Upgrade CPU or GPU???

[ZachJuretich]

Thanks in advance!

I build my computer 2 and 1/2 years ago, it has an i5-4690k, GTX 970 G1 Gaming, 16 ddr3 RAM, a ssd, hdd, some expensive motherboard, blah blah blah.

I originally started with 1-1080p monitor, but about 1 year ago, I upgraded and added a second 1440p monitor.

For the past few months, I have noticed my frame rates dropping slowly, due to game updates or whatever else.

I have always been careful with my computer, cleaning it out, and making sure the temperatures were well below the max.

But recently in a couple of games I have noticed that I have been getting very bad frame rates. Such as low 20's on medium settings.

Both my CPU and GPU usages have been around 50%  in these cases, no thermal throttling, nothing. (By the way I have an aftermarket cooler on my CPU, not the crap one that Intel ships with)

Lately I have been debating whether I need to upgrade my CPU or GPU, but have always convinced myself not to due to the fact of the usages being really low. (Hard drive, Ram, and all other usages have also been low)

One thing that was interesting, but weird, was that My GPU clock speeds were over the rated OC speeds on the store page, but the usages have been at 50-60% (Ex. Rated for 1660Megahertz, running at 1700+ (No OC) Usage still at 50-60% but clock speeds maxed???????????) This is really confusing to me! Please help! 

[Zeusy]

whats your budget

 

[Megah3rtz]

GPU if you're playing 1440p 

[ZachJuretich]

My current budget is about $250. If I upgraded I would sell the old hardware, which will increase the budget, probably put it around $400-$450

[ZachJuretich]

I could stretch it up to $600 if I REALLY needed to.

[C34A]

Since you are using a 1440p monitor, I would highly recommend a new GPU. If you can afford one, a 1070 would be about what you want (or a 1080 if your selling a kidney too). Your CPU is probably still fine for gaming.

[ZachJuretich]

Thanks! My only question is would my CPU bottleneck my GPU? In sure it would be fine, but I don't want to upgrade to a GTX 1070 (what I was aiming for) and find out that my CPU can't handle it. Is this just me being paranoid? Thanks.

[ZachJuretich]

17 hours ago, Zeusy said:

whats your budget

 

~$250, but if I sold my current (which I would) it would go up to ~$450

[0x1e]

14 hours ago, ZachJuretich said:

~$250, but if I sold my current (which I would) it would go up to ~$450

Your CPU is fine.

Do a small Oc on it and it will fly while gaming.