I'm currently running Oblivion with a 2070 Super GPU, i7 10700K CPU, and 32GB of DDR4 RAM on a 650W power supply. The game runs at 40-70fps on medium settings at 1080p using an NVMe drive. I'd like to bump up the fps during intense moments in the game. I'm considering upgrading to a GPU like the 5070, but I've heard the CPU might hold it back if I upgrade. Should I focus on the GPU first or is it worth looking at the CPU? If I do go for a CPU upgrade, wouldn't that also require a new motherboard and RAM? Any insights would be appreciated!
3 Answers
It’s surprising you're not hitting 60fps on medium settings; are you running at 1080p? As for upgrades, the i9 11900K could be a great CPU option, but honestly, moving from a 10700K to that isn’t a huge leap. If you want to see substantial gains, focus on the GPU first, as that's likely where you'll notice the biggest improvement in gaming performance.
You definitely want to check your GPU usage first. If it's hitting 95-100% often, then you're GPU limited, and upgrading that is the way to go. If it's lower, you might be CPU limited. Also, take a look at per-core CPU usage because if none of your cores are over 50%, a GPU upgrade could really boost your FPS. As for your power supply, a high-quality 650W should be fine for mid-tier GPUs like the RTX 5070. Just keep in mind that if you go for a new CPU, you might need a new motherboard and possibly RAM too!
Thanks for the breakdown! Where's the best place to check my CPU and GPU usage? I usually just look at Windows Task Manager, but is there a better option?
Go for the GPU upgrade first! Upgrading the CPU isn’t going to give you a massive boost, especially with your current setup. Make the jump to a better GPU, and it'll significantly enhance your gaming experience!
Task Manager works fine, but you might want to explore more advanced tools like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor for more detailed stats!