Upgrade CPU or GPU First?

[MaGTstang]

Hi guys,

 

I am looking for suggestions on what to upgrade first. See below for my current PC spec and potential upgrades below:

 

CPU: Intel Core i5 4670K (Upgrade to Intel Core i5 8600K)

GPU: Gigabyte Windforce R9 290 (Upgrade to Nvidia GTX 1070)

 

Although I am currently satisfied with my current set up, I am always looking at pricing on hardware to see if I can snag a deal for an upgrade. I know the answer could depend on the type of games/work that I would be doing on my computer. Just to give you an idea of the type of games that I play:

 

• Rainbow Six: Siege
• Battlefield 1
• CS: GO
• Destiny 2

I believe that I play a range of games that rely on both pieces of hardware. So I was wondering if anybody who is a little more versed in hardware would know which upgrade would yield the most performance gain.

 

 

Much appreciated.

 

 

[Taf the Ghost]

As a practical matter, the CPU/Mobo/RAM would be a better upgrade path, especially at the end of a GPU generation (like we are right now). But, RAM prices are still high.

 

GPUs always are the limiting factor, right until they're not. 

 

Have you thought about upgrading your monitor? You have more reason to upgrade after having a high refresh monitor.

[Wh0_Am_1]

22 minutes ago, MaGTstang said:

Hi guys,

 

I am looking for suggestions on what to upgrade first. See below for my current PC spec and potential upgrades below:

 

CPU: Intel Core i5 4670K (Upgrade to Intel Core i5 8600K)

GPU: Gigabyte Windforce R9 290 (Upgrade to Nvidia GTX 1070)

 

Although I am currently satisfied with my current set up, I am always looking at pricing on hardware to see if I can snag a deal for an upgrade. I know the answer could depend on the type of games/work that I would be doing on my computer. Just to give you an idea of the type of games that I play:

 

• Rainbow Six: Siege
• Battlefield 1
• CS: GO
• Destiny 2

I believe that I play a range of games that rely on both pieces of hardware. So I was wondering if anybody who is a little more versed in hardware would know which upgrade would yield the most performance gain.

 

 

Much appreciated.

 

 

Power wise or generational cycle wise? Because if we are talking base on power the GPU is the way to go, but soon* we will hopefully be seeing new GPUs, meanwhile the CPU side appears like the next refresh will be in October.

*hopefully August or September.

[ComputerEnjoyer762]

Well... Depends what you're looking for.

 

Your system is already pretty damn good. If you strictly want to play games at higher settings and resolution, then the 290, but really both are still pretty decent components IMO. Unless you're looking to run a 1070 or higher, I wouldn't bother. 

 

An RX480/1060 6GB are a waste, as they won't perform that much better than the 290. Then again, 1070's can be snagged for a very good price on Ebay if you catch the right auction. 

 

Like this. Not even an auction, a couple left, buy now for a little over $350. Not bad: 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-Geforce-GTX-1070-G1-Gaming-8GB-Windforce-3X-Fans-GDDR5-FAST-SHIPPING/163086397299?epid=11003304627&hash=item25f8b4ef73:g:leoAAOSwF25bGSvS

 

Damn good deal IMO... 

[MaGTstang]

@Taf the Ghost - I already have an ASUS VG248QE 144 Hz monitor so will be looking to upgrade the main rig. 

 

@bmichaels556 - Yeah I am in no rush to upgrade as I am moderately satisfied with my computer. I guess the better question would be "Have I waited a long enough generation gap that the performance gain of upgrading the CPU/GPU justifies the cost?" (With the constant being the same amount of money would be allocated to either the new GPU or CPU/MOBO)

[lukepwnsall]

personally id step up to at least a 1070TI or a 1080TI if you are going to upgrade that graphics card, which imo is a better choice over the CPU, unless you are doing content creation things or streaming. Nvidia has 1070s (for $399) and 1070TI for ($449) in stock right now and have been in stock

[Taf the Ghost]

24 minutes ago, MaGTstang said:

@Taf the Ghost - I already have an ASUS VG248QE 144 Hz monitor so will be looking to upgrade the main rig. 

 

@bmichaels556 - Yeah I am in no rush to upgrade as I am moderately satisfied with my computer. I guess the better question would be "Have I waited a long enough generation gap that the performance gain of upgrading the CPU/GPU justifies the cost?" (With the constant being the same amount of money would be allocated to either the new GPU or CPU/MOBO)

I'd look to upgrade the CPU/Mobo/RAM first, and wait for the next generation of GPUs. 

 

Also, either go up to the 8700 (non-k) or down to the 8400 or so. The 8600k is out there in no-man's land for value/utility.