Question Should I upgrade my cpu before getting a new gpu?

[Seamuswolf1992]

Hey folks so I am planing to get a new cpu either a ASUS ROG 1060 1070 or 1080 and was just wondering if it would be best for to upgrade my cpu. Currently have a I3100 and just wanted to check if it would bottleneck a 1060 to 1080. I was planing to get the I7 8700k

 

[Mrgr74]

Which i3 do you have? There isn't an i3 100. did you mean the i3 2100? If so, then definitely yes, I'd advise a CPU upgrade before a GPU as that i3 is a dual core CPU.

 

[vMax]

Not sure which CPU you have but it looks like an i3 which is fairly week though a GPU upgrade will always give you a huge boost, especially a GTX 1070 or 1080. Yes you will be somewhat bottlenecked. The 8700K is a mighty gaming CPU and I have one overclocked to 4.9GHz and can only sing it's praises. Think carefully as a GPU would probably be the better bet as the first upgrade.

Can you tell me the exact CPU model you have and what motherboard?

 

[Seamuswolf1992]

Which i3 do you have? There isn't an i3 100. did you mean the i3 2100? If so, then definitely yes, I'd advise a CPU upgrade before a GPU as that i3 is a dual core CPU.

Ah yes sorry mistype that ment to say i3 8100

 

[Seamuswolf1992]

Not sure which CPU you have but it looks like an i3 which is fairly week though a GPU upgrade will always give you a huge boost, especially a GTX 1070 or 1080. Yes you will be somewhat bottlenecked. The 8700K is a mighty gaming CPU and I have one overclocked to 4.9GHz and can only sing it's praises. Think carefully as a GPU would probably be the better bet as the first upgrade.

Can you tell me the exact CPU model you have and what motherboard?

As above I mistype my cpu i3 8100 and my mobo is the Asus strix rog gaming h

 

[vMax]

Okay, you have a fairly decent motherboard that can handle any Intel CPU up to a 9700K and even a 9900K (with BIOS update) if required. Yes the 8100 is fairly weak but a better GPU would still be my first choice as it will make an immediate difference. Then later you can upgrade to a 6 core like a 8600K, 8700, 8700K or ultimately the 8 core 9700K.

If you can pick up a second hand GTX 1080 or even a RTX 2060/RX 5700, that ultimately would be the better bet for me. Then your next upgrade can be the CPU.

 

[Seamuswolf1992]

Okay, you have a fairly decent motherboard that can handle any Intel CPU up to a 9700K and even a 9900K (with BIOS update) if required. Yes the 8100 is fairly weak but a better GPU would still be my first choice as it will make an immediate difference. Then later you can upgrade to a 6 core like a 8600K, 8700, 8700K or ultimately the 8 core 9700K.

If you can pick up a second hand GTX 1080 or even a RTX 2060/RX 5700, that ultimately would be the better bet for me. Then your next upgrade can be the CPU.

Ah thanks pretty sure ASUS did update that mobo to go to i9 pretty sure the version I have is for 8 gen cpu only but thats ok. Thanks for help

 

[vMax]

No problems at all....

 

[Ziadul87]

Hey folks so I am planing to get a new cpu either a ASUS ROG 1060 1070 or 1080 and was just wondering if it would be best for to upgrade my cpu. Currently have a I3100 and just wanted to check if it would bottleneck a 1060 to 1080. I was planing to get the I7 8700k

CPU intense games/situations will almost always cause you minor to major bottlenecks. Better get at least an i5 8400(if money is an issue)
remember, games don't require a powerful CPU as much as a GPU. Even your i3 8100 can get almost all the works done. So, most of you're money is better spent on the GPU

NOTE: i5 8400 will provide you 6-7% more fps than i3 8100 and i7 9700k will provide you 5% more fps than the i5.
but as i5 has more cores, it will provide you better performance in your overall user experience and other intensive tasks(if you do any)
but to a regular/dedicated gamer, saving money by sticking to the i3 for a better GPU is recommended.

 

[geofelt]

The most effective upgrade will depend on the types of games you play.
If you play fast action shooters, then likely a graphics upgrade would be beneficial.
Here is a simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
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.

 

[Ziadul87]

Just head to GPUcheck website. You'll find benchmarks of nearly every CPU-GPU combination. And do notify us when you buy your CPU/GPU or both
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cpu-hierarchy,4312.html
Compare performance of your chosen(or about to be chosen) CPUs here:
https://www.gpucheck.com/cpu-benchmark-comparison