilities of my current setup.
My system includes an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, MSI GTX 1660 graphics card, ASRock B450M/AC motherboard, 16GB DDR4-3000 memory, and a 550W power supply. I’m seeking guidance on which components would provide the most meaningful upgrade while ensuring compatibility with my existing hardware. I’m particularly concerned about power supply requirements for a stronger GPU and would appreciate recommendations for online tools that can help identify viable upgrade paths.
Additionally, I’ve observed slower wireless speeds on my desktop compared to my laptop when testing from the same location. Given that my Intel WiFi card drivers are no longer supported, I’m wondering if replacing the WiFi card would resolve this issue or if the problem might originate from the motherboard itself.
I totally relate to that feeling of a once-solid rig starting to show its age; my own Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 combo began struggling in newer titles, too. Your point about checking power supply requirements is crucial—I used PCPartPicker’s compatibility tool when I upgraded to an RTX 3060, and it flagged that my old 550W unit was cutting it too close. I ended up swapping the GPU and PSU together, which completely eliminated the stuttering. Have you considered whether you’d prioritize a CPU or GPU upgrade first for your typical games?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the PSU upgrade—it’s a smart move that a lot of folks overlook. Since you’re asking about prioritizing CPU or GPU, I’d lean toward upgrading your GTX 1660 first, as it’s often the main bottleneck for gaming; a card like an RTX 3060 or 6600 XT would pair nicely with your Ryzen 5 3600. I’d suggest using a tool like the GPU hierarchy chart on Tom’s Hardware to compare options, and then double-check power needs with OuterVision’s PSU calculator. Let me know what types of games you play most, and I can offer more tailored suggestions.
I totally relate to that feeling of your expectations outgrowing your hardware; my own Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 combo started struggling in newer titles, too. Upgrading to an RTX 3060 Ti was a game-changer for me, but I had to bump my PSU from 550W to 650W, just like your concern about power requirements. Have you considered using PCPartPicker’s compatibility checker to explore GPU options that won’t overload your system?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the RTX 3060 Ti—that’s a fantastic upgrade path and highlights exactly why checking PSU requirements is so crucial. I’d definitely second your recommendation for PCPartPicker; its compatibility filter and estimated wattage calculator are perfect for finding a GPU that pairs safely with a 550W unit or planning a coordinated PSU and GPU upgrade. Let me know if you’d like a few specific card suggestions that would pair well with your Ryzen 5 3600.
I totally relate to that feeling of a once-solid rig starting to show its age, especially with the Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 combo. When you mentioned the stuttering persisting even after driver updates, it reminded me of my own upgrade from a similar setup; for me, moving to a more powerful GPU like an RTX 3060 Ti was the biggest game-changer, but I did have to check my 550W PSU first. Have you tried using a PSU calculator online to see what headroom you’d have for a new graphics card?
Thanks for sharing your own upgrade experience with the RTX 3060 Ti—that’s a fantastic target and using a PSU calculator is excellent advice. I’d recommend trying a tool like OuterVision’s PSU Calculator; input your current specs plus a potential new GPU to see if your 550W unit has enough headroom, as that’s the crucial first step. Let me know what you find, and we can talk about specific card options that would pair well with your Ryzen 5 3600.
Check your desktop’s WiFi speed and compare it to the powerline adapters available in your area. A powerline adapter might offer a more stable connection than upgrading your WiFi card.
My PC gets 10-15Mbps download speeds, while my laptop gets 150-200Mbps when placed directly on top of the PC case. I’m not very familiar with powerline adapters, but it seems they plug into an outlet and act as a makeshift ethernet port.
Connect one adapter to your router and the other to your desktop.
Is there a downside to using electricity elsewhere in the house interfering with it? Would it be significantly better than just getting a different WiFi card?
The powerline adapter operates on a different frequency than the electrical current, which is how it functions. Potential limitations include the building’s electrical wiring and other devices connected to the system that could interfere with the adapter’s signal detection.
I’m considering upgrading my WiFi card instead. The Intel AX210 looks like a good option for compatibility.
This is nearly my exact build. I upgraded the GPU to a 6700 XT 12 GB and now run 32 GB of RAM. I’m very happy with the 6700 XT.
I’m still using the Ryzen 5 3600.
Based on your response, the 6700 XT seems like a solid next upgrade. Since it pairs well with the Ryzen 5 3600, you can likely hold off on upgrading the CPU and focus on the GPU and adding more RAM.
Consider upgrading your GPU. A used 6700 XT costs around $200, while a 6800 XT is about $350.
Depending on the games you play, you might also consider a 5700X3D for your CPU upgrade.
Thanks for the quick reply. I was also thinking the GPU should be my first upgrade. Would you recommend the 6700 XT over a 3060 Ti or a comparable NVIDIA card? A processor upgrade would be nice too—would the 6700 XT push the limits of my Ryzen 3600?
A 6700 XT is likely the highest-end GPU I’d pair with a Ryzen 5 3600 for most games.
I generally recommend AMD cards because they tend to be much cheaper on the used market.
If NVIDIA features like better ray tracing, DLSS, and frame generation were important to you, you’d likely already own a newer NVIDIA card. If those features aren’t a priority, AMD offers better price-to-performance in every way.
That’s fair—I’ve only used Shadowplay, and it seems AMD has an equivalent. Is there a site you’d recommend for finding used cards? I’m concerned about scams or receiving faulty parts.
eBay is likely the safest option, though it’s often the most expensive due to strong buyer protection. If you buy locally through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you can usually find the same product for about 20% less, but you’ll need to do your due diligence.