A Quick Upgrade to an Old PC Worth It?

• 

  dcep on 02/07/2019 - 10:55

  +4

  what games are you playing ? at what res/hz display ?

  8gb ram is fine

  i'd upgrade to rx570 and be done with it, unless you're playing AAA titles.

  i'd wait till after next week and get a used rx570 when ppl are upgrading to navi

• 

  Fergy1987 on 02/07/2019 - 10:59

  +1

  nothing too ridiculous - Basically GTA V and a few FPS's - running at 1080p at the moment

  I never really check FPS or anything so no idea if its running like a pile of garbage, but seems alright to me :P

  hmm that is a good point - I forgot about their new GPU's coming out.

  As much as I want a new PC this one is serving its purpose, but yeah seems the GPU is the go and seems better than blowing $2000 - Plus I am a tighta$$ when it comes to buying games so never really buy the latest and greatest when they come out.

  • 

    Kangal on 02/07/2019 - 12:49

    +1

    You're better served just tweaking the Settings to hit 1080p/60fps. Medium Settings looks as good as Ultra Settings when you're playing fast-paced games. Medium = for gaming, Ultra = for screenshots.

    And your system is quite balanced, so there's not too much easy upgrade for it. Getting a RX570 now will feel like a waste of money later.

    Probably better waiting another 6 months for availability and deals of Ryzen 3000 chips to come. Fortunately the AMD motherboards are great and cheap, and you can repurpose your HDD (if not too old). So the build could be fairly decent and fair-er priced. Then sell the old system with the cheap SSD as a budget gaming PC, or give to family/friends.

    You would be looking at GTX 1070 Ti/GTX 1660Ti (or better), Nvidia Super, or new Navi GPUs at that time. You need to get something decent and not lower end, since the next PS5 and Xbox V have leaked to have a GPU that's about as fast as the RTX 2070, and that will have huge ramifications for future PC ports and titles.

  • 

    p1 ama on 02/07/2019 - 18:10

    +1

    Upgrade your monitor first. If you're playing mostly FPS, I'd suggest moving to 2560x1440 144 Hz which would make a huge difference. If you're playing more scenic games where you really like the art and the eye candy, then go with 4K.

    There's no point pushing out over 60 fps if that's all you can see.

    • 

      ozbjunkie on 04/07/2019 - 16:34

      I'd agree with that last sentence, but what's the point of buying a monitor first… If he's not doing to upgrade the computer too?

      Op will be spending a grand or more after the monitor to make use of it.

• 

  AustriaBargain on 02/07/2019 - 11:06

  im in a similar situation. I want to upgrade my G4560 to an i7, but Kaby lake i7's still cost like $600. It'd be cheaper or me to buy a new mobo and more modern CPU than it would to buy a Kaby lake i7, which is a lot of bother.

  • 

    Fergy1987 on 02/07/2019 - 12:11

    Yeah thats my biggest problem. I initially thought an old 4th gen CPU would go for like 50 bucks on ebay - Turns out nope. As you said I'd almost be better of grabbing a cheap motherboard and slapping a Ryzen 3 2200G or something in it for similar performance of an old expensive CPU

  • 

    b0sanac on 02/07/2019 - 14:12

    Have you considered switching to ryzen, cost permitted? I got a ryzen 5 2600 and mobo for $380. You could reuse your existing ram. Just a thought because ryzen really is way cheaper, I was in your position as well not long ago wanting to upgrade my i5 7400 but all the intel cpus were way too overpriced.

    • 

      AustriaBargain on 02/07/2019 - 14:35

      I think I’ll have to. My g4560 is fine at one thing at a time, but not much more. But it’s still such a good chip I’d want to use it for something.

  • 

    p1 ama on 02/07/2019 - 18:13

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Intel-7700K-Processor-Gigabyte-Z…

    $330 for motherboard and 7700K, you could flip the motherboard for around $80, so $250 for a 7700K ain't bad. Not associated with the seller in any way.

• 

  AustriaBargain on 02/07/2019 - 11:06

  What is being maxed out in your resource manager when playing games, and do you like to leave lots of stuff open, could you do with more RAM?

