Hey everyone, I've been doing some benchmarks on my setup and noticed that my GPU, which is a 1660 Ti, is only running at about a third of its capacity. It's pretty old and I'm looking to replace it. I'd classify myself as a casual gamer; I mostly enjoy indie games and single-player AAA titles, so I prioritize graphics over frames per second, aiming for something above 80 fps would be fantastic. Oh, and I run Linux, if that makes a difference for compatibility.
I'm open to investing in a good graphics card that will last me a few years because I really love gaming. My budget is between $800-$950, but I'd need to think it through carefully before spending anything in that range. I'd appreciate any technical insights or a list of recommendations, as I'm not completely up to date with the latest tech—although I am tech-savvy and can follow along since I use Linux. Just for context, my CPU is an i7-8700 at 3.2 GHz.
2 Answers
Before you dive into a new GPU, I'm curious about how you assessed your current GPU's 'capacity.' If you're still able to play modern AAA games at acceptable frame rates—like 60 FPS at 1080p—then it might still be doing its job. Have you updated your GPU drivers recently? Linux can sometimes have compatibility issues there.
Also, given the age of your GPU, it's worth considering that your CPU might be bottlenecking the performance. It could be ideal to look at upgrading both the GPU and CPU to avoid that issue and ensure you’re getting the most out of your new graphics card.
If you’re looking to upgrade your GPU, I’d recommend considering the RX 9070XT or RTX 5070 Ti. They’re great for 1440p ultra settings and you can usually find them for around $700-$800 depending on the market. I've seen the RX 9070XT drop to about $650 with some research, so definitely check around for deals!
Thanks for the insights! I actually struggle to run even Dark Souls on low settings and often experience low FPS. I've tried various drivers, but nothing seems to help with the performance issues. I used a couple of benchmark apps to check it out, though I can't remember their names.