Friend upgrading pre-built computer

[AssumingUnicorn]

Right now he has a Gateway FX6860, link here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113177

He wants to get a 1080 but he's worried about compatibility issues which I told him not to worry about because it should be compatible. I didn't check on PC part picker but can someone make sure? Everything he has right now is stock besides a different PSU and 12 GB of ram. What should he upgrade first? I told him GPU is a good upgrade since he uses the computer mostly for gaming. He was asking about the motherboard if that needs to be upgraded but I'm not very knowledgeable on when to upgrade motherboards.

 

[Matt_150]

I wouldn't upgrade the motherboard on that old of a platform unless he is ready to build a new pc. Upgrading to a 1080 if he has the money would be a good upgrade that could be moved to a newer pc in the future. What PSU does he have?

 

[AssumingUnicorn]

I wouldn't upgrade the motherboard on that old of a platform unless he is ready to build a new pc. Upgrading to a 1080 if he has the money would be a good upgrade that could be moved to a newer pc in the future. What PSU does he have?

Corsair GS700 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139024

 

[dontlistentome]

There's no reason to think the 1080 won't work. It's a lot of videocard for that system, I'm not sure I'd agree it's a good idea. If he's going to upgrade to a new system in the future, then the time to buy a new top line videocard is then, in the future. What happens if it's 2 years before he upgrades? I bet he could get something better than a 1080 then.

Meanwhile, you say he's gaming now. Okay, what games and what resolution? That'll tell you what videocard will be best in the here and now.

 

[Matt_150]

Thats not the best power supply but it will handle the 1080. As far as should he or shouldn't he upgrade, let him decide what to do with his money. As far as is it compatible, yes it is.

 

[bystander]

If your friend uses a 4K display, his system will be fine and the GTX 1080 will be a good upgrade. If he is using a 1080p display, he's likely leave a lot of GPU power on the table, and would be best off with a GTX 1060 6Gb or rx 480.

 

[Matt_150]

If your friend uses a 4K display, his system will be fine and the GTX 1080 will be a good upgrade. If he is using a 1080p display, he's likely leave a lot of GPU power on the table, and would be best off with a GTX 1060 6Gb or rx 480.

Agreed.

 

[AssumingUnicorn]

He's going with a 1070 instead!