Can a GPU be too powerful in a gaming computer?

xanderlane · Nov 28, 2014

So I have an old(ish) computer with an i5 3570k and a 7950 and 8 GB. I've been throwing around the idea of purchasing a 4k TV for gaming and movie watching. Would I be able to switch out the 7950 with a jacked up 970 without it overpowering the CPU and creating a bottleneck? Would I need to also get a new CPU or does 4k not require any extra processing power?

Xtal_ · Nov 28, 2014

Yes this is called bottlenecking and mainly happens when your CPU is to weak for it

Skylarz · Nov 28, 2014

I think the i5 won't bottleneck the 970

xanderlane · Nov 28, 2014

Skylarz :

Can someone confirm this?

Xtal_ · Nov 28, 2014

This processor will not bottleneck it is exellent

Skylarz · Nov 28, 2014

xanderlane :

According to i7Baby on this CPU hierarchy chart http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-5.html

i5 3470 is currently a tier 1 CPU

leeb2013 · Nov 28, 2014

But a single 970 still won't drive 4k at 60fps

Xtal_ · Nov 28, 2014

leeb2013 :

No course not, 4K is insane to have smooth, you have to have mad mullah

xanderlane · Nov 28, 2014

leeb2013 :

Yeah, that's not what I'm looking for. With something as beautiful as 4k, I'd be happy with one frame every 10 seconds. And yes it can, just with lower settings.

Xtal_ · Nov 28, 2014

xanderlane :

1 frame every 10?! You can't play with that!

Skylarz · Nov 28, 2014

xanderlane :

http://www.techspot.com/articles-info/898/bench/Crysis_01.png I think you can because this is 16FPS on very high+SMAA on Crysis 3 so if you do lowest it'll probably be at least 30-40FPS on a demanding game

leeb2013 · Nov 29, 2014

xanderlane :

I don't see the point in having 4x the resolution when you have to reduce graphics quality and significantly lower frame rates, but each to his own.

Xtal_ · Nov 29, 2014

leeb2013 :

xanderlane :

I don't see the point in having 4x the resolution when you have to reduce graphics quality and significantly lower frame rates, but each to his own.

Exactly, no point at all, its hard to have smooth fps on 4K even with a lot of money

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Can a GPU be too powerful in a gaming computer?

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