GPU vs. CPU Upgrade Advice

[Shaftakovich]

I want to start scoping out deals on upgrade items, but I'm torn between upgrading my GPU or CPU/RAM/Mobo. Here are my current specs:

CPU: i5-3470 (Ivy Bridge)
RAM: 8 GB 1600 DDR3
Mobo: ASRock H77M
PSU: Seasonic 600w(ish) Platinum
GPU: EVGA GTX 970 SSC
Monitor: ASUS P2350 (1440p)

I'm hoping to run new games at 60 FPS/1440p on high settings (ultra or custom when possible). I'm torn because I'm not sure how much of an increase I'd see in games from upgrading the CPU, but the GTX 1070 cards are fairly expensive and I've heard that the next gen cards might be an even better bang for the buck.

Notes: I will likely never use SLI; I'll be at 1440p for several years, and my budget is $300-400.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[CTurbo]

You would benefit most from a video card upgrade. The GTX1070 is the obvious choice for now.

 

[clutchc]

It won't do any good to upgrade your CPU/board/RAM if you also don't upgrade the card. On the other hand, it will do some good if you upgrade the card alone. The 1060 6GB is fine for 1440p/60 fps.

 

[Natsukage]

Hello. From all the benches I've seen, the best you can upgrade your CPU or Video Card in the <400$ range is only around 10% in speed increase.
A GTX 1070 gives around a 50% increase in games.

I'd say the single best increase for the price would be to get a i5-3570k.
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-3570K-vs-Intel-Core-i5-3470/1316vs2771
The prices are currently as low as 150USD, and gives a reasonable 12% increase in speed. You can then keep your extra budget to buy a GTX 1070 or better in the future.

Of course, upgrading the CPU doesn't mean immediate increase in FPS. If your CPU does not bottleneck your games, the best is to wait and get a card in the 5-700$ range.