[SOLVED] Looking to upgrade gpu, but unsure about resolution vs performance...

[devestator_x]

Ok, so that was the best way I could think of to word my dilemma. Im looking to upgrade to better utilize my 4k display. Right now, this is my current specs...
i5-7500
16gb ram
gtx 1060-6gb
xfx ts 550w psu
Samsung 42" 4k tv for display

So right now, my desktop is 4k, but I play all games in 1080p, usually netting a smooth 60fps in just about everything. I was thinking about either a 2060 Super, or a 2070 Super. From what Im seeing in terms of benchmark charts, the 2070S can render games in 4k, but usually only in the 40fps range. The 2060S can run games in 1440p well into the 60fps range and obviously is less expensive. Since my tv has a native 60hz refresh, running the 2070S in 1440p is a waste as it would skyrocket past that 60fps limit. So, my dilemma is, 4k with lower frames (or lower settings) vs 1440p with smooth frames and a little extra change in my pocket.

Also, changing out the display really isnt an option. I am legally blind and the extra large screen (with 200% scaling in Windows) allows me to read everything clearly. I had an Asus VG24QE, but slowly had more and more trouble seeing things on the screen.

 

[4745454b]

4K is exactly 4 1080 screens. 1440 doesn't evenly go into 4k so it's possible that will look odd. Because of this I avoid 1440. Stick with your 4k tv and get the best card you can. Lower settings as needed to get the frame rates you need/want.

Are you playing games? If it's for text only it won't matter. If you are playing games just get the best you can afford.

 

[geofelt]

What kinds of games do you play?
Fast action games need the best gpu you are willing to pay for.
As an example, I play civ 4 with max quality on my 40" philips 4k monitor at 60 fps steady.
My card is a GTX1080ti which is roughly comparable to a RTX2080s without ray tracing.

I have always found with this type if dilemma that I do better paying more for the more expensive option.
When I have gone cheaper, I usually regret it.
The price hurts for a little while, but regrets last much longer.

 

[devestator_x]

So, the games I play most right now are Forza Horizon 4 and Tom Clancy's Division 2. And those are mostly the types of genre I tend to stick with... racing and 3rd person shooters/open world. I've tried setting a couple of games to 1440p already (Forza Motorsport 7 for example) and they look good, nothing strange about them. The tv has a great upscaling chip in it, so it does well no matter what type of signal you toss at it.

I totally understand fast games need high power gpus and that's part of my line of thinking in this debate...
I found two charts that show fps benchmarks in the two games I currently play the most...
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14586/geforce-rtx-2070-super-rtx-2060-super-review/10
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14586/geforce-rtx-2070-super-rtx-2060-super-review/12
And it even has GTA5 which I had played quite a bit
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14586/geforce-rtx-2070-super-rtx-2060-super-review/11

So, to summarize the two charts and save you guys some clicks...
2070S in 4k
gta5 - 47.5
fh4 - 58.0
D2 - 40.2
2060S in 1440p
gta5 - 84.1
fh4 - 77.1
D2 - 62.3

So, it's roughly a 20fps difference between the two cards going from 4k to 1440p. Higher resolution vs higher frame rates. Both are obviously playable

 

[hang-the-9]

games in 1440p well into the 60fps range and obviously is less expensive. Since my tv has a native 60hz refresh, running the 2070S in 1440p is a waste as it would skyrocket past that 60fps limit. So, my dilemma is, 4k with lower frames (or lower settings) vs 1440p with smooth frames and a little extra change in my pocket.

You are not quite thinking about this the right way. The games change fps based on several things, what they are rendering in the game, how hot the system gets, things in the back-ground. You want the highest minimum frame rate to maintain smooth game play, not just a decent average. If your card does 60, it could mean that at times is can hit 40. Getting a card that will run a game at 70 or 80 fps when your monitor is 60hz does not mean you should not get that card, it just means it can run it smoother.

You are also looking at games now, in 1-2-3 years the engines will be more demanding, so may as well buy something that is not just good for the immediate future.

 

[4745454b]

Again, as mentioned above and not just by me, get the best you can afford. Don't worry about it going above your monitor refresh rate. Games next year might be more demanding and you'll need another GPU upgrade. Get the best. You won't make a bad choice.

 

[devestator_x]

Thanks everybody for the answers, much appreciated