[SOLVED] What to upgrade, processor or graphics card?

Feb 25, 2020
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Just like the title suggests, I was wondering what I should upgrade first. I am trying to play games like Call of Duty: MW without having it freeze up on me whenever there is an update causing pretty much the whole computer to sorta seize up. I think that I should upgrade my processor first but I am not entirely sure because I am pretty much a noob at this. If you guys could give me some suggestions that would be awesome!

Specs:
Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 2.8ghz
Motherboard: B360M BAZOOKA (MS-7B24)
Ram: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3gb)

Pretty much this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0757DVF4Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but with more ram haha.
 
Solution
You are probably running out of VRAM, with that GPU. Your issue is twofold. You have a CPU that doesn't have enough cores/threads, for titles that really can leverage them, and a GPU that is lackluster, at best. The 1060 3gb should have never existed. An 8700/8700k is another viable option, for your system, CPU side. GPU would depend much on what the make/model, of your power supply actually is. Cyberpower tends to use junk power supplies, in their systems.
Yeah, you would be thread limited in that game with just an I5-8400. Those non-hyperthreaded cpus basically 'choke' once all their cores are being used.
Requiring the least amount of change, the 9700(K) are your only options. You will need an aftermarket cooler - a Hyper 212 should work for the non-K, but is a no-no for the K - a Dark Rock 4 for example.
Problem is, it's another non-hyperthreaded cpu, at 8 cores/8 threads... you'll eventually run into the same problem again with it as well.

The next suggestion would be a 9900K, but you're going to have to change even more:
Cooler: 280mm AIO, 360mm, if you think you'd overclock it. The top end air coolers and 240mm AIOs can barely handle it at stock.
Motherboard: A good Z390 could be had around 200USD.
Case: Is that really the case you're using in the link? That presents some serious -airflow issues, and I wouldn't suggest any gpu upgrades without replacing that first. Heck, you should probably replace it regardless - I'm not sure an AIO would be ok in there...
 
Yeah, you would be thread limited in that game with just an I5-8400. Those non-hyperthreaded cpus basically 'choke' once all their cores are being used.
Requiring the least amount of change, the 9700(K) are your only options. You will need an aftermarket cooler - a Hyper 212 should work for the non-K, but is a no-no for the K - a Dark Rock 4 for example.
Problem is, it's another non-hyperthreaded cpu, at 8 cores/8 threads... you'll eventually run into the same problem again with it as well.

The next suggestion would be a 9900K, but you're going to have to change even more:
Cooler: 280mm AIO, 360mm, if you think you'd overclock it. The top end air coolers and 240mm AIOs can barely handle it at stock.
Motherboard: A good Z390 could be had around 200USD.
Case: Is that really the case you're using in the link? That presents some serious -airflow issues, and I wouldn't suggest any gpu upgrades without replacing that first. Heck, you should probably replace it regardless - I'm not sure an AIO would be ok in there...
I thought about just getting the 9700 but wasn’t sure if it was worth it. Also surprisingly enough I haven’t had a heat issue due to the case yet. I do want to build a new pc prob next year but gotta get some funds for it first since the PC isn’t really a priority right now. Just need something I can do as a quick fix.
 
Going to be interesting. The new consoles will come with 8 core CPUs. Considering the op is having issues with 6 cores, don't know that I'd go for 8 core CPUs without hyperthreading.

Either go for an i9, or go for ryzen. At the very least a ryzen 3600 which is 6 cores with hyperthreading, or maybe a 3700x.
 
You are probably running out of VRAM, with that GPU. Your issue is twofold. You have a CPU that doesn't have enough cores/threads, for titles that really can leverage them, and a GPU that is lackluster, at best. The 1060 3gb should have never existed. An 8700/8700k is another viable option, for your system, CPU side. GPU would depend much on what the make/model, of your power supply actually is. Cyberpower tends to use junk power supplies, in their systems.
 
Solution