Upgrading the graphics capabilities of an older system like one with the Intel i5-3470, a quad-core processor from a past era, can be a smart way to extend its lifespan. In 2024, even though this CPU may not match the performance of newer models, it still offers decent potential for a range of applications. This guide reviews four GPUs – AMD Radeon RX 6400, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super – to determine which best complements the i5-3470 without causing significant bottlenecks.
Related: Best GPU for i5-3450
1. AMD Radeon RX 6400
In 2024, for those with an older but still capable Intel i5-3470, a quad-core processor, the AMD Radeon RX 6400 offers a compatible GPU upgrade. This GPU is designed for entry-level gaming and general computing, making it a reasonable choice for extending the life of older systems like those with an i5-3470.
The Radeon RX 6400, utilizing the “Navi 24” silicon, is based on the 6 nm fabrication process. It features 768 stream processors, 12 Ray Accelerators, and 4GB of GDDR6 memory across a 64-bit wide memory bus. This setup provides enough power for 1080p gaming at moderate settings, aligning well with the capabilities of the i5-3470. While the processor may slightly bottleneck this GPU in more intensive tasks, the overall performance remains balanced for everyday use and light gaming.
The RX 6400 is suitable for 1080p gaming at medium settings. Its compatibility with DirectX 12 Ultimate, including ray tracing, is a bonus, although the i5-3470 may limit its full potential. The GPU’s lower power consumption (53 W) makes it an excellent choice for older systems, ensuring it doesn’t strain the power supply.
Priced around $159, the RX 6400 is an affordable option in the GPU market. Its performance-to-cost ratio makes it an attractive choice for users with older CPUs like the i5-3470, who seek a balance between price and performance.
Reasons to Buy
- Good Match for i5-3470: Provides a reasonable performance upgrade without significant bottlenecks.
- Affordable Upgrade: Cost-effective for enhancing older systems.
- Efficient Power Usage: Low TDP, ideal for systems with older power supplies.
- Suitable for 1080p Gaming: Capable of handling moderate gaming requirements.
Reasons to Not Buy
- Limited by CPU in Intensive Tasks: The i5-3470 may restrict the GPU in demanding applications.
- Not for High-End Gaming or Intensive Creative Work: Lacks the power for demanding modern games and professional content creation.
- Future Gaming Requirements: Might struggle with upcoming, more demanding game titles.
2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, a popular choice in 2024, is an excellent option for upgrading older systems with an Intel i5-3470 processor. This GPU strikes a good balance between offering modern gaming capabilities and compatibility with older CPUs.
Equipped with 896 CUDA cores and 4GB of GDDR5 memory, the GTX 1650 operates efficiently with the i5-3470, providing a substantial improvement over integrated graphics or older GPUs. While the i5-3470 may limit some of the GTX 1650’s potential, this pairing is sufficient for 1080p gaming with medium to high settings in most games.While the processor may slightly bottleneck this GPU in more intensive tasks, the overall performance remains balanced for everyday use and light gaming.
In gaming tests, the GTX 1650 demonstrates its strength in titles like “Doom,” where it manages to maintain frame rates between 40 and 54 fps at high settings in Full HD. However, for consistent 60 fps performance in more demanding games, some settings adjustments are necessary. In 1440p gaming, the card can handle games but requires settings to be on the lower end for smooth gameplay.
Priced around $150, the GTX 1650 remains a cost-effective choice for gamers and general users looking to upgrade older systems without overspending. Its position in the market as an entry-level to mid-range GPU makes it a practical option for budget-conscious buyers.
Reasons to Buy
- Good Match for i5-3470: Delivers a balanced performance for most games at 1080p.
- Value for Money: Affordable upgrade for improved gaming and general computing performance.
- Low Power Consumption: Suitable for older systems with modest power supplies.
- Efficient for Moderate Gaming: Capable of running many popular games at satisfactory frame rates.
Reasons to Not Buy
- Potential Bottleneck with i5-3470: In highly demanding tasks, the older CPU may limit the GPU’s performance.
