Upgrade just the GPU or other components?

[R3SISTOR]

I am wondering if I can get a little input on my current situation. What will get me the best performance per dollar, right now?

I'll start with my current build / relevant specs:

• CPU: i7 2600k (stock clocks 3.4GHz, currently)
• CPU COOLER: Corsair H70
• MOBO: MSI P67A-GD55 (B3 rev.)
• MEMORY: 2 x 4GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz (stock frequency)
• HDD: Corsair Neutron 120GB SSD (Windows 7 and some games)
• HDD 2: Crucial BX200 480GB SSD (Games and programs)
• GPU: MSI Gaming GTX 780 3GB (1097MHz OC)
• CHASSIS: Corsair 600t
• PSU: Corsair HX850watt
• MONITOR: BenQ GW2450 (1080p, MVA panel)

 

I originally built this PC back in 2011 when Sandy bridge was the brand new thing. I haven't made many changes since then except for the SSDs (originally I had WD blacks) and the original GPU was an MSI GTX 570, which is still kickin', I gave it to a friend for his budget PC build.

 

I like to play games on high graphical settings, as high as possible, but my target is 60fps at 1080p. I will always make compromises on graphical fidelity in order to ensure a smooth 60fps (or higher, if possible).

 

Would it make more sense for me to look into a new GPU? Or should I upgrade a few of the other older components in my system and do a little more of a refresh rather than just a new GPU. What will get me better performance in BF1?

 

System refresh build (build 1):

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor	$439.98 @ DirectCanada
CPU Cooler	Corsair H75 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	$84.98 @ NCIX
Motherboard	MSI B150 Gaming M3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard	$134.98 @ DirectCanada
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory	$51.99 @ Newegg Canada
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory	$51.99 @ Newegg Canada
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$763.92
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-17 15:26 EDT-0400

 

New GPU (build 2):

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
Video Card	MSI GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Video Card	$609.99 @ NCIX
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$619.99
	Mail-in rebates	-$10.00
	Total	$609.99
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-17 15:34 EDT-0400

 

If my goal is to get good performance from BF1, targeting 1080p/60fps, what is my optimal upgrade path?

In the end both builds are fairly close in terms of cost. Build 1 will essentially get me a new PC where as build 2 is just using what I have and revving up the GPU horsepower, but I fear I may run into bottlenecks.

If I have left something out or overlooking some kind of crucial detail, please let me know, and feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[AverageHardware]

I found this video: 

 

As you can see, the 2600k falls behind more than others in some games, but for the most part it keeps up. This is on stock speeds. Overclocking yields near identical fps for all processors.

 

Your biggest limiting factor IMO is the 3gigs of VRAM in the 780.

[Misanthrope]

The 1070 will maintain 60 FPS minimum on Max or Near Max settings (Some settings like advanced settings on GTA V are too insane) at 1080p with your current processor.

 

The 1070 + 2600k should be able to keep your rig entirely functional and even near max for 1080p60fps for a good 3 to 4 years more or less. At that point you should upgrade the entire rig but for what you're requesting a GPU only upgrade will do fine.

[CookieMaster]

Upgrade gpu first. Unless you are having a bottleneck issue with your cpu then you would upgrade that.

[Cereal5]

Great comparison Here. Overclocking will yield almost identical numbers as well. No need to upgrade your CPU in my opinion. However, a 780 is still a great GPU. But I guess a 1070 is an upgrade

[Misanthrope]

1 minute ago, wrathoftheturkey said:

Are you kidding? Even a 1060 will do fine on max 60fps is nearly all games

I was talking 3 to 4 years into the future though. I believe that if you plan on such a long upgrade cycle you need to plan ahead and buy a GPU that's a bit overpowered for what you're doing today.

[Coaxialgamer]

2600k still has plenty of life in it  . Upgrade your gpu instead.

[R3SISTOR]

14 minutes ago, Cereal5 said:

Great comparison Here. Overclocking will yield almost identical numbers as well. No need to upgrade your CPU in my opinion. However, a 780 is still a great GPU. But I guess a 1070 is an upgrade

Just watched! Thank you for this! This is pretty much the answer to my scenario. Looks like the GPU upgrade may be the best bang for my buck right now! 

[Cereal5]

1 minute ago, R3SISTOR said:

Just watched! Thank you for this! This is pretty much the answer to my scenario. Looks like the GPU upgrade may be the best bang for my buck right now! 

Good choice and good luck picking GPUs

[Matias_Chambers]

I would just stick a 1070 in there and call it a day.