Question Upgrading PC

Aug 5, 2020
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It’s that time to finally upgrade some parts in my pc.

I don’t really have much of a budget but I’m not looking to pay outrageously for parts that I won’t get the proper use out of.

I game at 1080p and care more about fluidity in my gameplay than aesthetics and do not need it for streaming.

I’ve been looking at upgrading my cpu, mobo, and gpu. Some of the cpus I’ve been considering are:
Intel i7 9700k - $299
Intel i710700k - $349
AMD Ryzen 9 3900x - $399

I will consider any options you guys throw my way with any budget. My main concern is FPS performance. I’m starting to notice a decline in performance from the newer titles that are getting released.

My current build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-7600K 3.8 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.98 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z270 PC MATE ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($445.75 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital SN750 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8 GB SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition Video Card ($505.92 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA BR 500 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($71.14 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($108.78 @ Other World Computing)
Monitor: Acer KG241 Pbmidpx 24.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor
Monitor: LG 27GL650F-B 27.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2086.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-08-05 13:30 EDT-0400
 
Aug 5, 2020
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What exactly is your budget?
A new cpu will also require a new motherboard.
I wouldn’t mind putting about $1000-1200 in a cpu, mobo, gpu, and case. But if I don’t need to spend that in order to get better performance and a simple gpu upgrade is all I need I’d rather spend about $600 max
 
Aug 5, 2020
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Okay so I’m at that point where I need to upgrade some parts inside my pc.

i run my games at 1080p on medium to high settings, visuals aren’t a biggie for me; I’m more concerned with the gameplay flow, and FPS drop.

Im not looking to spend more than $550 on an upgrade, but I also wouldn’t mind spending less if I can get away with it.

I haven’t kept up with the amd vs nvidia pros and cons as of late so if you have any information you can throw my way I’d appreciate it.

also if I should wait for the next series to come out Hoping that 20xx and amd card prices drop, I would appreciate the heads up

thanks in advanced

Here is my current build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-7600K 3.8 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.98 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z270 PC MATE ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($445.75 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital SN750 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8 GB SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition Video Card ($505.92 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA BR 500 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($71.14 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($108.78 @ Other World Computing)
Monitor: Acer KG241 Pbmidpx 24.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor
Monitor: LG 27GL650F-B 27.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2086.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-08-05 13:30 EDT-0400
 
Aug 5, 2020
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I'd suggest, you diagnose your pc before any upgrading.

Use MSI afterburner, run your games, watch cpu and gpu utilization.
If GPU utilization is at 100%, then GPU upgrade would be in order.
If CPU utilization is at 100%, then CPU upgrade would be first to do.
They both run at 100 percent after hours of gameplay
 
Rumours have just come out that nividia has shut down production of 2070 super and up cards.
and also that ampere (30xx) is supposed to come out in september.

This means, that stock of 2070 super and up (only cards that worth an upgrade for you)
will dwindle and probably mostly disappear as the 3000 series launches.

meaning if you want to save money and get the 2070 super/2080 super at low prices, i would suggest trying either waiting right till the last moment (days of 3000 release) or just ponying up and getting the new 3000 cards.

since 2000 series stock will be low as the 3000 series launches, it wont have time get discounted, like it did last gen.
 
Aug 5, 2020
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Wo
Rumours have just come out that nividia has shut down production of 2070 super and up cards.
and also that ampere (30xx) is supposed to come out in september.

This means, that stock of 2070 super and up (only cards that worth an upgrade for you)
will dwindle and probably mostly disappear as the 3000 series launches.

meaning if you want to save money and get the 2070 super/2080 super at low prices, i would suggest trying either waiting right till the last moment (days of 3000 release) or just ponying up and getting the new 3000 cards.

since 2000 series stock will be low as the 3000 series launches, it wont have time get discounted, like it did last gen.
Would you reccomend upgrading right now to a 2060s or 5700xt? And is a 2070s a significant upgrade to those cards?
 
the 5700xt is as fast as the 2070 super but without the cool rtx features, also more driver bugs (i've seen em happen)
i would not buy the 5700xt
the 2060s is barely above a gtx 1070ti, meaning it would be a very small upgrade for you.

