Gaming PC Upgrade

[The Novice Builder]

Hey Guys,

In the last few months, I built a gaming PC to run FS2013, FC3, GTV IV Etc.

Specs:
i3 3220
8GB Ram
1TB HDD
HD7770 Ghz Edition.

Now, Since I had this it runs FS Brill, and FC3 alright, But Since new maps have been released, my pc starts to lag slightly. I am thinking upgrading my GPU to a HD7870 or a GTX 660, then I thought, is it my CPU or GPU causing lag. So at Christmas, I can either upgrade my CPU to a i5 or my GPU to a HD7870 as above, but not both. Would FS 2013 and FC3 Etc really benefit from 4 cores, Or am I better off getting a more powerful GPU. I am also upgrading my PSU from a 430W Corsair to a Cooler Master 550W, Would my pc be alright with this upgrade, and would I have any issues such as bottlenecking badly. So the general question is which should I upgrade to getter no lag in FS2013 or FC3 , GPU or CPU, With High Detail Maps

Cheers in advance
Luke

 

[Niko_boy]

i think best would be upgrading your CPU because i3 is kinda outdated dual core..
you can still survive with your GPU for some more time at low - medium settings!
also at what settings you preferably play on (resolution and all).

 

[The Novice Builder]

I like to play at High at atleast 720p

I think I willl go with my GPU Upgrade because The Cpu is alright for gaming apparently, I want to know which one will cause the biggest increase in FPS

Cheers
Luke

 

[Niko_boy]

yes for games you mentioned you can eventually play on good settings with a 7870 or R9 270x..

though for other games it might bottleneck e.g. in BF4