Should I Upgrade My GPU or Monitor First for 4K Gaming?

I’d upgrade the GPU first. The RX 9070 XT should make 4K gaming much smoother and give you more headroom for newer AAA games on your existing monitor. An OLED would look better, but the 60Hz limit will still be there.

It really depends on what you play. If you’re happy with 4K at around 60 FPS, the GPU is the obvious choice. A 3060 Ti can exceed 60 FPS in some games, but demanding titles will require reduced settings or upscaling. If your main goal is higher frame rates and smoother motion, a 1440p OLED with a high refresh rate may be a more noticeable upgrade than another 4K display.

The 9070 XT is a strong choice for 4K, and you can always upgrade the monitor later. Since you’re switching from NVIDIA to AMD, use a display-driver cleanup tool such as DDU before installing the new AMD drivers to avoid potential driver conflicts.

The monitor shouldn’t be ignored, since it caps you at 60Hz. For competitive shooters or other fast-paced games, I’d prioritize a high-refresh 1440p OLED. For cinematic single-player games and better 4K performance, get the 9070 XT first. A large 4K TV with VRR is also worth considering if you prefer controller gaming.