Should I upgrade my CPU or GPU?

[ktn21]

Hello,


My wish would be to upgrade one PC part (CPU or GPU). I use it mainly for gaming. So I would like to run new games on high settings. I have:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 Haswell Quad-Core 3.1 GHz (3.3 GHz Turbo) LGA 1150

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 770 GDDR5-2GB

as far as the performance goes, there dosn't seem to be a major bottleneck, usually GPU usage is 90-99% and CPU usage is ~80-95%

I have no problem running old games on high settings. But with the new ones, I have noticed that a upgrade may be required to achieve the results I want. So when checking the game requirements from: http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri . My PC always passes the minimum requirements, but as far as the recommended requirements go, most of the time it wont pass, because some part needs to be upgraded, and most of the time it is my CPU, rare cases GPU(because of the Dedicated Video RAM).

So my question is... which part should I upgrade: CPU or GPU?
Many people say that it is smarter to upgrade GPU. Because upgrading CPU (going for i7). i5 vs i7 won't make a huge difference, when it comes to gaming?

So would it be smart move to go for i7 and retain GTX770? Or should I retain i5 4440 and go for ex. GTX 970(would it be worth the money)? Most certanly GTX980 would be worth the money, but it's pretty expensive....


Thank you in advance,

Chris

 

[Jborg]

Its a good processor for gaming. While overclocking is nice on the K processors, its not necessary to play games well. I would stick with that processor for now. Its very capable for gaming.

I would say upgrade to a GTX 980 or perhaps AMD counterpart if that interests you. I would say a second hand GTX 980 would be a good upgrade.

What kind of budget you working with? Might be a good idea to fill in your full system specs in your profile.

 

[Giilchev]

Well, my advice is change the GPU, your CPU is fine for gaming GTX970 or 2xGTX960 which will outperform GTX980 if the games does have sli support or you can get the new R938XG1 (r9 380X G1). But in the end it's all about ho much are you willing to spend and I do recommend compare GPUs do not get obsessed with any brand and always get the best for the money, If you are all about the best graphics go for GTX980 or gtx970 but if you want smart buy - either get sth like R9 /960 and wait for the Pascal. Good Luck

 

[thebluebumblebee]

ASUS GeForce GTX 970 STRIX $270

 

[m0nt3]

Is there a game that is unplayable or settings you have to turn down (not using what the website you linked says)? So what games do you play or are you planning on playing? I find it best to hold off as long as possible, Although I understand the upgrade bug!

 

[ktn21]

Is there a game that is unplayable or settings you have to turn down (not using what the website you linked says)? So what games do you play or are you planning on playing? I find it best to hold off as long as possible, Although I understand the upgrade bug!

Well I mean the website has been pretty accurate most of the time. Of course we have to consider that what is written on a paper is one thing and what you actually see and feel while playing may be another. Regarding some newer games like: AC: Unity (had many glitches and bugs), Far Cry 4, AC: Syndicate, COD: Advanced Warfare, Black Ops 3 and so on. I built this PC in the fall of 2013. And basically I can still play every game at least on medium if not high settings. For example at the moment I'm playing AC: Syndicate. The game dosn't have planty of options when it comes to graphic setting. When I choose max settings for: environment, texture, shadows, it means I have to turn anti-analysing down, then my video memory bar in options shows 3330/1989 MB and I get ~30-45 fps, when playing. Suprisingly it dosen't lag and the mouse dosen't stutter

 

[m0nt3]

Its easy to recommend upgrades but if you can really justify the cost, by all means. It will never fail, that if you buy into this generation of cards and 6 months later the new line comes, which very well may have a more complete DX12 feature set, that you will suffer from buyers remorse. Just something to think about and I reason I like to hold out as long as possible.

 

[rtwjunkie]

I think the cpu is fine. If you can live with lowering settings, keep the 770 until Pascal is common. In reality, my guess is after June next year before affordable models are released. And that's being ambitious.

So if you can't wait, then upgrade to at least a GTX 970 or an R9 390.

 

[peche]

GPU and CPU are fine
what about the rest?
fill your specs here... we will advise if necessary to replace / upgrade...

 

[ktn21]

GPU and CPU are fine
what about the rest?
fill your specs here... we will advise if necessary to replace / upgrade...

Okay, here you go...

 

[HD64G]

Wait for the next gen of GPUs sir. No point to upgrade a GPU now as they are made in a 3-year-old manufacturing process. We will get great jump in performance in 2016 and especially for dx12 the new GPUs will be much better. Invest then, not now is my opinion. CPU is not a problem at all in gaming now and with dx12 things will be even better for CPU utilisation.

 

[peche]

Okay, here you go...

all the rig is fine, I guess that you have 8GB ram totally, [you wrote it down pretty weird….]

Video card is pretty excellent, also well know for excellent overclocked speeds, and the processor is pretty capable lad! so you don’t need to replace them ….

replacing your "stock cooler" could be a better way to spend money, your rig is well balanced for gaming !

Wait for the next gen of GPUs sir. No point to upgrade a GPU now as they are made in a 3-year-old manufacturing process. We will get great jump in performance in 2016 and especially for dx12 the new GPUs will be much better. Invest then, not now is my opinion. CPU is not a problem at all in gaming now and with dx12 things will be even better for CPU utilisation.

legit~

 

[marmiteonpizza]

I'd upgrade to a GPU with at least 4GB of VRAM, as you say that older games run well on your system, but more recent games don't as much. Newer games are demanding more VRAM, so I'd base your choice of GPU on at least 4GB of VRAM and you should see a massive boost in performance.

 

[trog100]

just bung a better gpu in it.. how much better depends on what you have to spend..

the rest of the system is perfectly okay..

trog

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

just bung a better gpu in it

word of the day Sir