Optimal PC Upgrades for Intel i5-4590 and NVIDIA GTX 760

Are you contemplating a PC upgrade and wondering which components to prioritize? If you currently own an Intel i5-4590 CPU and a NVIDIA GTX 760 GPU with 2GB of VRAM, you have several options to enhance your system's performance and capabilities. Let's explore the best upgrades for your specific setup, ensuring that each addition aligns with your budget and usage needs.

1. CPU Upgrade

If you're looking to improve your multitasking and performance for demanding applications, a CPU upgrade is a solid option. The Intel Core i7-4790 is a direct upgrade for your current motherboard, featuring an LGA 1150 socket. This processor offers better performance for multitasking and runs smoothly in most applications, making it a versatile choice. Depending on your budget, considering newer generations like the Intel Core i5-10400 or i5-11400 is also wise. Ensuring you have a compatible motherboard like B460 or B560 is crucial for leveraging the benefits of these processors.

2. GPU Upgrade

For a significant boost in performance, upgrading your GPU is highly recommended. The NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super is an excellent choice, offering better performance in modern games while remaining budget-friendly. For performance enthusiasts, the NVIDIA RTX 3060 is a standout option, providing superior performance and support for real-time ray tracing. If you're looking for a cost-effective alternative, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 delivers competitive performance and is worth considering.

3. RAM Upgrade

Ensuring you have sufficient RAM is crucial for multitasking and gaming performance. If your system has less than 16GB of RAM, upgrading to 16GB (2x8GB) will significantly enhance overall system responsiveness and multitasking capabilities. This upgrade will make a noticeable difference in how smoothly your system handles multiple applications and games.

4. Storage Upgrade

Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can revolutionize your system's performance. If you're still using a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD), switching to a SATA SSD, such as a 500GB or 1TB drive, will drastically improve load times and overall system responsiveness. Your Intel i5-4590 supports SATA, and investing in an SSD will pay off in terms of faster boot times, faster OS startup, and quicker access to your files.

5. Power Supply

As you consider adding new components, especially a more powerful GPU, ensure that your power supply can handle the additional load. A quality power supply unit (PSU) in the range of 500W to 650W from a reputable brand is recommended to ensure stability and avoid any potential issues with your components.

Conclusion

For a balanced upgrade, starting with a new GPU is suggested. Options like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super, RTX 3060, or AMD Radeon RX 6600 are excellent choices. Depending on your future needs, you can then evaluate whether upgrading the CPU and RAM is necessary. If you're looking for a more comprehensive upgrade, consider updating both the CPU and GPU along with RAM and storage for optimal performance and longevity.

Purchase Recommendations

For your graphics card upgrade, consider the following options:

NVIDIA GTX 1650 NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super AMD Radeon 5700 AMD Radeon 570T NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super Used NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Super (around $100) Used NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Super (around $175) Used NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (around $200)

Ensure you have at least a 500GB SATA SSD for booting the system, as your CPU does not support NVMe drives. Additionally, aim for 16GB of RAM to maximize performance and ensure your system remains responsive even under heavy load.

With these upgrades, your PC should last another 3 years or more, especially with modern games and applications.