Are you in for a challenge with this configuration?
Are you in for a challenge with this configuration?
Hello everyone.
My setup is quite outdated: an Intel Core i5 3550, 16GB DDR3 RAM with 1600GB of GSKill, a Gigabyte GA-Z77 DS3H motherboard (BIOS already at maximum), and Windows 7 fully updated on an SSD.
Recently I acquired a nearly new GTX 1070 for my system, which I couldn’t resist due to the offer (under 90€).
I’m not complaining about my GTX 1050, as it still works well for its age and low memory (3 GB), but I thought upgrading could boost performance.
I’m aware that modern GPUs can clash with older CPUs, so several concerns arose in my mind:
- Will the system function properly?
- Could I encounter bottlenecks that make the computer unusable? (I’ve read some guides, but results seem mixed)
- Are there solutions to avoid these issues?
- Should I upgrade from i5 3550 to i7 3770? Or would it be a waste of money? (I already have an i5 4690 with its own motherboard, but I’ve heard it performs worse than the 3550.)
My goal is to play games at good frame rates. Although my library is mostly pre-2015 titles, I’d like to push some of them, such as Doom 2016, DOOM Eternal, or Wolfenstein, which I can only run in medium settings to maintain a steady 60 FPS.
I only play games in 1080p if possible.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
These issues aren't about making a PC completely unusable; they just stop you from getting the full advantages of the more powerful components. The 4690 is expected to surpass the 3550, though not in a major way given their age and the fact that both are older CPUs. It might edge out the 3770 slightly, but only for tasks that heavily rely on threads. The 1070 GPU is also quite outdated, often paired with CPUs from the same era (around nine years old), and improvements were minimal during the transition from Haswell to Sky Lake/Kaby Lake. If a 1070 could be limited by a 4690, it would have been similarly constrained back then.
Initially, my hardware is quite outdated:
Core i5 3550
16GB DDR3 RAM 1600 Gskill
Gigabyte ga z77 ds3h motherboard (BIOS updated)
Windows 7 all updated (on SSD)
When sharing a troubleshooting thread, it's standard to provide complete system details. Please list the specifications clearly as follows:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Please include the age of the PSU along with its make and model. Also, note the BIOS version for your motherboard at this time.
I recently acquired a nearly new GTX 1070 graphics card for my setup, which I couldn't resist due to its value (under 90€).
Will the system function properly?
The advice is to ask before buying.
You already have it; now you just need to see how it performs. What types of tasks are you using the computer for?
If you opt for a Haswell processor, you might need to replace the motherboard. The optimal configuration for a Haswell refresh was DDR3-2133MHz paired with a Z87/Z97 chipset board. For now, I don't believe it's wise to invest in older technology.
The 1070 shares the same generation as the 1050, released together.
It will require more power, so verify your PSU can support it. If the system shuts down during gameplay or crashes to desktop, the issue might be the PSU.
This model lets you achieve exactly what you intend, boosting graphics for games that your setup can already handle.
CPU: Core i5 3550
CPU cooler: Nox Hmmre h101
Motherboard: Gigabyte ga z77 ds3h (latest BIOS)
Ram: Gskill Ripjaws 4x4 GB 1600 DDR3
SSD/HDD: Sandisk 120 GB (only OS installed)
GPU: (Actual)Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 3GB DDR5
GPU: (Upgrade)ASUS Geforce GTX 1070 Strix 8GB DDR5
PSU: Nox Hummer 650 Watt Plus Bronze
Chassis: Nox Hummer ZX 5 fan setup (140 mm 2F, 2U, 1R)
OS: Win 7 SP3 All updates applied
Monitor: KeepOut 27" 60mhz
Apologies for the 4690 error. The "perform worst" concern was related to its power usage and cost per frame. I admit I misread an old test on a paper magazine years back, and the facts hit me like fire in my head. 😅
I don’t need to apologize, my main worry was about a misleading source. If there’s anything concerning out there, it’s good to be aware just in case others share similar concerns. What really worries me is the Nox power supply—many are selling very cheap PSUs, mostly to Spain, and they’ve been caught several times for reducing their power supply ratings after reviews. I understand the 1070 model isn’t expensive, but I’d feel uneasy about it.
Because you own the GTX1070, why not give it a shot and observe the results?
Your CPU might be the bottleneck, so start with this easy test:
Play your games, but reduce the resolution and visual complexity.
This helps the graphics card perform better.
If your FPS improves, it suggests your CPU can handle a higher graphics setting.
If your FPS remains unchanged, you're likely more constrained by your CPU.
gtx 1070 offers significant advantages over gtx 1050.
Sticking to older pre-2015/16 games that were optimized for 4-core CPUs will still work well, allowing you to reach nearly full performance from the gtx 1070 (it’s also considered outdated by current standards).
During the period of 4-core Intel CPUs with strong single-core performance being the gaming norm since around 2010, using such configurations in 2016/2017 marked a real shift.
Intel began releasing mainstream 6 and 8-core processors after that time, driven by pressure from AMD.
If you swap the 3550 for the 4690, it will be a quicker chip with higher boost speeds—about 15% faster on average in benchmarks—and will also improve gaming performance.
Make sure to upgrade your power supply as well.
The g5600 features two cores and four threads, maintaining its performance of 70 FPS in demanding 1440p games last year. The Ryzen 3 2200G offers a quad-core design with four threads. The main limitation for modern titles remains the graphics card, or alternatively the clock speeds and system architecture, not the core count.