My current PC is getting old, although I've been told the core components are still decent. While playing Wardogs, my CPU and graphics card were often running at full load, and performance fluctuated between roughly 37 and 60 FPS. My GTX 1060 6GB is below the game's recommended requirements, so I'm considering an upgrade.
Current hardware:
- GPU: GTX 1060 6GB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K at 3.6 GHz
- RAM: 32GB
- Monitor: 60Hz
I was initially looking at a GTX 1660 SUPER because it's relatively inexpensive, but I'm not sure whether the performance increase would justify the cost. Ideally, I'd like to stay below $250 USD, though I could stretch to around $300. I'm mainly looking for something that can handle newer games at a stable 60 FPS for the next year or two before I do a more substantial system upgrade. What graphics cards would make the most sense with this processor?
5 Answers
A used RX 5700 XT is another option if you can find one at a good price. Its performance is roughly in the RTX 2070 Super range, so it would be a major step up from the 1060. Just check the card’s condition, power requirements, cooling, and current game benchmarks before buying.
If you find an Intel Arc B580 around $200–$250, it could be worth considering because it offers strong performance for the price. However, check reviews and benchmarks for the specific games you play first, since driver support and performance can vary more than with older Nvidia or AMD cards.
My ideal budget is under $250, though I can stretch to about $300. I’m not trying to build a high-end system yet—I just want a card that can run newer games at around 60 FPS without the computer struggling until I do a larger upgrade in a year or two.
With that budget and your current CPU, I’d prioritize the strongest reliable card you can find around the RTX 3060, RTX 2070 Super, or RX 5700 XT performance level rather than buying a 1660 SUPER. Also verify your power supply model and wattage before choosing.
Your i7-9700K and 32GB of RAM are still perfectly usable for 60 FPS gaming. A card around the RTX 2080 or RTX 3060 level would be a much more noticeable upgrade. Going substantially faster than that could start making the CPU the limiting part in some games, but you don’t need to replace the processor just to get a better GPU right now.
The GTX 1660 SUPER would work, but it probably isn’t a large enough improvement over your 1060 to be a great value. Since your budget can reach $250–$300, I’d look for a used RTX 2060, RTX 2070, RTX 3060, or a similar card with a good warranty and reasonable condition.
That’s a good option for a new card, but I’d still compare recent benchmarks and make sure the power supply has the required connectors and enough wattage.