Looking to upgrade GPU in existing build.

[Avenetador]

Hello, I am looking to upgrade my graphics card from an MSI gaming GTX 970, to something that can handle my new samsung 34 inch 100hz 3440x1440p ultrawide. I play forza horizon 3, pubg and other demanding games, right now my 970 can handle pubg on medium to low settings and fps average mid 40s to high 50s. However I would like to be able to play these types of games without a worry of low fps or stutters. I was looking at getting the MSI Gaming X GTX 1080 which is currently on sale in my area for $560 or $540 after rebates.

My main question is will I have to upgrade anything else, linked here -

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/avenetador/saved/Z9tQzy

is my current parts list, I know the specs are a little old, but I built this computer about 4 years ago now, and I am hoping to get away with just a new GPU, however if need be I will upgrade other parts. My second question is this a good gtx 1080 to go with? I had an MSI 270X when I first built the computer and currently have a MSI GTX 970, both cards have been great to me, however I haven't done much research on the new cards.

 

[Hellfire13]

Your platform is old and obsolete. It will hold back even a 1070... https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EQOWVLxk0DOFXKfzCmz9lEZ-qpMb7mIvt8KUYek69A8/edit#gid=0
You need to upgrade to a modern platform like Coffelake or Ryzen to get what you want.

 

[pete_101]

You can always buy the graphics card now, if you're sure it's a good deal, and then look to upgrade to a new platform in the future.

 

[Hellfire13]

You can always buy the graphics card now, if you're sure it's a good deal, and then look to upgrade to a new platform in the future.

That will not give him the performance he is looking for currently on the "samsung 34 inch 100hz 3440x1440p".

 

[SgtScream]

I agree, sell your system and purchase new build/prebuilt. It is better to have a well balanced system, especially if you're going to spending hundreds on a new graphics card and monitor.

 

[jimmysmitty]

You can always buy the graphics card now, if you're sure it's a good deal, and then look to upgrade to a new platform in the future.

That will not give him the performance he is looking for currently on the "samsung 34 inch 100hz 3440x1440p".

To be fair the GTX 1080 will still be a large boost over the GTX 970. However the FX 8350 will hold it back from its true potential quite a bit, especially for 4K gaming.

 

[pete_101]

You can always buy the graphics card now, if you're sure it's a good deal, and then look to upgrade to a new platform in the future.

That will not give him the performance he is looking for currently on the "samsung 34 inch 100hz 3440x1440p".

Maybe not, but most of the extra load is transferred to the GPU when the resolution is increased, so it will still be a big improvement over a GTX 970. But I do agree that the GPU will be held back by the outdated system.

 

[SgtScream]

You can always buy the graphics card now, if you're sure it's a good deal, and then look to upgrade to a new platform in the future.

That will not give him the performance he is looking for currently on the "samsung 34 inch 100hz 3440x1440p".

Maybe not, but most of the extra load is transferred to the GPU when the resolution is increased, so it will still be a big improvement over a GTX 970. But I do agree that the GPU will be held back by the outdated system.

Especially if the CPU does not meet game minimum system requirements.

 

[Hellfire13]

The problem is, the 1070/1080 will not be able to scale fully to maintain optimal framerates, due to the processor. There will be improvement but not enough to utilize that high spec monitors potential.
Better to upgrade the platform before upgrading the card for the new monitor.