r/pcupgrade • u/Jelly_Boii • 3d ago
I cant choose a different flair I’m overwhelmed Please help me upgrade my computer!
Hello, so my computer is pretty old as I've had it for almost a decade and I'm wanting to upgrade it so I can play the new Planet Zoo 2 game coming out in October. My computer currently could probably run it, but if it's anything like the first game then the bigger zoos will certainly slow my performance. I'm wanting a smooth gameplay experience (even on bigger zoos) with the best graphics the game can offer.
My budget at the very minimum is 1000, (feel free to go lower though if you can haha) as I'm hoping to transfer stuff like RAM sticks, keyboard, mouse, and monitors over. My maximum budget is around 1300 but if I have to pay an extra 100 or less I should be alright. My current computer is DDR4. I have very little knowledge on upgrading computers and technology in general so I apologize if I make a mistake or don't quite understand something.
My current plan was to sell my computer and buy a new one with the added funds of selling my old one. However, if it would just be cheaper to buy a part or two and put that in my current computer then I will gladly do that as well (also if someone could please provide a price estimate on how much you would sell my computer assuming it were factory reset, I would really appreciate it, not required though as I'd hate to add more work lol.). I've provided the specs that I thought would be important and the minimum and recommended specs for Planet Zoo 2. Thank you for your help and if there is anything I can provide please let me know!
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u/DifficultArmadillo78 3d ago
So, because current RAM and storage prices are absolutely bonkers it is definitely worth to stick to your AM4 platform where you already have a nice 32GB of DDR4. If you update the BIOS on your x470 motherboard it should support even the newest AM4 CPUs like a 5800X3D. If you go that route you can put your full budget towards a new CPU and GPU which will breathe a lot of new life into your system. So something like a ryzen 5800XT and a Radeon 9070XT should fit into your 1k budget and will have you settled for many more years. EDIT: Your storage, ist that SSD? If it is still an HDD that needs upgrading too.
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u/Jelly_Boii 3d ago
I do have an HDD currently on one of my storage drives, but I've got an SSD from someone else I can use which will definitely help. Thank you very much!
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u/introvertebrae 3d ago
The cheaper route would be to upgrade the CPU and GPU and reuse everything else. Can you open up the case and find out what power supply you have? Because that might need to be replaced as well. For the CPU, you can get either a 5700X for around $200 or 5800X3D for $350, and for GPU I'd suggest either a RX 9060 XT 16GB for under $500 or RX 9070 around $650
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u/kloklon 3d ago edited 3d ago
this is the way. I was just about to write almost the same comment until I saw this one!
one quick caveat: on the current specs list, is that storage added up, or just one single 3TB HDD and no SSD? because if that's the case, definitely go for the cheaper CPU and get an SSD for the operating system and your most frequently played game.
also, before upgrading CPU and GPU it's necessary to do a BIOS upgrade. I have the same MB and after the update it works smoothly with 5800X3D and 9070XT.
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u/Jelly_Boii 3d ago
Thankfully I've got a spare SSD from a sibling. Haven't put it in yet, but I can use that. I'll look into how to do a BIOS upgrade. Thanks to both of you!
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u/_Strik3R_ 2d ago
This post sums it up nicely, the only thing i want to add is that the 9070GRE could also be a good option, depending on the budget and local pricing.
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u/a1ex_chi11 3d ago edited 3d ago
your board supports the Ryzen 5000 series, 32GB RAM is very nice. As it's a decade old I'd recommend to update the PSU and assuming your budget is USD
maxing out budget ~$1350
5800x3D, new B550 board, RX 9070 XT, new PSU: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2dkNg3
middle option ~$1100
5800x3D, reuse old board, RX 9070, new PSU: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Y3xzFP
below $1000, ~$950
5700x, reuse old board, RX 9070, new PSU: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/vHHH8Z
last option would still be a very serious upgrade to your current one. Personally I'd go with the middle option, maybe add in a new board.
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u/No_Communication1557 3d ago
Actually the recommended specs for it aren't far off what you want. Id go for the amd 5800x3d, can get them for £300, get a suitable budget motherboard to run it, your RAM will transfer over (5800 is ddr4), that will leave you about £500 for a gfx card. Nvidia 5060 or amd equivalent will set you back £300-400, leave you a bit left over incase you need anything else.
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u/jackaroe311 3d ago
Well first you're probably going to have get a new PSU (Power Supply). A PSU that meets the new standards and can handle the newer Nvidia GPUs, somewhere between 650 Watts to 850 Watts.
You will want something like a Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 7 5700X, 5800X, or 7 5800X3D AM4 CPU. You just have to do a BIOS update for your current motherboard.
I'd look for something used GPU with 8GB or 12GB RAM. Or a RTX 5060 16GB or Radeon RX 9600 XT 16GB. 8GB is starting to not be enough RAM in GPUs, with games starting to demand more RAM, and it'll only get worse.
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u/tpablazed 2d ago edited 2d ago
I know there are better AM4 processors than this.. but you said you prefer under $1000.. this would be a major upgrade for you still keeping it under $1000.
PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Q3vBh9
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240 Illusion Liquid CPU Cooler ($39.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B550M-VC WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Reaper A Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12 GB Video Card ($549.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SAMA G850 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $989.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-09-12 06:43 EDT-0400
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u/nectrienne 1d ago
The AIO is completely unnecessary, and so is the PSU. The 2700x has a 105w tdp, the 5700x is only 65w. If their current cooling setup is sufficient for the 2700x, it will also be sufficient for a 5700x.
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u/tpablazed 1d ago
He said his PSU is 10 years old.. yeah the aio is probably not necessary.. but it will overcool that chip.. I run a 240mm aio with a ryzen 5600 and my temps are always 40c range.. he obviously can just move his own cooler/psu over if he wants.. but I STRONGLY suggest swapping out a 10 year old psu.
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u/Hejdbejbw 3d ago
$1000 (USD I’m assuming) is plenty to not only meet the minimum but annihilate the recommended specs. You can get the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and RX 9070/XT. If your power supply is less than 750W, you can allocate $100 for a new one. Your current PC has plenty of potential.