So, you’ve got an i5-2400 on your PC? That’s a pretty old chip, and let’s be honest, it’s not cutting it for most games these days. But don’t worry, a new GPU can still help out a bit. You’re not going to turn your PC into the latest gaming beast, but you can definitely make things better than they are now. Just remember, any new graphics card you put in there is going to be held back by the i5-2400 – that’s just how it is with old processors. In this guide, I’m going to show you some GPUs that can give your i5-2400 a little lift, making those games a bit more enjoyable without pretending we can make miracles happen.
Related: Best GPU For i5-3570
Best GPU for i5-2400
1. AMD Radeon RX 6400
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 1923 MHz – 2039 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 53 W |
Upgrading to the Radeon RX 6400 can be a smart move for those with an i5-2400. In my experience, this card does a commendable job of bringing older systems up to speed for modern gaming standards. It’s not a powerhouse by any means, but it manages to deliver enjoyable gaming at 1080p, especially in less demanding titles. The RX 6400 is also quite energy-efficient, a trait that’s particularly beneficial in older setups like those with an i5-2400. I’ve recommended it to folks who want a boost in everyday computing and gaming without the need for cutting-edge graphics.
Reasons to Buy:
- Great for Older PCs: Offers a noticeable improvement in performance, fitting well with the i5-2400’s capabilities.
- Decent for Casual Gaming: You’ll get smooth gameplay in many popular titles at 1080p.
- Energy Efficient: Its low power consumption is a plus for older systems.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Not Future-Proof: May not keep up with the most demanding future games.
- Limited for High-End Gaming: If you’re chasing ultra graphics settings in new AAA games, this card might disappoint.
2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
The GTX 1650, in my view, is a bit of a mixed bag for those with an i5-2400. It’s a step up from the RX 6400 in terms of raw power, which you can feel especially in gaming performance. This GPU can handle most games at 1080p with medium to high settings, making it a tempting option for those looking to squeeze more life out of their i5-2400. However, it’s worth mentioning that the i5-2400 might bottleneck this card in some of the more CPU-intensive games or tasks. Despite this, for many, the boost in graphics performance it offers makes it a worthwhile upgrade.
Reasons to Buy:
- Better Gaming Performance: Offers an enhanced gaming experience at 1080p compared to lower-end cards.
- Good for General Use: Apart from gaming, it’s quite capable of everyday tasks and some creative work.
- Decent Upgrade Option: A sensible choice for those looking to improve their i5-2400’s gaming capabilities.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Potential Bottleneck Issues: The i5-2400 may limit its performance in certain scenarios.
3. AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is an interesting choice for i5-2400 users. From my perspective, it’s a GPU that tries to balance modern gaming requirements with budget constraints. While it can handle 1080p gaming reasonably well, especially in less demanding titles, it’s important to be aware of its limitations with the i5-2400. In certain games, particularly those that are CPU-intensive, you might notice the i5-2400 holding back the RX 6500 XT’s full potential. Despite this, for many users, the RX 6500 XT could be a sensible upgrade, providing a better gaming experience than older or entry-level graphics cards.
Reasons to Buy:
- Adequate for 1080p Gaming: Capable of running many modern games at decent settings.
- Affordable Upgrade: A good option for those on a tight budget.
- Energy Efficiency: Like the RX 6400, it won’t draw too much power.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Bottleneck with i5-2400: Might not reach its full potential in certain games.
Conclusion
- Radeon RX 6400: A practical choice for those on a budget, offering decent performance at 1080p. Its energy efficiency is a bonus for older systems like the i5-2400.
- GTX 1650: Steps up the game in terms of performance, suitable for gamers looking for a better 1080p experience. However, be aware of potential bottlenecks in CPU-heavy games.
- RX 6500 XT: A fair option for 1080p gaming. Its affordability makes it attractive, but it may be limited by the i5-2400 in more demanding scenarios.
Personal Recommendation: Considering the balance between cost, performance, and the potential for bottlenecks, the GTX 1650 stands out as a solid choice for the i5-2400. It provides a noticeable improvement in gaming performance without overextending the capabilities of the CPU. This GPU is ideal for those who want a decent upgrade for their current system without the need for a complete overhaul.