Reality Check on GPU Upgrade GTX1080Ti

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mckeown

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Dec 19, 2012
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I am looking to upgrade my GPU as it is the bottle neck in my system. I am planning on going from the following:

i5 2550k on a GA-H67A-UD3H-B3 (Gigabyte)
GTX 670
1TB SSD
600W PSU

to a GTX1080Ti. I wanted to get a reality check from the community. I'm wanting to run Player Unknown Battleground, Overwatch @144hz, VR (eventually) and other new game titles as my current set up is pretty much limited to low or very low settings.

Right now I am planning on getting a gigabyte Geforce GTX 1080ti Gaming OC 11G. Is a 1080TI total overkill? Is this going to do what I want? I realize my next upgrade is likely motherboard and CPU, but wanted to get a good card so I don't have to replace it in a couple years like I do on my gtx670.

Thoughts?
 
Solution
raisonjohn
If I was in your position, I'd start with upgrading the CPU/MB/RAM first and then the GPU/Monitor.

Reason is, if you get a GTX 1080 Ti now, it won't pair well with your weak i5-2550K (which will be a "bottleneck" in CPU-intensive games) as well as being an overkill for your current 1080p/60Hz monitor. Another problem is, if you get a GTX 1080 Ti (which costs A LOT), it will probably take you a longer time to save for your next upgrade (which would be your CPU/MB/RAM). This will "de-value" your powerful GPU as you can't use its full potential while your still using that i5-2550K. As time goes by, there will be newer and better GPUs that will be released along the way, and by the time you wish to upgrade your CPU/MB/RAM, the GTX 1080...
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mckeown

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Right now at 1080P, but I want to ensure functionality with VR (oculus rift). I will not be getting anything at 4k.

 
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raisonjohn

raisonjohn

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If I was in your position, I'd start with upgrading the CPU/MB/RAM first and then the GPU/Monitor.

Reason is, if you get a GTX 1080 Ti now, it won't pair well with your weak i5-2550K (which will be a "bottleneck" in CPU-intensive games) as well as being an overkill for your current 1080p/60Hz monitor. Another problem is, if you get a GTX 1080 Ti (which costs A LOT), it will probably take you a longer time to save for your next upgrade (which would be your CPU/MB/RAM). This will "de-value" your powerful GPU as you can't use its full potential while your still using that i5-2550K. As time goes by, there will be newer and better GPUs that will be released along the way, and by the time you wish to upgrade your CPU/MB/RAM, the GTX 1080 Ti you paid for such a high price would have dropped in prices already.

If you first upgrade your CPU/MB/RAM, this will give you a better opportunity to select a more powerful and appropriate GPU in the future (than what is just available today - at very high prices). Since you are going to upgrade the CPU/MB/RAM anyway, as you mentioned in your opening post, no point in delaying it as it will only limit your GPU choices to pair with a weak CPU. Note that your current GTX 670 is still a mid-entry level GPU (comparable to a GTX 1050 Ti) which should be "enough" for 1080p mid-high settings gaming.

So, CPU/MB/RAM upgrade and keep your current GTX 670 to game at 1080p/60Hz. Then, upgrade to a more powerful GPU later on (either a newer GPU, e.g., Vega or Volta, or the GTX 1080 Ti you wanted + a 144Hz monitor).
 
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Solution
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mckeown

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Dec 19, 2012
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Are there any negatives for over-buying other than the cost?

 
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mbilal2

mbilal2

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If your GPU produces more than what your monitor can handle, the huge amount of extra frames (150+) that your 1080Ti produces will overlap, giving you screen tearing on your 60Hz monitor. This results in poor quality and occasional stuttering. This can be fixed (to some extent) by turning on V Sync in game or using a G Sync monitor..
 
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mckeown

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Dec 19, 2012
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I was looking at some lower end cards as well, the challenge is that with the Ethereum mining previous generation cards are just as expensive as the 1080 ti from what I'm seeing. The issue is that my 670gtx just isn't smooth enough in FPS except at low settings.
 
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mckeown

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Dec 19, 2012
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Ah, that would make sense. Thanks for the explanation. I just want to ensure that if I overbuy I'm not being completely silly.
 
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mbilal2

mbilal2

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I was looking at some lower end cards as well, the challenge is that with the Ethereum mining previous generation cards are just as expensive as the 1080 ti from what I'm seeing. The issue is that my 670gtx just isn't smooth enough in FPS except at low settings
Click to expand...

Yes and that is why raisonjohn said upgrade CPU/MB/RAM first. Maybe the prices will come down and you will end up saving money :)
 
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mckeown

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Dec 19, 2012
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Thanks! I appreciate your input!

 
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