Upgrade GPU, CPU, or Monitor 1st?

[LandoCommando]

Dear Forum Members.

I built my current computer in 2013 and it has an i5 4570, 8GB of RAM, and a GTX 760 and I have a BenQ 1080 60hz monitor. My computer is primarily used for gaming.

I’m looking to ultimately upgrade all 3 components within the next 8 months but want to know which I should do first. My goal is to game at 1440p with high fps and I’m looking at a i5 9600k, 16GB of RAM, and a GTX 1070ti or higher (most likely the RTX 2080).

I have $800 to spend. Should I:

A. Upgrade GPU now and be able to max out all games at 1080p and have the future proofing in place for when I upgrade the system and monitor?

B. Upgrade the system now so I’ll already have a strong foundation for whenever I get the GPU and monitor later and just keep gaming at 1080p on the 760?

C. Upgrade the monitor now (Pixio 27 inch, 1440p 144Hz) for around $400 and use the remaining $$ to buy a new or used 1070/1070ti?


Any advice would be appreciated

 

[geofelt]

A wonderful question.

I think I would pick option C.

That lets you get a better handle on the cpu and gpu that you will need.

Keep your 1080P monitor as a side monitor for email , performance monitors and whatever.
The relatively static pages will not impact your gaming.

The 9900K seems to get all the love, but I think the 9600K or 9700K is what will be more effective if you have any sort of budget limitations at all.

 

[terry4536]

I too would pick the last option. The new motherboards prices will likely go down after the initial hype goes down. Plus you will avoid some of the initial problems with the motherboards.

And the monitor will work with either build.

 

[LandoCommando]

Terry4536/Geofelt,

Thanks for the advice. I've actually UPDATED my budget to $1,300 and due to the black Friday deals, I'm going to look to update my entire computer (except for the monitor) and I'm looking at the following:

i5 9600K
ASRock Phantom Gaming Z390 Mini ITX Mobo
16GB RAM
EVGA GTX 1070ti
Samsung 970 Evo M.2 250GB SSD (Boot Drive)
Western Digital 2TB HD
Reusing case and PSU from current Build

 

[geofelt]

Terry4536/Geofelt,

Thanks for the advice. I've actually UPDATED my budget to $1,300 and due to the black Friday deals, I'm going to look to update my entire computer (except for the monitor) and I'm looking at the following:

i5 9600K
ASRock Phantom Gaming Z390 Mini ITX Mobo
16GB RAM
EVGA GTX 1070ti
Samsung 970 Evo M.2 250GB SSD (Boot Drive)
Western Digital 2TB HD
Reusing case and PSU from current Build

That is a very good list; change nothing.

Since you will also have a 2tb sata hard drive, consider adding a small 32gb optane ssd for $42.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167427
It can act as a very fast cache for the hdd. Reading about it, the results look outstanding.

 

[terry4536]

I wouldn't change much either. I would go with a regular Samsung 860 500 GB instead.

The motherboard is a variable that you can pick and choose from. I haven't really decided on any favorite Z390 motherboards yet.