What to upgrade GPU or CPU?

tomichal · Mar 22, 2015

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2400 CPU @ 3.10GHz 3.30 GHz
RAM: 8.00 GB
System Type: 64-bit OS
GPU: AMD radeon HD 6800
motherboard: asrock h61m/u3s3

Should I focus on upgrading CPU or GPU more, I hope to make my PC better for programming like rhino, revit, archiCad, sketchup, adobe set; as well as gaming.
And maybe some recommendations if you can. Thank You.

geofelt · Mar 22, 2015

The most satisfying performance improver for what you want to do is to convert to a ssd.
It makes everything so much quicker in everyday work.

Another option for programming and such is to buy a second monitor. Preferably identical to your current monitor so windows can be dragged from one to another seamlessly.

I think, your question will be addressed more by gamers.
To that end, you need to determine if cpu or gpu is a limiter.

------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------

tomichal · Mar 22, 2015

tea urchin :

That's what i thought, well i'll go with gtx 970 then. ty

KoopaCreeper · Mar 22, 2015

I would focus on the GPU. That Sandy Bridge i5 is plenty fast, but if you prefer to focus on CAD more then maybe a CPU upgrade could be justified. Many modern CAD programs can use GPU compute features, though.

tomichal · Mar 22, 2015

geofelt :

The most satisfying performance improver for what you want to do is to convert to a ssd.
It makes everything so much quicker in everyday work.

Another option for programming and such is to buy a second monitor. Preferably identical to your current monitor so windows can be dragged from one to another seamlessly.

I think, your question will be addressed more by gamers.
To that end, you need to determine if cpu or gpu is a limiter.

------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------

I did both. when i reduced resolution, frames increased from 40 to 60, and after shutting down one core no changes in fps at least nothing significant. great advice man.

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What to upgrade GPU or CPU?

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