Question Rec for new GPU

[rapidskar]

Hi all,

I’m starting to notice some graphics issues and I think it’s probably time to update my gpu. This is my current set up—could I please get some recs on what might work in my system?

Thanks in advance!


ASUS ROG STRIX Z270E GAMING LGA1151 DDR4 DP HDMI DVI M.2 ATX Motherboard with Onboard AC Wi-Fi and USB 3.1

EVGA SuperNOVA 550 G2 220-G2-0550-Y1 80+ GOLD 550W Fully Modular EVGA ECO Mode

Intel Core i7 7th Gen - Core i7-7700K Kaby Lake Quad-Core 4.2 GHz LGA 1151 91W BX80677I77700K Desktop Processor

G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3000 (PC4 24000) Desktop Memory Model F4-3000C15D-16GVKB

EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition, 08G-P4-5173-KR, 8GB GDDR5, LED, DX12 OSD Support (PXOC)

 

[COLGeek]

What is your budget?

What issues have you noticed?

 

[rapidskar]

$350 or less?

Noticing frame issues in games, some stuttering, some programs crashing every now and then. A friend suggested I might just need to replace the paste in the GPU, deciding if it’s worth it or if it’s time to upgrade.

 

[COLGeek]

In that budget range, your best options will be a Nvidia RTX 3060 or an AMD RX 6700 XT.

https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007709 4019 8000

Are you overclocking anything (CPU, GPU, memory)? Also, what are your CPU and GPU operating temperatures at idle and under load?

How old is your PSU?

 

[rapidskar]

I think my CPU is OC at 9%, not OCing my GPU. I can run some tests today and find exact temps.

Thank you for the rec! This link brings up a few different models—any one in particular you’d recommend?

 

[COLGeek]

The link was to show you options.

Nvidia option: https://www.newegg.com/msi-geforce-...814137631?Item=N82E16814137631&quicklink=true

AMD option: https://www.newegg.com/asus-radeon-...t-o12g/p/N82E16814126543?Item=N82E16814126543

I would drop the OC on the CPU to stock and see if anything changes (regarding the issues notes earlier). The AMD option would require a stronger PSU (650w recommended). The age of your PSU can be a factor as they do degrade with time and why I asked about it earlier.

 

[rapidskar]

I’ll try changing the OC—thanks for the advice! Can you recommend a power supply?

 

[COLGeek]

You may not need a new PSU. Depends on what you buy (if you buy anything).

What would be your PSU budget?

 

[rapidskar]

I’ll probably grab that NVidia card, at your recommendation. I’d like to stay under $70 for the PSU.

 

[COLGeek]

I’ll probably grab that NVidia card, at your recommendation. I’d like to stay under $70 for the PSU.

Then stick with your current PSU for now. For that price, not a lot of good choices. Getting closer to $100 gives you much more flexibility.

 

[rapidskar]

Oh boy… I reset bios to default now I’m getting a boot error (inaccessible boot device). Any ideas?

 

[COLGeek]

Oh boy… I reset bios to default now I’m getting a boot error (inaccessible boot device). Any ideas?

Double check your default boot device in the your BIOS. How many storage devices do you have installed?

 

[rapidskar]

I’ve got 2, one SSD and one HDD. My OS is on the SSD, and it’s top in boot priority.
Is there a way to revert bios to last used setting?

 

[rapidskar]

I reset the BIOS to default and now it's rebooting. And it removed the overclocking, so I think crisis averted... for now haha. Thanks for your help.

 

[COLGeek]

With the OC removed, do you see any difference in the GPU performance as reported earlier?

 

[rapidskar]

Sorry for the delay, haven't really had a chance to game. I just ran a few games and it seems like yes, it's a little better. Though still seeing some newer games running at below 30fps, so I think I'll go ahead and grab that card anyway. A birthday present to me! Really appreciate your help