Where is my biggest bottleneck? Old CPU or GPU? (specs inside)

[stwaltemyer]

I'm trying to figure out what my greatest bottleneck is right now, because I I'm not sure where my next $300-350 should go for upgrades. I'm considering getting a new CPU/Motherboard (i5-4690K & Z97 board), or I could upgrade my GPU to a R9 290X. Where would my money be best spent?

(I've been playing AAA games for a couple years now with little-to-no problem on high/ultra settings, 1080p, but this last year my performance has really started to fall below ~40fps, even at 720p and Medium settings).

My current specs are:
- Intel i3-2120, 3.3GHz (dual-core)
- Radeon HD 7950 (SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100352VXSR, 3GB)
- Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz
- MSI Intel P67 (B3) ATX DDR3 1066 Intel - LGA 1155 Motherboards P67S-C43
- Corsair 600W, Gaming Series psu CMPSU-600G

 

[ak47jar3d]

I would say go for the cpu and Motherboard. Your i3 cant keep up with 290x. A 7950 still does very well at 1080p so there is not much reason to upgrade unless you are going to crossfire.

 

[pierrerock]

HD 7950 is a R9 280 which isn't a bad GPU at all, it is high mid-range which can sill play AAA games at ultra on 1080P Res.

Your 2 core I3 is what is preventing you to get good FPS on 1080P some games such as online game and Metro series are very CPU intensive. A New I5 would definitely be your best option.