Help with CPU or GPU upgrade

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GrumpyBjorn3

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Aug 14, 2016
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Hi I'm looking to make an upgrade but I'm kind of struggling to decide what I want to upgrade first. This is gaming and mostly MMO related, atm it is ESO.

Currently I'm running an OC A8 6600k, 8gb RAM, GT 630. Surprisingly that runs ESO without a problem on high settings and no FPS issue. I'd like to move into Ultra settings in games, get better FPS and run something like new CoD and BF games.

I was toying with the idea of upgrading the GPU first and going for something like a GTX 960 or R9 380 or RX 480 (somewhere around there). But I also realize the CPU sucks and thought maybe moving to an I3 6100 or an I5 model. I was thinking an FX 6300 would be decent to begin with but I think I'll need to abandon AMD to make a larger difference to gaming.

When it comes to the I5 models I know the 6600k is a loved one but are there any cheaper options in the I5?

There is a possibility this system might be used for video editing in future but as it stands it isn't right now. I know the FX models are usually looked up to in this area.

Any suggestions or info anyone could throw my way?
 
Solution
xFeaRDom


Upgrading your GPU will most likely provide the most performance boost, out of the 2, unless the game is heavy on the CPU there will be a great performance increase from what you currently have.

To put into view, the GTX 1050Ti is...
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xFeaRDom

xFeaRDom

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Jul 28, 2016
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First off, the cheaper version of the i5 6600K is either the 6500 or 6600, the 6500 is recommended over the 6600 due to the fact if you can get a 6600, you may as well pay the extra $20 for the 6600K.

Upgrading your GPU, that'll feel amazing compared to the GT 630, quite a needed upgrade in my opinion, depending on your budget, instead of going for the GTX 900 series, go for a 1050Ti, or GTX 1060, maybe 1070 if you have the money. I would recommend the 1050Ti/1060 over the 1070 though. I believe the 480 performs similar to the GTX 1060, correct me if I'm wrong.

Video editing wise, the i5 will be alright, but obviously, i7's are recommended over any other processor in i3's/i5's (Some xeons may be recommended).
 
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GrumpyBjorn3

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Aug 14, 2016
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I live in the UK, budget is roughly around £250. I say roughly because I could push the time frame out a bit to get something better.

Original idea was to upgrade the GPU despite any bottleneck as I intend to upgrade the CPU. But up to £250 is an immediate upgrade.

The problem I've got with an I5 6600k is only the price tag as locally it's another £100 and I'd still have to buy a new gpu later. By going with an i3 its cheaper and allows that extra money to go into a better gpu sooner. But efficiency with performance and money is the most ideal situation.
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

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May 25, 2016
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well, in that case I'd suggest to get used 4th gen i5 for under 100 pounds + new compatible MB for 50-100 pounds (depending on your selection), you will also be able to reuse the RAM. that will total in ~120-150 pounds (about 200 for overclockable setup).
From gaming perfromance perspective, there is no performance difference between 4th and 6th gen on the same clock.
Next, you can upgrade to any modern GPU. GTX 1060 or even GTX 1070 (if you have 1440p or higher res monitor). the minimum recommended would be RX 470 4GB. But honestly, if you don't mind to turn down the quality settings a bit, GTX 1050Ti will also do the job.
So if you go for non overclockable i5, you can get decent gaming setup for ~300 pounds
 
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zichus

zichus

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Aug 29, 2013
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I would suggest to upgrade GPU first because if you upgrade CPU then you need to buy new motherboard as well. So it might be more costly. I think GTX 1060 @1080 gaming is good enough and you will be able to play any game. Maybe the CPU might bottleneck some games but I am not sure.
 
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GrumpyBjorn3

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Aug 14, 2016
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Lol Is it safe to say that either a CPU or GPU upgrade would result in equal performance boost then?

I know without a doubt my current CPU will bottleneck a new GPU but it will still provide much better performance then the GT630.

If it would roughly equate to an equal performance boost then I think I would jump to a GPU first as it would buy more time to see the Zen CPU. 4gb GPU's are still about where they need to be correct? When I see these 8gb GPU's I'm unsure what game is going to use it.
 
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xFeaRDom

xFeaRDom

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Jul 28, 2016
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Upgrading your GPU will most likely provide the most performance boost, out of the 2, unless the game is heavy on the CPU there will be a great performance increase from what you currently have.

To put into view, the GTX 1050Ti is between the GTX 960 and GTX 970, and the GTX 1060 is betweek the 970 and 980, and 1070 and 1080 are both better than the 980Ti I believe.
 
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GrumpyBjorn3

Commendable
Aug 14, 2016
9
0
1,510
I've been looking at the Sapphire Rx 480 Nitro+ 4gb, only because it seems quite comparable to the GTX 10 series equivalent but better value. The XFX GTR version looks very nice but the extra £50 for the extra 4gb of RAM that won't be used seems a waste.

Are the 10 series that much better than the 480's?
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

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May 25, 2016
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Unfortunately, yes.
 
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