Question What should I upgrade first CPU or GPU?

[Gopi_2]

My present Specs
CPU: Intel Core i5 9400F
GPU: Gigabyte B360M DS3H
RAM: DDR4 16GB 3200
GPU: GTX 1070 8 GB
Monitor: L G 144HZ 1080p
I use my PC primarily for gaming and some light productivity work, I was thinking about upgrading my PC as I have trouble running the latest games at higher graphics. I can't upgrade both GPU and CPU at the same time due to financial constraints. The CPU I was considering upgrading to is i5 -12400f I haven't decided on the motherboard. I can get it for a price of 9000Rs ( 107.01 USD). I can also get used 3070 from smaller brands for around 240 USD . which upgrade would make more sense to do first. I have to upgrade my PSU as well; it is a 550W Corsair one.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

My present Specs
CPU: Intel Core i5 9400F
GPU: Gigabyte B360M DS3H
RAM: DDR4 16GB 3200
GPU: GTX 1070 8 GB
Monitor: L G 144HZ 1080p
I use my PC primarily for gaming and some light productivity work, I was thinking about upgrading my PC as I have trouble running the latest games at higher graphics. I can't upgrade both GPU and CPU at the same time due to financial constraints. The CPU I was considering upgrading to is i5 -12400f I haven't decided on the motherboard. I can get it for a price of 9000Rs ( 107.01 USD). I can also get used 3070 from smaller brands for around 240 USD . which upgrade would make more sense to do first. I have to upgrade my PSU as well; it is a 550W Corsair one.

Hey there,

Mixed bag. Prob GPU first to get a bit of a boost in games. Just keep in mind that without changing the CPU, you may not see a huge increase in FPS, but should be able to turn up the GFX to high/ultras settings. The CPU will determine how many FPS your GPU will be able to display. So with the same CPU, your GPU will still only get pre-rendered frames as fast as your CPU can send them. Your GPU will have low usage too.

Then down the line you could get new mobo, ram (if the new mobo is ddr4 you can keep your current ram) and CPU, and along with the new GPU will get you back on gaming on high FPS and res.

 

[Gopi_2]

Hey there,

Mixed bag. Prob GPU first to get a bit of a boost in games. Just keep in mind that without changing the CPU, you may not see a huge increase in FPS, but should be able to turn up the GFX to high/ultras settings. The CPU will determine how many FPS your GPU will be able to display. So with the same CPU, your GPU will still only get pre-rendered frames as fast as your CPU can send them. Your GPU will have low usage too.

Then down the line you could get new mobo, ram (if the new mobo is ddr4 you can keep your current ram) and CPU, and along with the new GPU will get you back on gaming on high FPS and res.

Hi thanks for your reply a new 3060ti and a used 3070 almost costs the same which one would be the better choice for 1080p gaming and is the cpu choice correct for that budget

 

[Joseph_138]

It looks like your system still has a little bit of leeway left to upgrade the video card before the CPU. 10th gen CPU's use a different platform, so you have to consider that in your decision to upgrade. Is it really worth it, though, to spend money on a 9th gen Core i7 or i9 to upgrade this machine? That's the other big question. If the CPU's that you could potentially upgrade to are still expensive, it may not be worth it. Using the existing CPU until it becomes a snail, and then buying a newer system, with more future proofing, when it becomes unbearable may be the better choice.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

If you know the 3070 is working okay, then it will give you more FPS. But only about 10-15% increase.