Aurora R8, What should I upgrade first?

Question

Hello, I just wanted to get a second opinion on what I should upgrade first and what to, taking into account compatibility, obviously I have to wait until the chip shortage is over first. I mainly use my PC for gaming and web browsing, no editing or playing for an audience. I know it completely depends on what games I play but I just wanted to get a general opinion. Most newer games I play I put on 4K with graphic settings on max. Never had a problem really until Mass Effect Andromeda, only getting 20 fps. Minecraft with shaders of course isn't the best with about 30 fps. Also using Yuzu to emulate switch games sometimes stutters but not often. I know some people want as much info as possible so sorry for dragging this out, thank you.

Alienware Aurora R8

Motherboard: 0R3FWM

CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 @2.90GHz - Liquid cooled, not sure what brand or model

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB

Memory: 16GB 2666MHz - Also 16GB Intel High Optane Memory

Storage: 2TB HDD - Never goes below 50% free space

Display: Hisense 70" 4K 60Hz using HDMI 2.0 - New TV and new cable

I want to get NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti but not sure if my 550w PSU can handle it or if it'll fit in the case.

Also, I'd like to get Intel Core i9-10900K, but I seen someone say that the Intel Core i9-9900K is the highest I can fit on my motherboard, not sure if it's correct though.

If I have to switch motherboards then yes I'll upgrade to a SSD, but not sure how the Intel optane memory will work if its not on the main drive.

Vanadiel · Answer

Pending budget, since the resolution is 4K with the graphic settings on maximum, I would opt for an RTX 3080.

In such case it might be easier to just upgrade to a completely new system rather than upgrading your current one.

r72019 · Answer

Max supported is 9900k. Intel 9th gen.  The next gen 10900k is on a different socket (lga 1200) so it would not even fit physically.

r72019 · Answer

Also, the R8 wasn't offered for sale with a 550w psu option.  It was 460 or 850.  Unless you upgraded it from 460 to 550.  And you would need to upgrade the 460w psu (or your 550w if you already upgraded) for a 3060ti.

Charoid · Answer

Thank you for confirming what I read about the CPU. Also, now that you mention it I do remember going with the bigger PSU so it must be the 850w, just didn't want to open the pc to double check. Thinking it over, I think I will just build a new PC from scratch considering I want to pretty much replace 80% of what's in my current setup. With the chip shortage I definitely have the time to save up for it. Thanks for the help, very much appreciated

Vanadiel · Answer

They sometimes have good bundles with monitors. Nothing beats a nice new gaming monitor to absorb the visuals of a new machine.

Alienware Desktops

Aurora R8, What should I upgrade first?

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