Best GPU to pair with FX-8350

[LordDaius]

Before you beat me over the head my buddy only has enough to get a GPU upgrade. A full system upgrade is probably a year or two away. The question is where do we stop before he becomes CPU bound? Current system specs below.

CPU: FX 8350
Ram: 16GB of DDR 3 1866
MOBO: MSI 970 GAMING
PSU: 600W
GPU: GTX 750Ti

 

[kanewolf]

I wouldn't waste money. Save it and speed up the complete replacement.

 

[rcald2000]

LordDaius Your friend should upgrade to a 1050 Ti. Tomorrow is Wednesday, and EVGA always has sales on their b-stock (factory recertified) GPUs on Wednesday: https://www.evga.com/products/productlist.aspx?type=8&family=GeForce+10+Series+Family&chipset=GTX+1050+Ti

Then if he or she decides to upgrade in the future, they can migrate the GPU to the new system.

 

[dontlistentome]

I'd say it depends on the games he plays. One simple test: run the game at low settings 1080p and note the framerate. Now run the same game the same way except lower the resolution to 720p and note the framerate.

If the framerate is a lot higher at 720p, this means he could use a better videocard for THIS game. He'd have to repeat the test for each game. The higher the framerate jumps, the more videocard he can use.

If the framerate doesn't increase all that much, it means a better videocard won't help that much in that game.

Personally, I wouldn't upgrade the card on this system. The reason is if/when he builds a new system there will be better cards to choose from. On the other hand, if he buys a 1060 3gb, which is the most I'd consider for this computer, then he's overpaying due to the current inflated prices.

I don't like the idea of buying a 1050 Ti due to their high cost yet they don't get you out of budget level performance. A regular 1050 is not enough of a jump to be worthwhile.

 

[rcald2000]

Update:

EVGA b-stock GTX 1050 Ti is currently $119.99 and includes free ground shipping. Tell your friend to buy it now, as the deal will disappear at the end of this day: https://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-6255-RX