Final GPU Upgrade for an i5-4690K

[Jeffredo]

Hey guys. Need a little advice here. I have an i5-4690k @ 4.7 Ghz I'd like to upgrade the GPU for. It should be the last one before an entirely new system in a couple years. I'm not a heavy gamer, so I think I should be able to get that much longer out of the PC before its retired. I don't want to overspend on it - again, don't game a lot and I know that beyond a midrange card its going to be bottlenecked. My two choices are:

Sapphire RX 590 Nitro+ Special Edition @ $215.99 with two free games (Tom Clancy’s Division 2 Gold Edition and World War Z)

Evga GTX 1660 XC Black Gaming @ $209.99 with free Fortnite bundle

I'm not terribly concerned about the extra power consumption of the RX 590. My gaming will probably be no more than an hour a day (or two). So what do you think for my CPU for two or maybe three years? I don't think any performance difference will matter much with that processor.

 

[XL-R8R]

Your system somewhat matches my own and I've also had the same thoughts recently...


But, from the cards you've listed, it seems the "better value" choice is the 590 due to its game bundle... however, the 1660 is a quicker card @ 1440 and is every-so-slightly cheaper.





As a side note, I would recommend a monitor upgrade in the near future. Your HP is getting on in years and even a 'budget' replacement from today may outperform your current screen - i.e lag/ghosting - all while looking better, too; think IPS or LED lit for example.

 

[dirtyferret]

Hey guys. Need a little advice here. I have an i5-4690k @ 4.7 Ghz I'd like to upgrade the GPU for. It should be the last one before an entirely new system in a couple years. I'm not a heavy gamer, so I think I should be able to get that much longer out of the PC before its retired. I don't want to overspend on it - again, don't game a lot and I know that beyond a midrange card its going to be bottlenecked. My two choices are:

Sapphire RX 590 Nitro+ Special Edition @ $215.99 with two free games (Tom Clancy’s Division 2 Gold Edition and World War Z)

Evga GTX 1660 XC Black Gaming @ $209.99 with free Fortnite bundle

I'm not terribly concerned about the extra power consumption of the RX 590. My gaming will probably be no more than an hour a day (or two). So what do you think for my CPU for two or maybe three years? I don't think any performance difference will matter much with that processor.

assuming none of the games appeal to you, I would go with the GTX 1660 as it's slightly quicker and runs cooler (according to anandtech and TPU temp reviews).

 

[Jeffredo]

Thanks. The monitor is still fine. Its quite nice for a TN image wise (glossy screen, good color) and has a 3 ms response time (no ghosting).

Edit: Also, what's all this talk of AMD drivers and "Fine Wine"? I know the two cards are pretty close with the GTX 1660 a little ahead. Will the AMD card hold up better over several years or narrow the gap?

 

[NdMk2o1o]

if you want the games which are about $80 worth get the 590 hands down, otherwise the 1660 is slightly faster at stock and uses less power consumption, though you said that's not an issue.

 

[Divide Overflow]

I've a similar system and am pretty happy with the RX 590 for now. The free games were pure gravy.

 

[dirtyferret]

Edit: Also, what's all this talk of AMD drivers and "Fine Wine"? I know the two cards are pretty close with the GTX 1660 a little ahead. Will the AMD card hold up better over several years or narrow the gap?

Both should hold up well for you but I don't see AMD narrowing the gap (as small as it is). Check reviews of games you play (or plan to play) and see which card does better. Just because they may be within 5-10% performance of one another doesn't mean they will be that way in every game.

 

[Jeffredo]

I know this may seem a silly reason to toss in the consideration of the two, but the Sapphire card is so darn pretty! The blue shroud and LED fans. lol. The EVGA is kind of plain Jane. I know that its the more efficient, slightly better performing card though. World War Z does look interesting. Couldn't care less about Fortnite.

Both should hold up well for you but I don't see AMD narrowing the gap (as small as it is). Check reviews of games you play (or plan to play) and see which card does better. Just because they may be within 5-10% performance of one another doesn't mean they will be that way in every game.

