I need some advice on whether I should upgrade my current GPU, an RX 6800. It's been okay for 1440p gaming, but I'm worried it won't keep up much longer, especially because its upscaling technologies, like FSR 3.1.5, aren't performing well, and I've heard unofficial FSR 4 is too demanding. I also noticed that the RX 6800 falls short compared to the RTX 5060 Ti in terms of raw performance.
I'm on a budget and considering a few options: an RTX 3080, RTX 3080 Ti, or RX 6800 XT. The DLSS benefits of the 3080 models are attractive, but I'm hesitant to buy older used GPUs due to potential memory issues. Interestingly, in my country, the RTX 3080 Ti is priced similarly to an RTX 4070, which seems like a better upgrade.
The RX 6800 XT wouldn't fix my FSR concerns, but it might provide a slight performance boost. However, there are hardly any available in the used market where I live, and the idea of ordering one online without testing it makes me uneasy. I am also open to newer AMD or NVIDIA cards, but the availability and prices haven't been favorable lately. Any suggestions would be really helpful! Thanks!
3 Answers
I get your concern about not being able to test the GPUs before buying. In many places, people can actually check them out before committing, which is nice. But if you're not comfortable with ordering online without testing, it might be better to keep looking locally until you find a deal that feels right. Just keep in mind that used electronics come with their own risks.
I think you should hold off for now. The RX 6800 still has a lot of life left in it, and unless you're seeing a big performance gap, it might not be worth upgrading. Waiting for the next generation of cards could give you access to better options down the line without compromising too much now.
Honestly, it seems like upgrading now might not give you the performance boost you're hoping for. If the RTX 3080 Ti is priced similarly to the 4070, I’d recommend going for the 4070 instead. The older GPUs may end up costing you more in electricity costs, especially if you're gaming a lot. Think about the long game here and save up for something that will give you a significant upgrade, like the 5070 or a future RX 9070.
I think you're right, especially considering the power consumption of older cards. 4070 or newer seems like a better long-term investment.
Exactly, being able to test first definitely helps ease the buying process. It's a good strategy to buy locally when possible!