What should I upgrade first? CPU OR GPU

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raciel2901

Apr 9, 2018
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I plan to get the new GTX2080 when it comes out this year but I fear to suffer a bottleneck because of my CPU or even RAM. These are my specs:

GPU: AMD RX480 4GB
CPU: Intel i5 7400
Motherboard: MSI B250M Bazooka
RAM: Crucial 2x4GB at 2166MHz
PSU: 650W

 
Solution
TechyInAZ
It's going to be the GTX 1180 FYI (from good sources). ;)

Yes without a doubt you are going to get a bottleneck if the 1180 is anywhere from 15-20% faster than the G TX 1080 Ti.

Your best option would be to simply upgrade to Intels 9700K 8 core CPU when that's out, but if you want to stay on the same motherboard, the Core i7-7700K is the best option.
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TechyInAZ

TechyInAZ

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Jun 23, 2014
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It's going to be the GTX 1180 FYI (from good sources). ;)

Yes without a doubt you are going to get a bottleneck if the 1180 is anywhere from 15-20% faster than the G TX 1080 Ti.

Your best option would be to simply upgrade to Intels 9700K 8 core CPU when that's out, but if you want to stay on the same motherboard, the Core i7-7700K is the best option.
 
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Solution
Z

zyh1987

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Mar 16, 2018
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7400 is slightly worse than i3 8100 in term of the overall performance.

like techyinaz suggested, 7700k is probably your best upgrade option, as it is still a very good cpu.

and you don't need to upgrade the motherboard. just make sure that you get a decent case cooling and cpu cooling as 7700k and future 1180 generates a lot more heat than your current cpu and gpu.

 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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A perennial question.
Here is my stock answer:

Some games are graphics limited like fast action shooters.
Others are cpu core speed limited like strategy, sims, and mmo.
Multiplayer tends 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 or more cores/threads. 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 threads to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many threads.
If you see little difference, your game does not need all the threads you have.



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.
-------------------------------------------------------------

No doubt, any limiting factor will b your cpu.
But... wait and see how things go with YOUR games.
 
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