upgrading components for my mid-level system

Report · May 12, 2019

I'm new to the forum and somewhat new to Premiere. I have a mid-level desktop system (well, at least I don't think it's terrible), and I'm looking to upgrade a component or two. I've read the hardware recommendation FAQ and I get the gist, but I'm hoping you kind folks could tell me what my setup could benefit from specifically. I've got roughly ~$250-$350 to spend now (though maybe more if I'm feeling impulsive!), so I'm thinking that could go towards one or two items.

Fyi, I'm a hobbyist at the moment, and for now I'm mostly editing footage from my phone in 1080p for the web / youtube / social media, but I imagine I'll want to work in 4K down the road when/if my system gets more serious upgrades.

Thanks!

CPU: Intel i7-6700 - 3.4 GHz Quad-Core
GPU: GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
RAM: 16GB DDR4 2400 (2 x 8GB)
Mobo: Asus Prime H-270 Plus CMS
SSD #1: Samsung EVO 500 GB - 2.5" SSD (for OS and software)
SSD #2: Intel 660p Series 1 TB - M.2 SSD - PCIe (for projects, cache media, & scratch files)
OS: Windows 10 Home 64 bit
Monitors: Two Asus 24" LED 1920x1080

Report · May 13, 2019

Looking at your current system hardware configuration, it would just about suffice for your current workflow. But if you want to do 4k in the near future, and you have only about $250 to $350 to spend, then I would prioritize on adding more RAM to that system. Upgrade it to at least 32 GB. I would rule out a new GPU for the time being as a GPU that would have made a sufficient improvement over your current GPU would have cost you very close to, if not more than, your current total maximum budget limit - in fact, so much that there would be virtually no room whatsoever for additional system RAM had you gone for an upgraded GPU alone.

Therefore, for your total budget the ONLY economically feasible upgrade for your system would be adding more RAM to it.

Report · May 13, 2019

Thanks for the feedback, RjL. I actually just found a great deal on the exact same make/model of my current RAM kit and ordered that extra 16 GB bringing my total up to 32 GB!

Assuming the next thing I'd want to upgrade is my GPU (though I'm not sure if I'm quite ready for actually spending the $ this week), would you say that a GTX 1070 would yield a significant enough improvement? Would a GTX 1060 not really make sense considering it's only one level up? And should I consider the less expensive options in the RTX series?

Report · May 13, 2019

At its current street price, the GTX 1060 is priced too close to the newer GTX 1660 for its own good. In your situation, I'd go for either a GTX 1660 or a GTX 1660 Ti. The RTX 2060 is priced just above your current budget limit, on average, and is worth buying at such a higher price only if you're planning to upgrade the rest of your system's CPU platform (CPU, motherboard) within the next few months..

Report · May 13, 2019

This is really helpful! I had a feeling rn RTX was overkill for the rest of my system. I'm probably going to overhaul it in the next year, but not now.

Just so I'm clear: You think with my current rig, Premiere will be noticeably better with, say, a GTX 1660 rather than my old 1050 ti, correct? The RAM upgrade was a no-brainer (and cheap), but I guess I just want to make sure that if I'm gonna spend $300+, it's definitely going to impact performance. Thanks!