• 

  Skramit on 02/07/2019 - 11:07

  +3

  New GPU would be plenty for a massive boost in gaming performance. You won’t see much benefit from a whole new system in addition to a new GPU by itself.

  • 

    AustriaBargain on 02/07/2019 - 11:47

    A new GPU will also be transportable to future PCs. DDR3, that old socket CPU, and motherboard won't be able to be used in a new build. So a new GPU would make the most sense in terms of future upgradeability.

    • 

      Kangal on 02/07/2019 - 12:58

      A new high-end GPU will get bottlenecked. Besides, the prices are stable but not dropping yet in the GPU market.

      If he gets it later, he would either get a better GPU or for cheaper, (or probably) both.

      There's the Nvidia GPU/Super announcement and release coming, and the AMD Navi GPUs. Worse comes to worse, this will make the previous GPUs cheaper to buy (GTX 1070 - GTX 1080 Ti, and maybe the Vega56 and GTX 1660Ti as well).

      I'd stay away from RayTracing and Ultra Settings if I'm being honest, they're pretty to look at for slow video and screenshots. But most games are "fun" because they're fast-paced, and in such situations you don't really perceive differences using a Medium Settings.

      If anything, throw more money at getting a better display, something with G-Sync and 120Hz IPS. Intelligently tuning the graphics carefully for each game can make a huge improvement.

      • 

        Skramit on 03/07/2019 - 09:33

        A new high-end GPU will get bottlenecked.

        Sure but not by heaps. It also depends on his monitor resolution.

        Regardless, a new GPU he will se a huge boost in gaming performance. HIs existing system is more than capable of extracting most of the performance out of a 1080 or 1070 for example.

        • 

          Kangal on 03/07/2019 - 14:40

          @Skramit: At 4K you would be right, but 4K monitors are either low quality or expensive. Dual monitors are no longer a thing, but Ultrawide resolutions/monitors have gone up in popularity.

          If anything, he could get a good quality IPS 1440p G-Sync monitor, and maybe with 21:9 Ultrawide.

          That would stretch his budget thin, but he can enjoy the better graphics because of the better screen. Now, if he were to get a new GPU, with the 3K graphics it would relieve most of the bottleneck. And he can port over his new monitor and graphics card to the next build.

          Although, I suggest he gets something high-end because there's not going to be much life left in those RX 590's and GTX 1660's, when AAA developers target the likes of the PS5 and Xbox V in 2020. Maybe a new RTX 2060-Super or a new RX 5700XT.

          • 

            ozbjunkie on 04/07/2019 - 16:52

            @Kangal: This post makes sense, but here you're saying get a GPU and a new monitor.

            Your previous post where it said "if anything get a new monitor"… I ask what is a dude with a 750ti going to do with a 1440/144 monitor?

            • 

              Kangal on 04/07/2019 - 19:06

              @ozbjunkie: Getting a faster GPU is going to be good, but its going to be bottlenecked by that system, and its not going to shine well on a standard monitor. The aim is to improve the experience, not bragging rights. You can make the GPU "less bottlenecked" if you run it at 3K resolution, and dial the Quality Settings down (The usual motto: Ultra for screenshots, Medium for gameplay).

              The fastest depreciating, most fluctuating priced, and most improving component unit is the Graphics Card. You can "always" get a better bargain on one later. So there's no rush in upgrading it, and its usually wiser buying this component at the most latest time/cheapest price possible.

              A Mobo/CPU/RAM/SSD choices do improve over time, and they do depreciate. So that usually means its safe to buy them sooner rather than later. Except for now, with the imminent launch of Zen2/Ryzen 3000 parts.

              The same doesn't happen for monitors, they tend to stick to a set quality and set price for much longer. So waiting will not help his budget or the experience.

              So, trying to think of this rationally, the best course of upgrade for him is:
              - first get a good monitor (this will make a huge difference)
              - next build a good system ("future-proofing")
              - then sell/donate the old system
              - lastly get a good GPU
              …this would ensure he gets the most bang for the least buck.

