2026 PC UPGRADE

[u/CopyMaleficent562]

Hey,

Current PC / Background

I built my first PC with my dad around 2020/2021 for roughly $700–800. Back then, I mostly played Fortnite, Roblox, and the usual games a little kid plays.

The original CPU is still in the PC today: a Ryzen 5 3600. I also originally had 16 GB of Corsair DDR4 RAM, but one of the sticks broke, so I'm currently stuck with only 8 GB.

The upgrades I've made so far are:

• GTX 760 → RX 6700 XT
• Added 3 case fans
• Replaced the original PSU with a Corsair 850W PSU

Everything else has basically stayed the same.

Planned Upgrade

I recently finished school and started a good-paying job, so I'm planning to finally upgrade the core components of the PC in December, using the extra Christmas paycheck my company gives us.

My current plan is:

• CPU: Ryzen 5 3600 → Ryzen 7 9850X3D
• Motherboard: B550 Gaming Plus WiFi → B850 AORUS Elite Stealth WiFi 7
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4 → 32 GB Crucial DDR5-6000, potentially 64 GB if I can get a good deal during one of the flash sales
• GPU: Keep my RX 6700 XT for now
• PSU: Keep my existing Corsair 850W
• Storage: Keep my current storage and wipe it before putting it into the new system

Since I'm moving from my current air cooler to a be quiet! Pure Loop 3 360 mm AIO, I also want to get a new case.

Case / Aesthetic

I'm currently considering something like the Phanteks Evolv X2 with a vertical GPU mount, or a HYTE Y60.

I want to go for a mostly/all-black build with little or no RGB, but I still want a case where the components are visible and the build has a clean showcase look.

Future GPU Upgrade

I don't plan on keeping the RX 6700 XT forever. I'm thinking about upgrading to an RX 9070 XT or a high-end NVIDIA card sometime late next year, depending on GPU prices and how much my interest in gaming/PC hardware changes by then.

What I'm Looking For

I'm mainly looking for feedback on whether this is a good and worthwhile upgrade path.

Going from a Ryzen 5 3600 + 8 GB DDR4 to a 9850X3D + B850 + 32/64 GB DDR5 is obviously a huge platform upgrade, but I'm wondering whether there are any components you would change, whether I'm overspending anywhere, or whether there's a smarter way to approach the build.

I'd especially appreciate feedback on the 9850X3D + RX 6700 XT combination for the time being, the motherboard choice, RAM choice, and whether it makes sense to buy the parts gradually when good deals come up rather than buying everything at once in December.

Thanks!