Upgraded GPU: CPU, MB, etc next?

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995
I recently upgraded my GPU - EVGA 1070 ti FTW2 Gaming. My question is should I consider upgrading other components as well? Use is general, some gaming (Fallout, Shadow of TR) and some photo editing (Lightroom). Current CPU is i7-3770, 16GB DDR3. I do plan on some mild overclocking of GPU and upgraded CPU.

I should also note that I also upgraded PSU (Seasonic Focus+ 650W Gold) and case (FD Define R6).
Current monitor is 1440p 60Hz (Auria 27" 2560 x 1440)

Thinking upgrading before the end of the year, or waiting until next gen zen is available.

Thanks for the guidance.

 
Solution


Either the 8600K or 9600K would be a suitable upgrade however if the 3770 if still working fine for your needs then there's no reason to upgrade.

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Thanks for the reply; follow on question: From an upgrade perspective, what would be the next component to upgrade? CPU, monitor, etc? Also, Intel or AMD?

 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Yeah, right now pretty happy with the monitor, but never say never.
About the CPU, MB, RAM....any preference? I could go either way....but would like an expert opinion.

Thanks
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
As of now AMD Ryzen 2XXX series are really good all around for gaming/streaming and if AMD does actually use the same socket until 2020 (AM4) then it will be better upgrade wise. However for the best performance per core (gaming) then Intel is still really good, price to performance I'd probably go with the 8600K or 9600K, both CPU's overclocked to 5ghz or better give excellent performance. I'm actually using a lower end CPU (G5400 2cores/4threads) for now until I have the extra cash for the 9600K.
 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


From what I have read, and please set me straight, is that Intel CPUs favor Adobe applications, like Lightroom, and they also favor gaming. If that is the case and I decide to upgrade, what monitor would you suggest? Keep in mind I need an IPS screen for color accuracy.....thanks.
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
I've heard the same with Intel/Adobe & Lightroom but I don't edit so that's something I'm not too sure about. As for the monitor I prefer 21:9 and IPS is the way to go, going from a TN to IPS is such an improvement, especially for editing but also less competitive gaming. Budget would play a big part in the choice and Gsync is going to cost your at least $200 more over a Freesync version. For me Vsync has always worked fine to I'd go for the cheaper model (3440x1440P/75hz/IPS).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Monitor: LG - 34UB88-P 34.0" 3440x1440 75Hz Monitor ($419.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $419.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-10-19 15:27 EDT-0400
 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Actually, seems like a pretty nice monitor for that price....uh oh....lol.
Back to a previous topic, CPU: given the tariffs coming next year, would you advise to upgrade this year (given it will be Intel)? If the answer is yes which CPU? and why if you please so that I can learn.
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
It is a nice monitor, I'm going with the 2560x1080P version myself (I'm fine with a lower resolution). As for the tariffs I have no idea how its going to impact PC parts although I can't imagine that part prices are going to skyrocket as Intel nor AMD will be able to make money on overpriced stuff. If we see like a $20 or so increase then it'll be no different then the mining craze or when we see memory increases every once in awhile. That being said if you have the budget for the monitor, CPU, MB & RAM then it may be something worth considering.
 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Yeah, hopefully its minor to the end users.....if I may, assuming that I decide to upgrade the CPU this calendar year, and assuming the components described in my initial note, which CPU would you recommend, and if you please why.
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
For pure gaming price to performance I'd look at the 8600K or 9600K, either of those CPU's pushed close to the 5ghz OC will easily outperform 6/7th gen i7's. At the moment the 8600K pricing is normal at $260 however the 9600K ($280) has the soldered IHS which will allow a slightly better overclock so the user may be able to go over 5ghz (Guru3D got there's to 5.2ghz).
https://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/intel_core_i5_9600k_processor_review,23.html

A 9600K at 5gz+ will easily handle any resolution currently including 4K/144hz when paired with the appropriate GPU.

For streaming & gaming then the Ryzen 2700X is the best price per value as it's just over the 9600K price and can be overclocked a bit with the stock cooler. Also AMD is apparently using the same socket (AM4) until 2020 which gives this a bit more upgrade ability but with most high end CPU's you can usually get 5+ years out of them (this includes the 9600K).

I think the 9600K is the best value now however no one can tell you what the game requirements will be 5 years from now although if it's any consolation I've been able to play some AAA games on a G5400/750 ti/8gb DDR4 @1600x900/60 FPS on medium settings so I doubt the requirements will increase much.
 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995
Thanks for the reply; well, I will not be streaming, but I would like to try and future-proof as much as practical. I am sure you run into this quandary often with people asking - what's the best price/performance balance for what I want to do? For us non-experts it's a tough place to be, not knowing what we don't know....lol.

Anyway, for my particular situation with use expected to be some gaming, some Lightroom and general use, it sounds like the compromise leaning towards the performance side would be Intel, and the 9600K specifically. Does hyperthreading have any value?

If the compromise leaned over towards the price side, does that mean AMD? R2700X or wait till the next gen?

And thanks for the help.
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
Hyper-threading can help with multitasking and some gaming however the prices atm of the Coffeelake K and Coffeelake Refresh K i7's is quite high, well over normal pricing except for the 8700 non K which is $310 but "future proof" they would probably last a bit longer then the i5.
 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Thanks for the reply.
So in summary it seems like the best compromise for what I use the pc for (gaming, lightroom, general use) would be Intel, and the CPU would be the 9600K as it is faster than the 8600K and marginally more expensive.

Yes?
 

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator


Either the 8600K or 9600K would be a suitable upgrade however if the 3770 if still working fine for your needs then there's no reason to upgrade.
 
Solution

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Thanks very much for the help.....my plan is to use the system as it stands now (with new GPU) and if inclined start to monitor (no pun intended) CPU prices for both parts and if there is any great movement, then think of taking advantage, and as you pointed out with only a $20 price difference the decision would seem to favor the 9600K.

Now all I have to do is identify a suitable MB......

Again, really appreciate you help.
 

vwcrusher

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2012
704
22
18,995


Ah ok...I was concerned that the 1070 ti may not be enough for the cpu....I could oc the gpu I suppose....

thanks