              If he were to go the opposite:
              - Get a GPU first, and sell the GTX 750Ti
              - Then build a new system, and sell his own
              - Much later get a new monitor
              ….then he potentially would pay more and own a slower GPU, and put up with bottlenecking for a while, and later get the same monitor experience just delayed much much later.

              He's willing to wait a couple more years, but that's not really necessary* if he is wise enough when building the system and shopping around the late October/early November period 2019 for the deals. Or if its too much hassle, a console is really not a bad thing for entertainment/gaming purposes.

              *I know of some people in ~2011 that snagged the Core i5-2500k/2600k and a GTX 680, and kept it forever. They still kept their monitors too, and only upgraded the GTX 680 to a GTX 980 Ti. Seemed like they were lucky, but truthfully it was because they did their homework.

              • 

                ozbjunkie on 04/07/2019 - 19:53

                @Kangal: I get where you're coming from, and agree with 90% of what you say above, but my reading indicates that a 4690 bottlenecks a 2060 by about 10%, GTA v in particular is super demanding and I'd estimate that other 'new' games like the most recent tomb raider would only pull 60fps at 1080p (although I admit I didn't look at benchmarks).

                You're right about changing prices too, and buying a monitor now vs later probably wouldn't involve much change in price, that's not why I object. I object because if he can't get 60fps at 1080p now, then he doesn't need a 3k monitor, let alone a 144hz 3k monitor.

                Also I used to have a 4690k and I'm pretty sure fps capped out at around 90-100 with no GPU bottleneck.

                So yeah he could benefit from a 2060 AND a 3k/144 monitor together, but if he only buys one thing, he would still benefit from the GPU, but I don't see how he would benefit from the monitor.

                By the way I only say 2060 as an example of something that would translate decently to a new system, I realise it's slight over kill, and best bet is 1060 or better yet 580 8gb for current setup.

                I'm assuming op is budget conscious.

                I'm also allowing my preference for max visual settings to influence my recommendations. Running 1080p ultra actually looks pretty good, and 3k on medium not so great, depending on the game (siege or bf 5 would be my go to for examples.

                • 

                  Kangal on 04/07/2019 - 20:41

                  @ozbjunkie: I see what you mean now.
                  Nah, a GTX 2060-Super is a good suggestion pretty much "entry level" now (pointless to target something slower). If you're on a GTX 980 Ti, or a GTX 1070 (or better), there's not much point to upgrading. But anyone stuck on slower or older cards can upgrade. Especially since AAA Developers will be moving their titles up soon, due to the mainstream gaming on PS5/Xbox V.

                  GTA V isn't a good benchmark to base your game on, especially since I feel that will get upgraded to GTA 6 sooner rather than later (2021 ?), and its pretty much the last games to remain popular from its 2013 era.
                  A better title is probably Far Cry 5, its a highly optimised game for the PC (and not a sloppy port like Assasin's Creed Origins), it's very graphically demanding and it's very cpu intensive as well. It really brings the older 4-core processors to its knees, and really wants something with 12-threads or 16-threads.

                  I'm just concerned he's going to get a RX 580/GTX 1060 for like $200 bucks, going to get some benefit, then decide he's going to build a new system, and then realise he wants more GPU. So he's going to have to buy a second GPU, and have trouble selling the first one. If he's savvy, and can get the first GPU for cheap and a good salesman to sell it off quickly afterwards, then sure no problems. There's value there for sure, it just requires more effort on the part of the OP, rather than a 1-2-3 upgrade path.

                  • 

                    ozbjunkie on 05/07/2019 - 02:41

                    +1

                    @Kangal: Yeah I reckon a new system is the "best" option. But that's me talking…

                    Upgrading one item as a time is a PITA and leaves you always chasing the next imperfectly matched upgrade. For myself, I usually buy a system, swap out the GPU 1 or 2 times, then buy another system.

                    My old systems get repurposed. My phenom 955 system from 2009 is Frankensteined from spare parts laying around, lives in the loungeroom running music production software. My 4690k system is at grandma's house…with a 970 in it in case I get trapped there granny sitting at least I can game.

