I've been gaming on a plasma TV at 1080p 60Hz and occasionally on a monitor at 2048x1536 at 75Hz. While I'm pretty satisfied with my current setup, which includes an Intel i9-10850K CPU and a GTX 1660 Super GPU, I've been wondering if I should consider upgrading just the GPU or if it's time for a whole new rig. I've noticed that emulators, especially for RPCS3 and Xenia, struggle with performance in some games, and I suspect that swapping in a stronger GPU like an RTX 3070 or 3080 could make a difference. What do you think?
5 Answers
For emulators like RPCS3, while your CPU is fine, it's often more demanding for those types of games. Typically, newer and more powerful CPUs help with smoother emulation. You may want to consider a CPU upgrade alongside a GPU for the best experience—especially for that hard-to-emulate PS3 performance.
You might want to check out some of the new GPUs. The Intel ARC B580 offers 12GB at around $300, which could be a decent budget option, or even the RX 9060 XT for a bit more. Just make sure your PSU can handle it since you might need around 600W at least. If you’ve got a decent 1000W PSU already, you should be fine!
Honestly, it's up to your satisfaction. If the current setup doesn’t hit the performance you want anymore, then it's time to upgrade! The 1660 Super isn't cutting it these days. If you can stretch your budget, look into getting something beefier like an RTX 3060 or 3070.
Your CPU is still pretty solid for gaming at 1080p. The 1660 Super is getting a bit dated, so an upgrade there would definitely help improve performance, especially for those demanding games and emulators. If you're enjoying the rest of your system, consider just swapping the GPU to get a nice boost without overhauling everything.
Your CPU might still be good, but a GPU upgrade will do wonders for gameplay and emulation. Many users find that upgrading a 1660 Super to a 3070 makes a huge difference, especially for newer titles and demanding emulators. Plus, if you sell your old parts, you could potentially afford a nice upgrade without spending too much.
I've got a 1000W PSU, so power shouldn't be an issue. I just need to figure out if I should stick with Nvidia since I've had some older cards in the past.