[SOLVED] Should I replace my 1060 gb for a 2080 RTX?

Nitro3000

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May 13, 2013
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Hi guys,

I am thinking about upgrading my graphics card. My current pc specs:

Nvidia 1060 6 GB
16 gb ddr4 RAM
1080p 144hz MSI monitor with freesync
256 gb SSD and 1TB HDD
PSU WPM700 Bronze 700w
INTEL i7-7700K @ 4.20 Ghz

I have two questions:

  • Will the RTX 2080 fit in the same slots as the 1060 is fitting right now?
  • Will the RTX 2080 perform optimal and not be bottlenecked by other parts?

Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
You asked two questions:
1. Yes, a 2080 will fit in the same slot as a 1060.

2. Bottleneck is a more nuanced question.
You now have a relatively well balanced pc.
There is no such thing as "bottlenecking"
If, by that, you mean that upgrading a cpu or graphics card can
somehow lower your performance or FPS.
A better term might be limiting factor.
That is where adding more cpu or gpu becomes increasingly
less effective.

If you favor fast action games or are gaming at 1440p or 4k, buy the strongest graphics card your wallet will allow.
Here is a simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to...
May 19, 2020
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I would hold off as well, the new 3000 series from Nvidia will be available soon - the last thing you want to do is drop $~1000 on a graphics card, for a new one to drop a few months later (at a similar price) and be even more powerful.
 
I would upgrade to a decent quality psu before changing the gpu. Assuming your RAM is dual channel of at least 2666mhz a 2080 will work well. You may not achieve the same FPS as someone running a more powerful cpu in some games but it will still be a good combination.

Just to reiterate, upgrade that psu.
 
Last edited:
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My Answers:

RTX 2080s come in different lengths depending on which model you get (reference spec, EVGA, Gigabyte, MSI etc). Most are two slot, a few are three slot designs. Compare the dimensions listed for the model you are interested in with the dimensions of your 1060.

The 2080 should not be bottlenecked by your CPU. However, your PSU, while technically possessing enough watts, is made by a brand not known for producing quality/reliable power supplies. I would be worried running my own RTX 2080 Founder's Edition with a power supply that cheap and potentially not up to the task.

If you can afford a RTX 2080, it would be wise to invest in a better PSU, say a 650 watt 80 plus gold certified model from Corsair or Seasonic. Cheap insurance for you expensive new 2080. Just my 2 cents.
 
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You asked two questions:
1. Yes, a 2080 will fit in the same slot as a 1060.

2. Bottleneck is a more nuanced question.
You now have a relatively well balanced pc.
There is no such thing as "bottlenecking"
If, by that, you mean that upgrading a cpu or graphics card can
somehow lower your performance or FPS.
A better term might be limiting factor.
That is where adding more cpu or gpu becomes increasingly
less effective.

If you favor fast action games or are gaming at 1440p or 4k, buy the strongest graphics card your wallet will allow.
Here is a simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

As to waiting for the next gen graphics cards, consider:
If you have a need now, buy now.
If you wait for the next best thing, you will wait forever.
New 3000 series cards will be introduced at the highest end, and will command a hefty price premium; if you can snag one at launch.
 
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Solution