Question What to upgrade next? i7-4790k GTX 780 SLI....

[jdmathew]

Here's my current rig:
i7-4790k
GTX 780 SLI (2x)
16Gb DDR3 RAM
QNix 1440p 110hz monitor

I currently play BF1 at 1440p High settings (not ultra) and get about 80 FPS

I want to game (BF1, BF5, FarCry5, PUBG, etc) at 1440p (not 4k) and average 120hz on high/ultra settings preferably with G-Sync (no HDR or Ray Tracing)

My question is, "What should be my next upgrade?"

Here are some options:

1. Upgrade GPU to a RTX 2080 Super
2. Upgrade Monitor to 144hz Gsync 1440p
3. Upgade CPU 9700k or 9900k, LGA 1151 (300 series) MotherBoard, DDR4 RAM etc

Do you think I should upgrade one of these at a time, or should I wait, save up, and upgrade 1, 2, and or 3 all at the same time?

Thanks!

 

[g-unit1111]

Your CPU is still pretty capable of handling current games. I'd personally look at adding a 2080 Super, and alternately you could move to a Radeon 5700XT for less than $400 and get 2070 level performance in games.

As far as a CPU goes the 9900K is a good CPU but for the same price you can get the Ryzen 9 3900X and then you would get 4 more cores and 8 more threads.

 

[geofelt]

Here is my standard methodology to address your question:
Some games are graphics limited like fast action shooters.
Others are cpu core speed limited like strategy, sims, and mmo.
Multiplayer tends to like many threads.

You need to find out which.
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To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) 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.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You should also experiment with removing one or more cores/threads. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option.
You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of threads to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many threads.
If you see little difference, your game does not need all the threads you have.



It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system,
and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.
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The easiest and most likely first upgrade would be the graphics card. Dual gpu is not always supported in current games and is prone to stuttering and screen tearing.

I would do things one at a time as I tried out the new games.
Your 4790K is still a very good processor, particularly if you have overclocked it a bit.

If you need more cpu, decide how many cores/threads are useful to you.
I doubt you are effectively using all of your current 8 threads.
A 9700K with an overclock is going to be close to 5.0 on all cores. Not much value in a 9900K if budget is a worry.

If your current monitor is capable of 110hz, I would not upgrade the monitor until I had a cpu/gpu combo that makes 110hz a limitation.

Current driver buffering techniques for nvidia have lessened the need for g.sync which is expensive.
And more freesync monitors are being certified for G.sync treatment.

A good monitor is a long term investment. Consider your options carefully there.