Well, at the moment I'm play Assassin's Creed Odyssey and WoW. I think both are a little Nvidia favored.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

This is honestly really going to depend... If you are trying to get high framerates you are going to need a faster CPU, but if you just want to crank up resolution and settings it should be perfectly fine.

I would consider having a look at vega 56 prices, if you get a reference cooler vega and undervolt/underclock it, you will still get great performance compared to rx 590 but less power consumption. Clocking a large chip slowly is better in terms of efficiency for gaming cards because usually they are clocked pretty high up the voltage/frequency curve.

 

[yotano211]

You can find the rx580 8gb on ebay for 100-120, used. Since you said you're not much of a gamer.

 

[Jeffredo]

You can find the rx580 8gb on ebay for 100-120, used. Since you said you're not much of a gamer.

Yeah, I thought about that. I have enough gift cards banked in Amazon I was kind of looking forward to buying new.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

I know this may seem a silly reason to toss in the consideration of the two, but the Sapphire card is so darn pretty! The blue shroud and LED fans. lol. The EVGA is kind of plain Jane. I know that its the more efficient, slightly better performing card though. World War Z does look interesting. Couldn't care less about Fortnite.



Well, at the moment I'm play Assassin's Creed Odyssey and WoW. I think both are a little Nvidia favored.

I'm playing WOW, what server you on? US i am guessing.

 

[yotano211]

Yeah, I thought about that. I have enough gift cards banked in Amazon I was kind of looking forward to buying new.

Becareful of some used cards, they are ex mining cards, so the Bios might have been changed.

 

[Toothless]

I'd go for the 1660 unless you want those games that badly. Do mind that they are tied to your GPU as far as I remember.

 

[Jeffredo]

I'm playing WOW, what server you on? US i am guessing.

Yep, Anvimar (Alliance). Also have Horde characters on Kul Tiras.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

I think your thinking is off. Don't think of this as the last GPU for this CPU, but as the first GPU for the next CPU. You'll save money in the long run.

 

[Jeffredo]

I think your thinking is off. Don't think of this as the last GPU for this CPU, but as the first GPU for the next CPU. You'll save money in the long run.

Well, that thought did cross my mind but I figured when/if I build a new up-to-date rig in two or three years I'd want a new GPU as well.

 

[Space Lynx]

you are gaming at 1080p 60hz yeah? just get the 590 and enjoy the free games. pretty sure both the 1660 and 590 will cap out at 60 for most modern games. at 1080p

Amazon.com: Sceptre 24" Curved 144Hz Gaming LED Monitor Edge-Less AMD FreeSync DisplayPort HDMI, Machine Black (C248B-144RN): Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: Sceptre 24" Curved 144Hz Gaming LED Monitor Edge-Less AMD FreeSync DisplayPort HDMI, Machine Black (C248B-144RN): Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

i recommend upgrading your monitor here ^ $150 shipped. 144hz VA panel 3000:1 curved. i got one, and its great for the price point. and 590 freesync will work on it native. im not sure if this monitor would support gsync compatible mode.

 

[Jeffredo]

you are gaming at 1080p 60hz yeah? just get the 590 and enjoy the free games. pretty sure both the 1660 and 590 will cap out at 60 for most modern games. at 1080p

Amazon.com: Sceptre 24" Curved 144Hz Gaming LED Monitor Edge-Less AMD FreeSync DisplayPort HDMI, Machine Black (C248B-144RN): Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: Sceptre 24" Curved 144Hz Gaming LED Monitor Edge-Less AMD FreeSync DisplayPort HDMI, Machine Black (C248B-144RN): Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

i recommend upgrading your monitor here ^ $150 shipped. 144hz VA panel 3000:1 curved. i got one, and its great for the price point. and 590 freesync will work on it native. im not sure if this monitor would support gsync compatible mode.

1920x1200 60hz (2008 TN monitor)

Well, pretty much down to flipping a coin. Either one would probably do me just fine for the next couple years.

 

[Jeffredo]

Ended up getting the RX 590. Great performance so far and I can see my i5-4690k even with a good OC is the weak link. Still, they're fairly well balanced.