                    All depends on ops budget… But at least everyone agrees he shouldn't bother buying DDR3 lol.

                    If op hardly games, no need to spend $3k for a techfast box and new monitor. Then again, the might love it once he tries it…

• 

  rave75 on 02/07/2019 - 11:09

  I'd say if you are still okay with your current games, RAM is still sufficient with your multitasking, then don't upgrade.

• 

  ngengerous on 02/07/2019 - 11:46

  +3

  I would just upgrade your GPU.

  This way, when you decide to eventually upgrade the rest of the PC, you can just carry over the new GPU.

  • 

    Fergy1987 on 02/07/2019 - 12:07

    So if I am upgrading the GPU should I be buying something better than the RX570 with a view to carry over? I really just chose that as it seems to be the best bang for buck in terms of a low/mid range card - and eats my 750ti for breakfast. Even though I still think the 750ti still goes alright for its age and what it was back then. That opinion may change with a new GPU haha

    Basically the new PC when I get around to it I was going to run a RTX2060 but I think I'll have some real problems trying to run that in my current PC

    • 

      ngengerous on 02/07/2019 - 12:54

      +1

      What problems do you expect to encounter?

      I personally would go for the 2060 if you have the budget for it - it should definitely last till your next upgrade and for a while after, whereas a 570 might be starting to struggle in a couple of years.

      I wouldn't stress too much about bottlenecking your PC - even if your CPU/RAM is a little old, the performance increase with a better GPU will still be a huge leap.

• 

  spackbace on 02/07/2019 - 14:05

  So that leaves me with GPU - Should I look at chucking in an RX570 seeing as they are going for like $170 at the moment brand new and cheaper used. Benchmarks seem to suggest this would be quite the upgrade.

  Is it worth stepping up to the RX580, getting 8GB for around $300 instead of going 2GB to 4GB?

  • 

    ozbjunkie on 04/07/2019 - 16:50

    At the risk of answering a rhetorical question, I'd say definitely. I'm almost certain 1080p can use more than 4gb video ram if you crank up the settings. (Speaking as a previous 970 owner = 3.5 + .5 GB video ram debacle).

• 

  playswithfire on 02/07/2019 - 16:06

  +1

  Upgrade the GPU - the i5 4590 isn't that old and won't bottleneck like the i7-2600 did.

  If you were thinking about getting the RTX2060, go for it.

• 

  Whisper Quiet on 03/07/2019 - 10:29

  What do you want to do though. Play in 4K or 1440p? Do you use editing software like photoshop constantly, or use programs like handbrake which compress video. If its none of these then don't bother upgrading.
  If its higher res gaming just get a decent GPU. Running the mentioned software would require a good CPU. For general speed, since you've got a SSD I don't see a point in upgrading because the difference will be very small if any, even if that is older model SSD.

• 

  TONSCHUH on 04/07/2019 - 00:21

  Save for a new base. Even a 7700k will give you ~50% more performance.

• 

  ozbjunkie on 04/07/2019 - 16:42

  Tldr- 2060 is great choice for your existing cpu, 1080p 60hz monitor. Assuming you're budget conscious, new screens may be expensive (144hz 1440p) and require a new CPU ie entire rig.

  What's your ram usage anyways? Too many tabs?

  ---

  Depends on your use case, and what exactly you are finding unsatisfactory with you current built, but to answer your question as it was written…

  Keep the existing PC until it is distinctly unenjoyable to use. You mention you game, but not fanatically. You also seem budget conscious.

  When you've had enough, decide if you want to go for high framerates (CPU heavy) or higher resolution (GPU heavy). For competitive FPS I would recommend framerates (1080p at 240hz). For everything else, either 1440p 144hz (pure gaming) or 4k 60hz (media, supplemented with gaming).

  If you want framerates, you need an entirely new rig. Put this off as long as possible.

  If you just want 4k, just get a new GPU (2060 say) to start, with a mind to carry this over to a new rig when necessary.

  That's my 2c.