While the 2070s would be a pretty good upgrade, i'd bet its not worth the cost.
If you can find it cheaply around 380$ maybe next month, i'd say maybe go for it, as long as the 3070 is not much much faster.
 

DeanTH23

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Aug 17, 2019
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Your system must be powerful enough for you to keep playing on 1080p/High Settings...If it's underperforming,then do some basic troubleshooting before you start spending your money.
1070Ti should run like a 2060S (+/- 5%).

If you want an actual big upgrade,from what you already get,then go for a 2080 Super or wait for the 3070.(or bigger)
2060,2060S,2070S and 5700XT will give you similar performance.

If there aren't any issues with the system and it performs as expected,i think you should keep it for a couple of years.
 
Aug 5, 2020
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Im looking to upgrade my pc and start out with getting a new motherboard and CPU or upgrade my GPU first. I wouldn’t mind waiting as long as the 30xx series comes out now.

I use my system mainly for gaming and watching videos. I play on 1080p res and care for better performance rather than visuals..

Budget: $300- $600

My Current Build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-7600K 3.8 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.98 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z270 PC MATE ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($445.75 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital SN750 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB Video Card ($620.00 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($108.78 @ Other World Computing)
Monitor: Acer KG241 Pbmidpx 24.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor
Monitor: LG 27GL650F-B 27.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2129.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-08-05 14:22 EDT-0400
 
Aug 5, 2020
14
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Your system must be powerful enough for you to keep playing on 1080p/High Settings...If it's underperforming,then do some basic troubleshooting before you start spending your money.
1070Ti should run like a 2060S (+/- 5%).

If you want an actual big upgrade,from what you already get,then go for a 2080 Super or wait for the 3070.(or bigger)
2060,2060S,2070S and 5700XT will give you similar performance.

If there aren't any issues with the system and it performs as expected,i think you should keep it for a couple of years.
I messed up, I have a 1070 not a 1070ti
 
Your system must be powerful enough for you to keep playing on 1080p/High Settings...If it's underperforming,then do some basic troubleshooting before you start spending your money.
1070Ti should run like a 2060S (+/- 5%).

If you want an actual big upgrade,from what you already get,then go for a 2080 Super or wait for the 3070.(or bigger)
2060,2060S,2070S and 5700XT will give you similar performance.

If there aren't any issues with the system and it performs as expected,i think you should keep it for a couple of years.
If he wants more fps, even if its above 60, he should upgrade if he wants
 
Aug 5, 2020
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Same idea.
Any upgrade below a 2070s wont have any big jump, and even that is not very huge.
i'd suggest either trying to score a deal on a 2070s/2080s or getting a 3000series card.
Would you reccomend upgrading my board and cpu? Will it make a significant difference putting money into that for preparation to get the 3000 series card?
 

DeanTH23

Reputable
Aug 17, 2019
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You can go for a Ryzen 7 3700X.It will give you similar performance with Intel's high end 9th Gen CPUs.
Keep all the other parts and wait for RTX 3000.
And maybe upgrade to a decent 650-850W PSU to make room for any potential upgrade.
 
Aug 5, 2020
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You can go for a Ryzen 7 3700X.It will give you similar performance with Intel's high end 9th Gen CPUs.
Keep all the other parts and wait for RTX 3000.
And maybe upgrade to a decent 650-850W PSU to make room for any potential upgrade.

What would you choose between these options
Ryzen 7 3700x - $260 + $20 off mobo
Ryzen 7 3800x - $300 + $20 off mobo
Ryzen 7 3800xt - $330 + $20 off mobo
Intel i7 9700k - $300 + $20 off mobo
intel i7 9700f -$250 + $20 off mobo
 

