I'm currently using a motherboard and GPU that support PCIe v2.0, but I'm considering upgrading to a new GPU. I understand that many new GPUs now utilize PCIe v4 or v5 and some may only operate on x8 lanes, not the traditional x16. I'm particularly curious about how a GPU like the RTX 4060 would perform on my old PCIe v2 setup. Is it even worth it to buy and install a modern GPU on such an outdated motherboard?
5 Answers
It's generally not recommended to get a GPU that operates on an x8 bus, as performance will take a significant hit. If you're looking for a budget option, the 3060 (12GB variant) may be your best bet if you can find it, along with other used GPUs that might still perform decently.
Are you also planning to upgrade more than just the GPU? I have an RX 7800 XT running in a PCIe 3.0 slot and it works really well. I'm also looking to upgrade my CPU soon because I have an i7 770k right now. It might be worth considering an overall upgrade.
Honestly, it might not be worth upgrading just the GPU. You could consider a full system overhaul instead. You can build a modern PC for under $500 these days.
You can usually get away with one generation difference when it comes to PCIe versions.
I've been having issues mainly with my GPU, but my FX8350 and 32GB of RAM are performing fine for me. So, I would prefer to upgrade just the GPU if possible.