GPU Upgrade for an I3 10300f

[PierreJG]

Good day everyone, I hope you are all doing well.

Here’s the short version: I had an i5-3340 paired with a Z68 motherboard, which I used as my work PC for web development. Unfortunately, the motherboard died this morning.

Luckily, a client of mine who owns a computer retail shop gave me a great deal on an i3-10300F. The last time I regularly used an Intel processor was back in the 2000s, aside from this one which was strictly for work.

My new setup will include the i3-10300F(Planning to upgrade the cpu in the future), 16GB DDR4 3600MHz memory, and an Antec Atom 750W Gold-rated PSU (though I’m not too sure about the PSU brand, as it’s not one I usually go with). I can’t recall the exact motherboard model at the moment.

What GPU would be the best fit for this setup? I’m leaning towards an NVIDIA card, as this system will now be used for more than just coding—it will also be handling graphic design and Unreal Engine. I’d prefer to go with a new GPU rather than second-hand.

 

[Gabriel Pike]

For just an i3 you don't need much GPU horsepower to max the CPU. A 1660 super is a good budget option but if you want new stuff then a 3050 or newer.

 

[captaincranky]

@PierreJG Well, I'm here to play devil's advocate, as my screen name might suggest.. First off, there's no way I would touch a 10th generation Intel CPU. 12th gen is where it's at **. For an i3 part, Intel's i3-12100 was the darling of the industry, at least for a time.

Of course, Intel being Intel, it won't fit on a 10th gen board, instead requiring an LGA -1700 socket. mobo.

As for Antec PSUs, they used to be my absolute go to, particularly the "Earthwatts" series.. Specifically the "D" suffix: (built by Delta) I had one that finally gave up the ghost round about 13+ years of age. I can't speak to their new stuff, as they were out of the business for a while. Hopefully they still have their PSUs built to the same high standard, FWIW, I had a supposedly "gold standard" Seasonic, "go to sleep and not wake up" after about 4 years.

On to the graphics card. the GTX-1660 super (or "ti") are both decent cards. However, early versions sported GDDR-5 RAM. Whereas, later versions sported the much peppier GDDR-6, but both topped out at 6 GB of VRAM.

The RTX-3050, (IIRC) provides 8 GB. Now, if you listen to this generation's gamer boyz, 16 GB is the bare minimum. However 8 GB will do in a pinch..Be prepared to do some serious shopping for either of these VGAs for an acceptable price. Some a**hole at both Newegg and Amazon was trying to scalp a GTX-1660 super for $389.00. At best, it's worth half that.

I'm a build it yourself advocate, who can't resist a good sale. Thus, I'm always shopping for my next build, while my daily driver is still up and running. But then, I tend to build machines I don't quite need, and luckily, the parts I use tend to live forever,

** I say Intel 12 generation, since that was the point when they finally retired their 14 nm process, and went to 10 nm. The 13th & 14th gen parts, could almost be considered a "relabel", and caused a fair amount of issues when people tried to hot rod them. Not to mention the major dealers were practically giving away 12th gen parts at one point..

FWIW, The brand spanking new, RTX-5050 and RTX-5060 are going for $250, & $300. respectively. Either card will outperform either the 1660 or 3050, yet still be in keeping with your new PC's performance.range. And although "real gamers" will look down at them with disdain, either will do the job for you.

 

[Banirati]

For Unreal Engine and design work, focus on VRAM rather than raw power. An RTX 3050 or the newer 5050/5060 gives you 8 GB and better long-term support without bottlenecking your i3.