Should I upgrade my CPU or GPU or RAM

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Electrolite

Prominent
Feb 20, 2017
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Hello I use my computer for gaming. Right now I'm rocking at 1080p and I like it, I don't really plan to increase my resolution.

- For now I have an I7 3770 as CPU

- 8 GB of RAM

- And a HD 7950 as GPU

Both this CPU and GPU are pretty strong, But I'm starting to feel lower FPS specially considering the new games comming in 2017.

I planned to get either a GTX 1060 or a RX 480. Should I wait for another fresh 1080p gaming video card launch? Get any of both? Or just get a new CPU or even more RAM?
 
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aquielisunari

Judicious
Mar 31, 2011
6,499
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RX 480 8GB Newegg is having a sale https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814137049 and it can go toe to toe with the 1060 winning and losing depending on titles. Wins more where DX12 is used. Nvidia isn't sitting on their laurels either but that price? That pushes it way over to the 480's favor.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,296
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Some games are graphics limited like fast action shooters.
Others are cpu core speed limited like strategy, sims, and mmo.
Multiplayer with many participants tend to like many threads.

You need to find out which.
------------------------------------------------------------
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 should also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option.
You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many threads.

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.
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My guess.... GTX1060.
 
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G

gondo

Distinguished
Apr 20, 2004
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I'd probably get a new GPU. An RX480 gives the option of a cheaper 24" 144Hz 1080p adaptive sync monitor. This would be a nice combo without getting too crazy. A 1060 would require a gsync monitor which is more expensive.
 
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