Turtle Rig

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What would you choose between these options
Ryzen 7 3700x - $260 + $20 off mobo
Ryzen 7 3800x - $300 + $20 off mobo
Ryzen 7 3800xt - $330 + $20 off mobo
Intel i7 9700k - $300 + $20 off mobo
intel i7 9700f -$250 + $20 off mobo
You specifically said 1080p gaming and general desktop work and youtube. Your current CPU is more then enough and games really don't need more then 6 cores and your almost there with 4 cores. It is a i5 so your lacking hyperthreading or AMD equivalent. I don't understand your saying your budget is 600 dollars for a video card if Im not mistaken. Firstly your PSU needs a upgarde if you wan't a new video card. Your really pushing the limits with your current 1070 card. I would like to know what games you play as that would make this decision much more simple. Do you play AAA titles and which ones? As for sacrificing graphics for FPS, you really shouldn't have to do that unless you want 144fps to match your monitor. The 1060 was and is a 1080p card at 60fps with free AA and high quality graphics. What is the problem your facing? Don't just blindly walk into a upgarde because you feel your CPU is old. As for your GPU it is more then enough for 1080p gaming with free AA and high quality graphics in the nv panel. In game high settings should be fine but not very high or ultra high. Once again it depends on what games you play. If you play CS:GO and some RPG's you have no reason to upgarde. My concern is your CPU is only 3.4Ghz and a healthy overclock to 4.4Ghz would do wonders for you. You have plenty of RAM and really DDR3 is great RAM and DDR4 is made for newer systems. I suggest you hold on tight and do some benchmarking with MSI AB. If your FPS falls below 60fps then yes you def need a upgrade. If you can OC that CPU you have no reason to upgarde my friend. Also that 1070 is like a 2060 pretty much. As for 3000 series Ampere that is going to cost a arm and a leg and even when the lower models come out like the 3060 or 3070 your still going to play a lot and it is just not worth it as you have a very capable GPU right now. So bottom line I suggest a CPU overclock and let me know what games you play and for now sit tight. 😏
 
Sorry for all the conflicting information on here. I'll try to summarize:

When it comes to the CPU side of things, your current CPU is underpowered: You have only 4 cores and 4 threads which isn't enough anymore. Having enough cores and threads in conjunction with high clock speeds is what allows for high refresh rates. This means a new CPU for you, specifically Intel. AMD processors provide great value, but they generally don't have as high clock speeds which makes them less suitable for high fps gaming.

The Intel 9700k is 8 cores and 8 threads, whereas the 10700k is 8 cores and 16 threads making the 10700k the best choice for an upgrade. Upgrading to this will require a Z490 motherboard as well.

Everything else can be brought over from your current build: your DDR4 RAM, your storage, GPU, even your CPU cooler.

As mentioned earlier, it doesn't look we're going to get any heavily-discounted current-gen GPUs as Nvidia is making sure they are all sold out before the new ones drop. See how everything runs with a upgraded motherboard and CPU and if you need more rendering power, wait for RTX 30XX cards to drop, wait for AMD to respond with their new cards, wait for the inevitable price war, then when everything stabilizes get a 3060/3070.
 
Aug 5, 2020
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You specifically said 1080p gaming and general desktop work and youtube. Your current CPU is more then enough and games really don't need more then 6 cores and your almost there with 4 cores. It is a i5 so your lacking hyperthreading or AMD equivalent. I don't understand your saying your budget is 600 dollars for a video card if Im not mistaken. Firstly your PSU needs a upgarde if you wan't a new video card. Your really pushing the limits with your current 1070 card. I would like to know what games you play as that would make this decision much more simple. Do you play AAA titles and which ones? As for sacrificing graphics for FPS, you really shouldn't have to do that unless you want 144fps to match your monitor. The 1060 was and is a 1080p card at 60fps with free AA and high quality graphics. What is the problem your facing? Don't just blindly walk into a upgarde because you feel your CPU is old. As for your GPU it is more then enough for 1080p gaming with free AA and high quality graphics in the nv panel. In game high settings should be fine but not very high or ultra high. Once again it depends on what games you play. If you play CS:GO and some RPG's you have no reason to upgarde. My concern is your CPU is only 3.4Ghz and a healthy overclock to 4.4Ghz would do wonders for you. You have plenty of RAM and really DDR3 is great RAM and DDR4 is made for newer systems. I suggest you hold on tight and do some benchmarking with MSI AB. If your FPS falls below 60fps then yes you def need a upgrade. If you can OC that CPU you have no reason to upgarde my friend. Also that 1070 is like a 2060 pretty much. As for 3000 series Ampere that is going to cost a arm and a leg and even when the lower models come out like the 3060 or 3070 your still going to play a lot and it is just not worth it as you have a very capable GPU right now. So bottom line I suggest a CPU overclock and let me know what games you play and for now sit tight. 😏
The problem I’m having specifically on apex legends and modern warfare is that I can’t match the 144 FPS on low and normal settings. I’d like to make changes while I have the extra cash now.

