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CPU to pair with RTX 3050

Yikes, should I look at a different GPU for around the 250 mark? It would probably mean a new PSU too, since the one in the case doesn't have any power cables for a GPU :/
 
Guru said:
Yikes, should I look at a different GPU for around the 250 mark? It would probably mean a new PSU too, since the one in the case doesn't have any power cables for a GPU :/
Click to expand...

What exactly are you looking to do, and with what system/budget?

The 3050 is a shockingly bad GPU, it's basically a 1060 performance-wise with RT capabilities that it's nowhere near competent enough to actually make use of.

For £250 you can do a lot better even in this climate, but you'll need to give us more information.
 
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It's to go in my gf's Thermaltake Core V1.

She’s running a small‑form‑factor system in a Thermaltake VCore 1 case, and we’re trying to figure out the best upgrade path. She recently bought an RTX 3050, but we’re considering returning it and looking at other options. Since this touches both GPU and CPU choices, I’m cross‑posting to get broader input.

Here are her current specs:

  • Case: Thermaltake VCore 1
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
  • Motherboard: MSI B450I Gaming Plus Max WiFi (Mini‑ITX)
  • RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4‑2400 (CMK16GX4M1A2400C14), single stick
  • Storage: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB + Crucial BX500 1TB
  • Current GPU: GT 1030
  • New GPU (possibly returning): RTX 3050
  • PSU: Technimax TMX00500B (no PCIe power cables for GPUs)
The 3050 fits the case and works, but the performance hasn’t been great, and the PSU doesn’t have any 6/8‑pin PCIe connectors, so a GPU upgrade probably means replacing the PSU as well. Before we commit to returning the 3050, we want to understand what realistic upgrade options make sense for this case and motherboard.

We’re trying to figure out:

  1. What GPUs are worth considering if we return the 3050, keeping in mind the VCore 1’s size and airflow.
  2. Whether the Ryzen 5 3600 is still fine for modern GPUs or if upgrading the CPU (5600, 5700X, etc.) would be worthwhile.
  3. What PSU models are recommended for small‑form‑factor builds that actually include proper GPU power cables.
GPUs we’ve looked at include the RTX 3060, 3060 Ti, 4060, RX 6600/6600 XT, and RX 7600, but we’re open to other suggestions as long as they fit and don’t run into PCIe limitations on this board.

Given her current hardware, what would be the best upgrade path from the GT 1030 if we return the 3050? And what CPU/PSU combinations would make the most sense for this build?

Thanks for any advice.
 
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That pc is a mishmash of terrible choices from the £25 psu to the single slow stick of memory that will hamstring any Ryzen cpu (Ryzen loves fast memory). Ideally you want a pair of memory sticks in the 3200-3600mhz range which isn't going to be cheap in the current climate. Change the cpu to a 5600/5600x or even a 5800x if she can use the extra cores but you will need to update the motherboard bios with the 3600 in it first. You may also need a new cooler depending on what is currently used. A new decent quality psu is a must and the MSI MAG A650BN 650w Bronze has been recommended a lot recently as a basic psu but I would spend more on a fully modular gold rated psu with a ten year warranty. Graphics cards are a tough one because brand new you are not going to get anything decent for £250 due to the abysmal prices. Second hand would be the best bet (especially if you have MM access) although used prices on Ebay are ridiculous also. If you have a CEX near you that could be a option as they give you a warranty even on used components.

At the end of the day it all depends on what she uses the pc for and that will dictate the upgrade choices.
 
I’ve updated the bios and ordered Corsair Vengeance Pro 3600 32gb from the MM, on the lookout for a GPU and CPU, would this PSU be okay? I think the one you mentioned is too big for the case


SilverStone SST-ST45SF v 3.0 - SFX Series, 450W 80 Plus Bronze PC Power supply​

 
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Okay so this is what I got now:

  • Ryzen 5 5600 — 6‑core Zen 3 CPU with Wraith Stealth cooler.
  • Zotac RTX 3060 Twin Edge — Compact dual‑fan 12GB GPU.
  • 32GB DDR4 RAM — 3600
  • MSI MAG A750GLS PSU — 750W fully modular ATX 3.1 power supply.
  • Thermal paste (MX‑6/MX‑7)

I hope it will be a big improvement for her.

450 total
 
Tetras said:
Should be good.

The faster, dual channel memory will help stabilise framerates and pull more frames from the CPU, with the higher performing 5600 giving an uplift anyway.


That's twice as fast and twice the memory.
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Twice as fast at the 3060? Wow that's awesome if so, I paid like 230 for the 3050 new and only 160 for the 3060 2nd hand
 
Guru said:
Twice as fast at the 3060? Wow that's awesome if so, I paid like 230 for the 3050 new and only 160 for the 3060 2nd hand
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Yeah, not the 8GB, the 6GB version.

3050 (both 8GB and 6GB) have always been expensive for what they are.
 
Guru said:
Twice as fast at the 3060? Wow that's awesome if so, I paid like 230 for the 3050 new and only 160 for the 3060 2nd hand
Click to expand...

The 3050 is shockingly poor, as I said it's really not any faster than the now ancient budget 1060 or 1660 -- it just has RT slapped onto it alongside some other features that it's too weak to really use. The 8gb model is a bit quicker but it's still awful value, and the 3060 annihilates both versions regardless.

The 3060 is a massive improvement in multiple ways, even when you step outside of the raw best case performance, that extra memory can be a life saver with current games.

I'd say that's a pretty well balanced system you've put together, it'll run any game out at at least moderate settings/resolution without a problem.
 
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Gray2233 said:
The 3050 is shockingly poor, as I said it's really not any faster than the now ancient budget 1060 or 1660 -- it just has RT slapped onto it alongside some other features that it's too weak to really use. The 8gb model is a bit quicker but it's still awful value, and the 3060 annihilates both versions regardless.

The 3060 is a massive improvement in multiple ways, even when you step outside of the raw best case performance, that extra memory can be a life saver with current games.

I'd say that's a pretty well balanced system you've put together, it'll run any game out at at least moderate settings/resolution without a problem.
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Yayyyyyyyyyyy she'll be so happy :D
 
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Guru said:
Okay so this is what I got now:

  • Ryzen 5 5600 — 6‑core Zen 3 CPU with Wraith Stealth cooler.
  • Zotac RTX 3060 Twin Edge — Compact dual‑fan 12GB GPU.
  • 32GB DDR4 RAM — 3600
  • MSI MAG A750GLS PSU — 750W fully modular ATX 3.1 power supply.
  • Thermal paste (MX‑6/MX‑7)

I hope it will be a big improvement for her.

450 total
Click to expand...
You did good getting all of that for £450 with todays prices. That's a very nice balanced pc and a huge upgrade plus the 750w psu gives you spare headroom for future gpu upgrades.
 
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