What should I upgrade to achieve 144fps in dota2?

[2ez4strawberry]

My rig is i5 4440 and gtx 770. I'm planning on getting a 144hz monitor. I'm getting around 90-120fps depends on what's going on. Normally I would buy a new GPU first, but I've heard that dota2 is more CPU bound. What should I get first? I only have money for only one thing(aside from monitor).

 

[MeesterYellow]

I'd say get a new GPU. For Dota, a 1060 will do.

 

[bystander]

Based on this review here, if you want higher FPS, you need a faster CPU. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dota-2-performance-benchmark,3481.html

 

[olin9]

The i5 has enough power for the game, your GPU is the current weak link. The increase in resolution should put more on the GPU.

 

[bystander]

The i5 has enough power for the game, your GPU is the current weak link. The increase in resolution should put more on the GPU.

What he currently has is enough for the game, but if 144 FPS is the goal, a CPU will be the part needed to be upgraded most.

His current GPU is stronger than any in that list, and you could even lower a setting or 2. The fact is, a faster CPU and higher OC is what is needed to get higher FPS, but he may still find himself short of 144 FPS.

 

[olin9]

To find out he needs to run something like HWmonitor to see which one has the highest usage. the CPU or the GPU. This would vary based on the game.

I would bet it is the GPU.

If the CPU is the XXXXK version, then he can OC the CPU.

 

[Anarkie13]

Strictly speaking on a market and need base, I think the best update would be to get the CPU first, Monitor second, and top off with the GPU.

CPU first - because 1150 socket CPUs are out of production but still readily available. Eventually, though, there will be a premium added as the part supply dwindles. Unless you buy used, of course..

Monitor second - because again, the cost of monitors doesn't fluctuate much. Not to mention, you see more benefit adding a monitor that can handle 144Hz as opposed to having a better GPU that's handicapped due to the 60Hz you're likely running now. You'll get a noticeable difference. Get a better GPU first and you'll see no difference.

GPU Third - over time, and thanks to renewed competition, GPU prices will get lower while features get added. With Vega around the corner, Nvidia is going to have to react. They already reacted to their own 1080 Ti by dropping prices of the 1070 and 1080.

 

[2ez4strawberry]

Thanks guys. I used MSI Afterburner and found out CPU usage is at 100% most of the time. Seems like I need to get a new CPU first.