I just made an upgrade from 16-32gb of ram and the new nvme yesterday but my power has been out so I haven’t had time to test it.

Overtime, I’ve noticed that newer games have become much harder to run on my system.

i don’t want to spend more than $500 on a cpu+mobo, under $100 on a case that I’m going to inevitably get becauee I have a powerspec one, and I want to wait until the 3xxx series drop and see where performance and price is at.
 
The problem I’m having specifically on apex legends and modern warfare is that I can’t match the 144 FPS on low and normal settings. I’d like to make changes while I have the extra cash now.

I just made an upgrade from 16-32gb of ram and the new nvme yesterday but my power has been out so I haven’t had time to test it.

Overtime, I’ve noticed that newer games have become much harder to run on my system.

i don’t want to spend more than $500 on a cpu+mobo, under $100 on a case that I’m going to inevitably get becauee I have a powerspec one, and I want to wait until the 3xxx series drop and see where performance and price is at.

If you don't want to spend more than $500, that up to you, it's your choice. I just wouldn't want you to go to all the trouble to buy a CPU/motherboard without enough headroom to last you a while and you end up with a similar problem in a relatively short period of time.

1.5 years ago I bought a 9700k (8 cores 8 threads) instead of a 9900k (8 cores 16 threads) to save $100 and I regret it; I wish I'd just have spent the extra $ to get a more future-proof CPU.
 
Aug 5, 2020
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If you don't want to spend more than $500, that up to you, it's your choice. I just wouldn't want you to go to all the trouble to buy a CPU/motherboard without enough headroom to last you a while and you end up with a similar problem in a relatively short period of time.

1.5 years ago I bought a 9700k (8 cores 8 threads) instead of a 9900k (8 cores 16 threads) to save $100 and I regret it; I wish I'd just have spent the extra $ to get a more future-proof CPU.
whats your thoughts on the Ryzen 9 3900x? I found this deal:
https://www.microcenter.com/product...-f-rog-strix-gaming,-cpu---motherboard-bundle
 

Turtle Rig

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That's got an all-core boost of up to 4.6 Ghz. Combined with the increased cores/threads, that should be a healthy upgrade over your current CPU.
Your wrong the all core boost on the 3900x is 4.2Ghz I have no clue where you got 4.6Ghz from. AMD has no head room just turn on the PBO and what not and you get 4.4Ghz on some cores then 4.3Ghz then 4.1Ghz and perhaps on a core 4Ghz. Im not trying to be mean to you my friend, I have no issues with you but 4.6Ghz all core boost on a 3900x is incorrect. If you manually set it to all core 4.6Ghz your temps will hit 100c and your CPU will blow up. You can manually set it but your CPU will fry even with liquid cooling. PBO selected will need beefy cooling. Your gonna get peak 4.4Ghz but other cores will be 4.3Ghz 4.2Ghz or 4.1Ghz or so.

Also the 3900x can be found for 400 dollars if you search enough. I personally would recommend a 3800x with a 2070 Super video card. If you want 144fps to match your monitor and you can play with AA enabled in nvpanel and in game settings take it to medium to high settings. Highest or Ultra wont give you 144fps. The 3800x is a bargain and a 2070 Super can be found for a few hundred. It will be near your budget. You will be set for many years as no game is optimized for threads or AMD rendition SMT. Also just FYI my old 4930k OCed to 4.5Ghz would use about 40 percent CPU power on the latest AAA titles as I use MSI AB. It will be a while until games take full advantage of all cores and threads as I like to call it be it AMD or Intel just to make it simple to understand.

So in closing grab a 3800x and look around to find it at cheapest price and pair it with a 2070 Super and enable AA so no jaggies and play at 1080p with medium to high depending on game and you will be very very close to 144fps to match your monitor and what not. Good Luck ;)