Hey everyone! I'm diving back into PC building after a long break and I'm a bit out of touch with the latest hardware trends. I recently revisited the Oblivion remaster and it struggled to run smoothly on my setup. Currently, I have an Intel i5-7600k, a GTX 1060 6GB, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. I'm looking for advice on whether I should upgrade my CPU or GPU to get the biggest performance boost, ideally sticking to a budget of around $500. When I monitor the game, my CPU usage hits 100% while the GPU barely moves at all. On older games like Skyrim, the CPU and GPU usage is more balanced. I'm considering a potential upgrade to the 5060 Ti 16GB but I'm worried a CPU bottleneck might limit its potential. I'm open to switching to AMD for either component. Any recommendations?
2 Answers
Honestly, the GPU is in desperate need of an upgrade for any modern games. However, be aware that any new GPU will probably be bottlenecked by your current CPU. Upgrading both is going to be tricky under a $500 limit. If you’re open to used parts, you could snag an older AM4 system like a 5600 or 5800. Otherwise, consider a 7600x build today; that’ll run about $400 for the CPU, RAM, and motherboard. If you have a Micro Center nearby, they might have some decent offers to save you more cash!
You might want to start by checking what settings you're currently using in Oblivion. Upgrading the CPU, motherboard, and RAM to an AM5 setup could give you more performance without breaking the bank. That said, your GTX 1060 will only be able to utilize its full potential if your CPU is in a good spot. More likely, you'll need to upgrade both components eventually. For now, make sure to weigh your options carefully as prices for GPUs may drop down and allow you a better deal later.
If you're seeing that much CPU usage, it sounds like it's time for an upgrade!
I'm running everything at low settings, 1080p. I see around 40fps inside, dropping to 20-30fps outside, and sometimes even 10-15fps depending on the scenery. Thanks for the insights!