Question Is it better to upgrade my CPU or my GPU for gaming?

[alinathomas12]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently running a bit of an older setup and I'm looking to get a performance boost in newer games. I can't afford to upgrade my entire system right now, so I have to choose one major component.

My current specs are:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Monitor: 1080p, 144Hz

I mostly play a mix of games—competitive shooters like Warzone and Apex Legends, but also big open-world RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.

I'm trying to decide between getting a new GPU (like an RTX 4070 or a Radeon 7800 XT) or a new CPU/Motherboard combo (something like a Ryzen 7 5800X3D or an i5-13600K).

Which upgrade do you think would give me the most noticeable improvement in framerates and smoothness at 1080p? I know it can depend on the game, but I'm looking for general advice.

Thanks for the help!

Poll Question: For 1080p Gaming, which is the more common bottleneck?

Poll Options:

• CPU
• GPU
• It's perfectly balanced
• Depends entirely on the game

 

[Thunder 57]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently running a bit of an older setup and I'm looking to get a performance boost in newer games. I can't afford to upgrade my entire system right now, so I have to choose one major component.

My current specs are:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Monitor: 1080p, 144Hz

I mostly play a mix of games—competitive shooters like Warzone and Apex Legends, but also big open-world RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.

I'm trying to decide between getting a new GPU (like an RTX 4070 or a Radeon 7800 XT) or a new CPU/Motherboard combo (something like a Ryzen 7 5800X3D or an i5-13600K).

Which upgrade do you think would give me the most noticeable improvement in framerates and smoothness at 1080p? I know it can depend on the game, but I'm looking for general advice.

Thanks for the help!

Poll Question: For 1080p Gaming, which is the more common bottleneck?

Poll Options:

• CPU
• GPU
• It's perfectly balanced
• Depends entirely on the game

Depends but typically CPU. I don''t like what you are thinking option wise. Where is the "None of the above" option? The 5800X3D is stupidly overpriced since it has been out prduction for awhile. I can't recommend Raptor Lake to anyone because of the degrading issues.

The 9600k isn't bad but the lack of HT hurts. But my guess is the 2060 is the biggest culprit. Six GB of VRAM just isn't enough. I'd say a 9060 XT 16GB might be the best bet. If you need Nvidia than I'd say the 5070 Ti because it also has 16GB vs 12GB on the 5070. Super variants are supposed to be coming out soon though so you might get a price break there but the 9060 is hard to beat.

Someone else would have to advise on CPU based on those games as I really don't know. If it is a CPU limitation, An AM5 board with a 7600X/7700X might be better while not breaking the bank. A 7600X IIRC performs like a 5800X3D but has an upgrade path. Using performance monitor while playing the games can give you a good idea of what is limiting your performance.

 

[Thunder 57]

A quick check shows that Apex Legends and Elden Ring are more GPU bound but should be OK with a 2060 but Warzone and Cyberpunk do poorly with a 9600k.