I'm looking to update my gaming rig, which I built back in 2020. My first step is to upgrade the GPU, and I'm aiming for something under $1,000. My goal is to improve games like Monster Hunter Wilds from average settings to ultra settings with over 80 fps. However, I'm concerned about potential CPU bottlenecks that might limit the GPU's performance. Here are the specs of my current rig:
- Motherboard: ROG STRIX B450-F
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8 Core
- GPU: 2070 RTX Super
- RAM: 2x16 DDR4
- Power Supply: FVGA SuperNOVA 650W
I'm considering getting a 5070 RTX along with a new 850W power supply. I might also look into a full motherboard, CPU, and DDR5 RAM upgrade in a couple of years, or just go for a more powerful AM4 socket CPU. I'm okay with some CPU bottlenecking as long as I notice significant performance gains from this GPU upgrade. Any advice on whether this upgrade is worthwhile? Also, what tools can help me understand the overall performance of my setup?
4 Answers
Your upgrade plan sounds solid! The 5070 is an awesome GPU, and I've loved mine - it can handle anything at 1440p without any issues. You might want to check out Facebook Marketplace for a used Zen 3 CPU as a budget-friendly upgrade. It's a long game, but deals pop up every day!
To gauge your potential CPU bottleneck, try lowering the graphics settings in your games and take a look at the FPS and GPU usage. If decreasing settings doesn't change your frame rates much or if the GPU isn't hitting 90% usage, that could indicate your CPU is holding you back.
The RTX 5070 would pair really nicely with a 5700X3D, and it means you won’t have to upgrade your RAM for some time, which is a plus if you're on a budget. Also, what resolution are you gaming at?
For your setup, I'd recommend the RTX 5070 with an 850W PSU and consider going for either the 5700X3D or 5800X3D if it's within your budget.
Great tip! By the way, is an 850W power supply a good choice for future-proofing if I eventually move to AM5 and DDR5? I’d like to avoid buying another supply down the line, and I think a 750W minimum is recommended for the 5070.