Which single, cost-effective, compatible hardware upgrade would give me the best gaming performance improvement?

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Klohver

Klohver

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Mar 27, 2016
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Im currently running windows 10 pro on a ASRock 970 Extreme4 mobo with an AMD FX 8530 Overclocked, Galaxy Geforce GTX 680 4GB, 32GB ram (3x8GB 1833 CL10 + 1x8GB 1333 CL9) (all overclocked to 1000mhz CL7), Samsung Evo 850 SSD, 1050W PSU and 2x 1tb HDD and 1x2TB HDD. I have everything overclocked and tweaked for maximum performance and everything is running stable, but when Im playing some games im not able to get max settings. Im looking for a suggestion on what single compatible piece of hardware I could install that would be the most cost effective.
I could either do the CPU, add in another GTX 680 in SLI, or get an entirely new GPU. I want to keep it under $200 so what would you guys suggest I invest in? What kind of performance would I expect from said hardware.
 
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Gallarian
To be honest, if it was me, I would hold out for a couple more months until Ive saved enough for one of the new Pascal GPUs from Nvidia - theyre set to come out later this year.
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Gallarian

Gallarian

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Jun 25, 2011
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When it comes to gaming, a GPU upgrade will almost always give the most performance increase for the money. Your CPU isn't the greatest, but it should be enough to not severely bottleneck a stronger GPU.

Getting a new GPU thats better than your 680 would really require a bigger budget that what you have, unless youre willing to buy used. If you can find a used 780 or 780ti for $200, then thats what I would suggest.
 
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Klohver

Klohver

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Mar 27, 2016
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also would 1050w psu be enough to handle them in SLI with my current set-up? Im such a noob when it comes to these things, thats how come I come to tomshardware. My go-to know-how geek source.
 
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Gallarian

Gallarian

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Another 680 for SLI is definitely an option if you can find a used one for cheap, as your PSU and motherboard will be able to support it.

My only problem with buying used for SLI is that it'll probably be out of warranty by now, so if one of them fails, youre stuck with a single 680 again and have lost money, but if you got something a bit newer that was still in warranty, youre safe.

Really depends on whether you can find a good deal.
 
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bigpinkdragon286

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Oct 3, 2012
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I would either wait a few months for the newer cards that are expected, or SLI the card you have currently. As it's been pointed out, to gain a significant upgrade over your single card, you will have to spend more than your $200 budget, however, you can probably obtain north of 60% improvements in the games that support SLI, if you add a second card, provided your 8350 is clocked high enough to keep them both fed.
 
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phase0ne

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Mar 19, 2013
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I am seeing some R9 390X boards go for as low as $350 (performance equivalent to GTX 980, practically). Indeed, waiting for Pascal or Polaris is wise but a single 390X could be in your budget were you to sell your 680 for a decent income.
 
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