I'm planning to upgrade my PC and I'm stuck wondering whether I should replace my CPU or GPU first. Currently, I have an Intel i5-12400f CPU and an Arc a770 GPU. When I play games on high settings, my GPU usually runs at around 80-90% usage, while my CPU hovers around 50-60% but spikes at the end. I'm considering getting a 9070xt and want to know if that should be my priority or if I should focus on the CPU instead.
4 Answers
Just a heads up, I'd like to know your motherboard model since the i5 has been around for multiple sockets. If you're aiming for the 9070xt, you might need a new motherboard depending on how old your system is.
Upgrading to the 9070xt makes sense, especially if you're planning to update your CPU later. You can start with the GPU and think about the rest of the platform later, which will be a smart move.
Thanks for this! It's my first upgrade, so I want to be sure I'm making the right choice.
Definitely go for the GPU. Your CPU isn't really holding you back, and the i5-12400f is quite decent. The 9070xt will give you a massive performance jump in gaming, especially if you're playing at 1440p. Just be cautious; for multitasking or content creation, you might eventually want a better CPU.
Thanks for the great response! Will my current CPU still limit me at 1440p with the 9070xt?
I'd suggest going for the GPU first. The i5-12400f is still good for gaming, so you won't be missing out much compared to how much performance boost you'd get from a 9070xt.
The i5-12400f, sorry for not mentioning!