Should I buy a new monitor or a new gpu?

swift_angel

Commendable
Sep 3, 2016
2
0
1,510
I recently bought a Acer GN276HL monitor and have to return it due to extremely bad ghosting. Having to go through the trouble of returning it and finding a new monitor has made me think, should i find a new monitor or just buy a new gtx 1070 to use with my old monitor. I currently have a gtx 970 and a Samsung sync-master 2030 which is 20 inch 900p 60hz. If i go with a new monitor it needs to be 1080p 144hz and for fps gaming. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions and opinions on whether to get a 1070 or monitor. If you recommend the monitor please give me suggestions.
 
Solution
The system is pretty close to what it can handle with regards to the CPU/GPU combination, AMD parts are not as efficient as Intel either clock for clock or core for core, so the current combination is well balanced there, which means any large GPU upgrade will be significantly held back by the current CPU, and the current FX8350/GTX970 will hold back a Gsync 144Hz display.

Without spending a large amount on a full CPU/MB/RAM upgrade to something like a Skylake i5 and then adding a GTX1070 plus 144Hz monitor, your best option would be to move up to a 1080, 24" monitor @60Hz and sticking with the main system (which isn't that bad TBH).
BUT it really depends on your future plans, if you want to play a long game, then go for a fast monitor...
TBH a GTX970 is going to struggle to justify a 144Hz display at 1080 rez unless you're prepared to drop the settings significantly to reach anything like that level of FPS in current games.
Worse still, a GTX1070 is going to be hopelessly throttled by a 60Hz 900P display.
You're caught between a rock and a hard place here.

What are the systems full specs? Maybe a GTX970 is all it can drive without bottlenecking anyway.

Without knowing the full specs, or your available budget, I'll suggest you look for another 1080, 24" display, until the release of the new RX480 and GTX1060 cards the GTX970 was top of the 1080 gamers choice for graphics for good reason, it's a superb card at that rez and remains so.
 

swift_angel

Commendable
Sep 3, 2016
2
0
1,510


more specs are
AMD FX-8350 CPU
16 GB [4 GB x4] DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance
ASRock 990FX Killer motherboard
and a 1000w power supply
 
The system is pretty close to what it can handle with regards to the CPU/GPU combination, AMD parts are not as efficient as Intel either clock for clock or core for core, so the current combination is well balanced there, which means any large GPU upgrade will be significantly held back by the current CPU, and the current FX8350/GTX970 will hold back a Gsync 144Hz display.

Without spending a large amount on a full CPU/MB/RAM upgrade to something like a Skylake i5 and then adding a GTX1070 plus 144Hz monitor, your best option would be to move up to a 1080, 24" monitor @60Hz and sticking with the main system (which isn't that bad TBH).
BUT it really depends on your future plans, if you want to play a long game, then go for a fast monitor first, then add a faster GPU, with the big CPU/MB/RAM upgrade last to fully unlock the potential of the GPU and monitor.
 
Solution

_MOJO_

Honorable
Jan 30, 2014
69
0
10,660
My estimation would be that a 1070 would be more than plenty of horsepower to push 1080 all day long at an easy 60hz. The 1070 is easily comparable to some beefy 980s.

A multipurpose 60 hz monitor with a decent price ( just over $100) is the Asus V239H-P http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236288

A decent 144 hz monitor for a good price ( a little over $200 ) is the AOC G2460PQU http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=AOC+G2460PQU+&N=-1&isNodeId=1

Ask yourself this, " Do I need 144 hz? "

For less than $300, you can get a decent 144 hz monitor that will take advantage of even your 970 if you tweak some settings. I have found that monitors with high refresh rates are best utilized in FPS and faster paced games where reaction time, position, and timing are all key. If you are more of a casual gamer 60 hz might be enough for now. If you are a competitive FPS player who cant live without playing CSGO- maybe the 144 hz monitor is the way to go. Other games not so much- and 60 hz is more than enough.

In terms of GPUs - the 1070 is the best buy pound for pound in terms of price/performance. The new Pascal architecture has made this a beastly card at a reasonable price. The performance would be more than enough for 1080p gaming and decent for 1440p gaming.

Its a tough decision. You are truly right at a threshold where you must weigh options.

OPTION 1:

Buy 144 hz monitor- save some money toward an upgrade in the future and enjoy the benefits of a high refresh rate (believe me- you can tell a difference provided your card can push that many frames). I think a 970 is still a decent card. Cost - about $200-$300

OPTION 2:

Buy a 1070 and enjoy buttery smooth frames maxed at 60hz/60 fps in most titles - cost : $400-$450

I would go with OPTION 2 personally . The monitor is always something you can push back a little further. Once you have the 1070, I think the 144 hz monitor is a natural progression when you get a little more money together.