I'm considering upgrading my video card after quite a long time. I currently have a GTX 1080 and an i7-8700k, but I'm not sure how much my CPU might hold back performance. I've spotted some used RTX 3080s for under $300, and I'm really tempted to grab one. I don't need the absolute maximum settings or ray tracing, just something to run newer games smoothly, like the Dead Space remake, Resident Evil remakes, maybe Cyberpunk, and FromSoftware titles like Elden Ring, as well as some online shooters. What do you think?
3 Answers
I did a similar upgrade from a GTX 1080 ti to a 3080 a couple of years ago, and it's been fantastic! I can run games at high settings with great frame rates. Keep an eye on the performance benchmarks though; there may be some newer cards like the 5070 ti that could also be worth considering in the same price range.
Honestly, I'd take a look at newer models, like the 5060TI or 9060XT, which are sometimes available for around $250. They might not be as powerful as the 3080, but with newer tech and a warranty, they could be a better long-term investment for similar performance.
Upgrading to the RTX 3080 is a solid move, especially since the GTX 10 series is starting to lose driver support. You'll see a noticeable performance boost in newer games, which is what you're looking for. It should handle your games much smoother, no worries about bottlenecks with your i7 either.
Thanks for the reassurance! I'm pretty excited about the upgrade.
I appreciate the insights! I hadn't thought about the newer tech, might need to look into that too.