My PC is getting old, and I'm trying to improve gaming performance without spending too much. In Wardogs, my CPU and graphics card are often maxed out, and performance fluctuates between about 37 and 60 FPS. I'm currently using a GTX 1060 6GB, an Intel i7-9700K, and 32GB of RAM. I was considering a GTX 1660 SUPER, but I'm unsure whether it would be a worthwhile upgrade. Ideally, I'd like to stay below $250 USD, though I could stretch to around $300. I'm mainly looking for something that can hold close to 60 FPS for the next year or two before I do a more expensive full upgrade. My monitor is currently limited to 60Hz. Are there better GPU options, and is there anything else I should check, such as my power supply or possible CPU bottlenecks?
4 Answers
For a budget around $200–$300, also keep an eye out for an Intel Arc B580 if it is available in that range. It can offer strong performance for the money, although checking current game benchmarks and system compatibility is important. Since you only need around 60 FPS for a 60Hz display, you do not necessarily need the most powerful card available.
Your i7-9700K and 32GB of RAM are still reasonably capable for 60 FPS gaming. A card around the RTX 2080 level is a sensible target, but going much higher could start exposing the CPU as the performance limit in some games. Make sure your power supply has enough wattage and the required PCIe connectors.
The GTX 1660 SUPER is faster than the 1060, but it may not be a large enough improvement to justify buying one unless you find it very cheaply. With your budget, look for a used RTX 2080, RTX 3060, or a similarly priced card with noticeably stronger performance. Check the condition, warranty, and power-supply requirements before buying.
A used RX 5700 XT could be worth considering if you can find one at a good price. It performs roughly around the RTX 2070 Super range, so it would be a much bigger step up from the GTX 1060 than a 1660 SUPER. Just compare current benchmarks and check the card’s condition before purchasing.
Good option, but definitely compare reviews first. Driver support, power consumption, cooling, and the specific model can make a big difference with older used cards.
That price range is what I’m aiming for. I’m mainly trying to avoid crashes and severe frame drops until I can afford a larger upgrade in a year or two.