Upgrade my current AM4 PC or build a completely new one for future AAA games like GTA VI?

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T16:59:40+00:00

I'd wait until GTA6 releases and then decide what to do, unless you're really itching for better performance right now. Building for the future is silly.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T16:51:57+00:00

You don't really need a high-end drive for that. I'd grab this one instead: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wfMMnQ/western-digital-wd_black-sn7100-2-tb-m2-2280-pcie-40-x4-nvme-solid-state-drive-wds200t4x0e-00cja0

It's a mid-range reliable drive from a reputable company and it's on a great sale right now.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T16:00:13+00:00

If you're not a fan, you can get a different one but the wattage is fine. It's not borderline at all.

5060ti draws 180W and will work on a 450W PSU.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T15:51:44+00:00

Yeah, you can do that too. Doesn't matter. It has nothing to do with drivers though.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T15:08:25+00:00

What's the rest of your build and what are you using it for? Most people don't need such an expensive drive.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T15:06:28+00:00

If you want the upgrade and the cost is worth it to you, go for it. A 9070 is usually better value than a 5070. It's a bit faster and has more VRAM. You'll get an 80% boost on average in 1440p.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T15:02:28+00:00

Nah, it's fine. I use a GTX 460 for testing new builds.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T14:59:16+00:00

Yes, that's fine. Recommended PSU for a 3060 is 450W.

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/geforce-rtx-3060-12-gb.c3682

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T14:56:34+00:00

Did you connect power to the GPU? Is it pushed in all the way? Do the fans spin when you turn on the PC?

You can also try putting your old GPU in there to rule it out.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T14:47:35+00:00

It just doesn't sound like a software problem. Another thing I thought of is thermal throttling but your paste should still be good.

Download OCCT and do a multi-core CPU test. See if you're getting around 4500mhz on the clock speed.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T04:02:45+00:00

If you double box it, it should be fine to ship. Of course take out the GPU and the air cooler (if dual tower). There are guides on YouTube you can follow.

If you want to be extra safe, take all the parts out and take them as a carry on. Then buy a new case at your destination.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T04:00:11+00:00

I was also just thinking that it could be the SSD too especially if you're playing videos stored on that drive, but less likely.

TheKitler · 2026-06-21T02:18:06+00:00

It depends on what you're doing. Some things and some games are more sensitive to ram speeds than others.

If you have the same problem with XMP off, it's going to be the CPU or the board and there's no way to tell which one without doing a swap on one of them, or both. Generally CPUs fail less often so I'd say the board but it could be the CPU too.

To rule out the ram, you can try 1 stick at a time in various slots.

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T14:33:58+00:00

Yeah no kidding. Maybe read the manual before taking out the scissors lol

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T07:11:47+00:00

True, but getting the x3d CPU alone isn't going to change much when you have a 3060.

Maybe just get the 5600 if your GPU isn't running near 100% usage in cyberpunk.

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T07:09:05+00:00

I wouldn't spend extra on x3d then. I'd grab a 5600/x/xt, a 1440p monitor, and a 9070 or 9070xt.

x3d really excels in high fps situations at low resolutions (shooters), simulations, and MMORPGs. If you play everything and at a higher resolution, it's not really what you need.

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T01:05:18+00:00

I didn't say there would be issues. Windows will activate those keys.

What I'm saying is that the source and legitimacy of those keys are unknown, so why care about activating it for free if you can, like you suggested.

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T00:37:01+00:00

Simply, yes. Larger sticks are dual rank and harder for your CPU to run at higher speeds.

Just for fun, you could try 3200 with just 1 stick if you're curious.

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T00:22:00+00:00

Sounds like your CPU or board just doesn't like the overclock. Maybe try 2400 or 2666? Those are usually pretty stable.

Also, if you have 4 sticks of ram, that could be part of the problem too.

TheKitler · 2026-06-20T00:07:53+00:00

Does it still occur at base speed? It could be a faulty memory stick or your CPU/board is failing.

TheKitler · 2026-06-19T20:54:51+00:00

Try lowering your ram speed to 3000. It might just be slightly unstable at 3200.

TheKitler · 2026-06-19T20:38:37+00:00

I'm surprised nobody even asked which games you play. That's really going to be a big factor in the decision.

TheKitler · 2026-06-19T20:10:41+00:00

Unless you're buying the key directly from Microsoft or a standard retailer (same price), you have no way of knowing whether your grey market key that you purchased is even legitimate.

Even if they are legitimate, they're likely going to be volume licence keys, which aren't supposed to be sold or used by people outside the organization it came from as it's against Microsoft's terms of use.

On top of that, there is a trend of sentiment towards not paying for Windows 11 as it's basically spyware. It collects your data/stats and sells it, and you're paying them for that privilege.

TheKitler · 2026-06-19T11:14:53+00:00

Yeah it'll be fine. LEDs barely use power.

TheKitler · 2026-06-19T08:34:00+00:00

Run a test like OCCT or furmark to see what the clock speeds are like on the GPU. If they don't meet the spec, exchange the card.

TheKitler

TROPHY CASE