Is upgrading from a GTX 1070 to an RTX 5050 a smart move?

I hear you, but I wouldn't jump on the 2080 Ti just yet. It's around 30% faster than the 5050, but remember, it's an older card with no warranty, which could mean risks of failure. The 5050 is newer and comes with a warranty, so that's a safer bet. Also, I’d say check out the 5060; it could be a better fit for your needs.

Honestly, I don't think upgrading to the RTX 5050 is a great idea. It's got some limitations with lane and bus width, especially on PCIE3 or 2, which could hurt performance. You might want to look into a used 2080 Ti instead—it’s a much better option if you can find it at a reasonable price.

The 5060 might actually be your best bet given your setup. But keep in mind that the i7-6700K is starting to lag behind modern standards. If you're willing to, upgrading to a 9700K could pair nicely with the 5060. Just remember, you'll likely need to change your motherboard too!