Hello - this was my first build from way back when, maybe 4-5 years ago. I am looking for simple upgrade to pump a bit more longevity into the build, and maximise the Cyberpunk experience.

The original build was for a smaller case, but I chickened out a bit and got a slightly larger case. There is plenty of room in there.

I am very much a noob at this, but thinking the CPU and Video Card are the main points to consider.

I know the video card should be pretty much plug and play, but can i pull the CPU out of the motherboard and replace without much worry?

It's worth mentioning this is a Console / Couch PC which is displaying on a 1080p TV. Maybe I will upgrade to a 4k tv in the next 12 months, but nothing certain.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5 GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: ASRock Z170M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Video Card: GALAX GeForce GTX 970 4 GB Video Card
Case: Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ITX Mini ITX Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA 500 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit

z170 is limited to 6/7th gen so a cpu upgrade would be minor without a new motherboard, however 6600k is still quite a capable cpu and gfx cards have become the main workhorse for games these days. I would just swap a new gpu in (which may require a more beefy psu) and then see if you are happy with the performance or still wish to go further.

What he ^ said.

GPU will definitely give you the most bang for your buck. Although these days they are the most expensive part in your computer.

Thanks champs - ended up going with a EVGA GeForce RTX 2060. Will upgrade the mobo and the processor some other time.

dumb question, is there a way to tell what kind of PSU I have without pulling it apart? (Like is this reported in Windows anywhere?) I am leaning towards a video card upgrade for but I'm pretty sure I only have a 500W PSU.

I don't think so trog. The other thing about PSU choice is that you want to over-spec it by 20% or so for maximum efficiency as there is a curve thing involved where if you push it to the limit it wastes power and probably also reduces lifespan.

The tech Jesus guy looks into it in some detail here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_wtoCBahhM&ab_channel=GamersNexus

Also dodgy: yeh you will want a GPU upgrade first (as you already have 16G memory and an SSD), best thing is that its one of the few upgrades you can make that will carry forward when and if you do the mobo/cpu/memory.

Yeh I figured. Ta. I am leaning towards a whole new system anyway (this one is from 2013 and it's started flaking out on me a bit actually, with some random crashes). Was thinking I could just get a new video card with a view to plonking it in a new box next year but if I need a new beefy PSU too I think that's enough to push me over the edge.

Yeah if you're upgrading a 2013 build... you're better off buying new parts in stages and then putting it together down the road...most PSUs available to buy now are beefy... it's easier to find a 750W power supply than anything smaller it seems