choosing a CPU and GPU without bottlenecking?

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

Hello, everyone.
After much thought, I recently decided that I would like to build my own gaming PC. but I've been having some problems...

So far I've decided on a CPU which I would like to use, (Quad-core Intel i5) but I've been having some problems with deciding on a decent GPU/GraphicsCard.
I would like something with quite a lot of power, but I dont want it to over power my CPU and cause a bottleneck. can anyone help?

SPgamer007 · Feb 11, 2015

What is your budget for the card? a gtx 970 is worth getting if you going to play games on 1080p.

logainofhades · Feb 11, 2015

There is not a single card that will overpower an i5 4xxx.

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

SPgamer007 :

Hmmmm.... probably about 250/300 dollars at the most.

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

logainofhades :

what do you mean?

iLiftFood · Feb 11, 2015

The i5 4xxx CPUs can run the most power GPUs (780ti, 980, Titan/Z/Black) is what he is saying. Unless they are mobile versions, then maybe.

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

iLiftFood :

so... the CPU I've decided on is most likely not gonna get overpowered by an average GPU?

iLiftFood · Feb 11, 2015

Yup, that CPU will run any GPU currently on the market. It's quite common to use the i5-4670k/4690k with SLI 970s.
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/b/hghqqs
The build I linked runs an i5 with SLI 980.

logainofhades · Feb 11, 2015

No you will not have any issues, cpu wise, with any gpu available today.

SPgamer007 · Feb 11, 2015

Zaney2522 :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121899&cm_re=gtx_970-_-14-121-899-_-Product
If you can extend your budget a bit further,this card is worth getting,for 1080p.

If can't, then this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202080&cm_re=r9_290-_-14-202-080-_-Product
It is not as good as gtx 970,but it is not too bad either.

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

logainofhades :

Thank you very much!

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

SPgamer007 :

I will definitely look into those. Thank you very much!

also... if I wanted to choose my own, are there any specific specifications I should pay attention to? (memory, bus speed, etc.)

Wisecracker · Feb 11, 2015

Above 1080p, it's pretty much all on your video card. Buy all the GPU power you can afford.

1080p and below, in the overwhelming majority of games is still highly dependent upon your video card, but certain games (typically console 'ports' to PC) can become a drag on your CPU.

'Generally' speaking, you want to spend 2x on your GPU what you spend on your CPU/motherboard.

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

Wisecracker :

Yeah.. that's the prob... idk what exactly "GPU power" is.
what should I look for?

logainofhades · Feb 11, 2015

As long as your PSU is up to the task, the R9 290 is the fastest card, you can buy under $300.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($269.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $269.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-11 12:24 EST-0500

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

logainofhades :

Thank you! I currently only have a 420w PSU on my case at the moment, but I was already planning on getting a better one.

Wisecracker · Feb 11, 2015

If you are into scarffing-up bargains, a used card from a reputable place is always an option.

I only point this out because there are some great deals out there, and AMD/nVidia will hopefully, sooner rather than later, be introducing new video cards on the 'node-shrink'

They'll be really fast, do a minute in 30 seconds, blow away the current cards, and rip a hole in the space/time continuum

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

Hey, guys!

I just wanted to say thanks! you guys have told me so much in the time we've talked.. you've been an AMAZING help!

Thanks again.
Zaney

iLiftFood · Feb 11, 2015

Have fun with your new GPU

Happy 60FPS+ gaming

Zaney2522 · Feb 11, 2015

iLiftFood :

thank you!

I can't wait to get rid of this useless laptop.. xD

choosing a CPU and GPU without bottlenecking?

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