- Not for High-End Gaming: Limited capabilities in 4K or high-settings gaming.
- Future Gaming Demands: Might struggle with upcoming, more graphically intensive titles.
3. AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their old i5-3470 system with a powerful yet affordable GPU. This GPU features 4GB of GDDR6 memory and is built on the RDNA 2 architecture, which provides improved performance and power efficiency compared to older architectures.
The RX 6500 XT offers solid performance in most modern games at 1080p resolution. You can expect decent frame rates in popular titles such as Fortnite, CS:GO, and League of Legends, even at medium to high settings. For more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077, you may need to lower the settings to maintain smooth performance, but the RX 6500 XT should still deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.
With a power consumption of around 107W, the RX 6500 XT is an energy-efficient GPU that should work well with most power supplies. It is also compatible with a wide range of games, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite titles without any issues.
Due to its older architecture and limited cores/threads, the i5-3470 may cause a slight bottleneck when paired with the RX 6500 XT, especially in CPU-intensive games. However, this bottleneck should not be significant enough to drastically impact your gaming experience.
In my opinion, the RX 6500 XT is a great option for those looking to give their old i5-3470 system a new lease on life without breaking the bank. Its strong performance and energy efficiency make it an excellent choice for gaming at 1080p resolution. However, if you’re concerned about bottlenecking or future-proofing your system, you may want to consider other options.
Reasons to Buy:
- Good performance for the price
- Power-efficient design
- RDNA 2 architecture for improved performance and efficiency
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Limited 4GB VRAM may not be sufficient for future games
- Potential for minor bottlenecking with the i5-3470
4. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is another excellent choice for upgrading your old i5-3470 system. This GPU offers 4GB of GDDR6 memory and is built on the Turing architecture, which provides solid performance and power efficiency.
The GTX 1650 Super offers similar performance to the RX 6500 XT, delivering decent frame rates in most modern games at 1080p resolution. You can expect good performance in popular titles such as Fortnite, CS:GO, and League of Legends, even at medium to high settings. For more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077, you may need to lower the settings to maintain smooth performance, but the GTX 1650 Super should still deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.
With a power consumption of around 100W, the GTX 1650 Super is an energy-efficient GPU that should work well with most power supplies. It is also compatible with a wide range of games, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite titles without any issues.
Similar to the RX 6500 XT, the i5-3470 may cause a slight bottleneck when paired with the GTX 1650 Super, especially in CPU-intensive games. However, this bottleneck should not be significant enough to drastically impact your gaming experience.
The GTX 1650 Super is an excellent option for those looking to upgrade their old i5-3470 system with a powerful and energy-efficient GPU. Its performance is similar to the RX 6500 XT, making it a great choice for gaming at 1080p resolution. However, if you’re concerned about bottlenecking or future-proofing your system, you may want to consider other options.
Reasons to Buy:
- Good performance for the price
- Power-efficient design
- Turing architecture for solid performance and efficiency
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Limited 4GB VRAM may not be sufficient for future games
- Potential for minor bottlenecking with the i5-3470
Conclusion
The AMD Radeon RX 6400 is an affordable and power-efficient option for budget-conscious gamers, but its limited 4GB VRAM may not be sufficient for future games. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, on the other hand, offers similar performance and power efficiency, but with slightly better VRAM and wider compatibility.
If you’re looking for a more powerful and future-proof GPU, the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super are both excellent choices. The RX 6500 XT features the newer RDNA 2 architecture, providing improved performance and efficiency, while the GTX 1650 Super boasts higher VRAM and better ray tracing capabilities. However, both GPUs may cause a slight bottleneck when paired with the older i5-3470 CPU.
As a hardware enthusiast and gamer, my personal recommendation would be the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super. Its higher VRAM and better ray tracing capabilities make it a more future-proof choice, and while there may be a minor bottleneck with the i5-3470, it should not significantly impact your gaming experience. Additionally, its power efficiency and compatibility with a wide range of games make it an excellent overall choice for upgrading your old i5-3470 system in 2024.