Check if your setup can handle the upgrade and resolution.
Check if your setup can handle the upgrade and resolution.
I understand that I’ve previously discussed various topics on this forum concerning different parts and issues, but this should be the final question I have about my PC upgrade. As mentioned in the title, I’m currently using a Gigabyte OC GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB RAM and a 1080p display. Now I’m planning to upgrade to a larger UltraWide monitor for better workspace visibility. At this stage, I aim to set up a solid gaming configuration too. I’ve already decided to buy the AOC CU34G2XP/BK 34.0", but now I’m unsure which GPU to choose.
Starting with the budget, I want to keep costs under 1000 euros, aiming for under 800 if possible. I’m leaning more towards AMD rather than NVIDIA and don’t want to overspend on hardware that might not be fully utilized. Also, I plan to use this PC for gaming as well as for video production and 3D rendering, mainly as a hobby.
Therefore, the main question is: which GPU or brand should I select? Should I go with the new 9070XT and 9070 models, or stick with the older series? I notice that many high-end 7xxx GPUs tend to be quite expensive compared to the newer 9xxx lineup, so I’m uncertain if they offer good value. Lastly, I have a Corsair 650W 80+ Gold power supply, which should be sufficient for powering up a new GPU.
Please share your thoughts and recommendations on this matter. Thank you!
Hey there,
I recommend the 9070XT if you can purchase it at its MSRP, even just a bit above.
It's an excellent card for what is basically a 2.5k monitor. It will manage the monitor smoothly and achieve high FPS in most games at that setting. You'll need a new PSU, which adds around $100 extra for a decent ATX 3.0 850w unit. If you opt for an overclock version, you might require more than 850w.
The most affordable version I found is the Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 9070 XT with 16 GB. The price might not match the MSRP, but what GPU is currently best? I wasn’t sure how much power this card would consume compared to the standard 9070, and how much the PSU would need. I’m mainly interested in the 9070XT, but some discussions suggested using an older model for 2.5K resolution. I was hoping to get more information there.
The 9070 vanilla requires a minimum of 650w, with 750w recommended for OC versions. I prefer the 9070/XT models as they provide excellent raster performance and strong RT, matching the 5070/ti in many cases. The older 7xxx series, except the 7900xtx, won't deliver comparable results. They can handle up to 2.5k, but the 9070/xt offers significantly more.
As mentioned in a previous discussion, I aim to extend the life of my current setup for another five years before making any major changes, even to the case. This is the configuration I envision once all components are ready: CPU – AMD Ryzen 9 5900x, MOBO – MSI Mortar Titanium B450 (bios updated for the CPU), Memory – 32 GB Crucial Ballistix DDR4-3600 CL16, PSU – Corsair 650W 80+ Gold, Monitor – AOC CU34G2XP/BK 34", GPU – to be determined, Case – Cooler Master Mastercase H500. If you still believe the 9070XT is suitable, I’m open to accepting that and also to swapping out my PSU, but feel free to advise if you think it might be too much. Appreciate your support!
Your setup shares similarities with mine in certain aspects. You still possess a powerful gaming CPU capable of handling top-tier GPUs and delivering excellent frame rates. A high-end GPU would provide a smooth gaming experience. You might consider nVidia options, though they may not offer the best value. You're welcome to keep this discussion active and share your thoughts on potential upgrades. Good luck with your decision. Feel free to update us on your progress.
The issue is that the 1000W PSU are quite costly, the most budget-friendly option in terms of quality and price I found is this one.
Corsair RM1000x (2021) 1000 W 80+ Gold
. Adding the GPU makes it easy to reach 1000 euros for just having a GPU. I would be happy to wait for more opinions in this thread before spending such an amount, but only if there are no better alternatives. Thanks!
You might consider a 7900xt or 7900gre at a reasonable cost if they’re accessible in your area; they offer strong performance. 9070 or 9070 xt would perform even better, especially for ray tracing. I’m testing a 7900xtx with an 850w power supply—everything works well. A 1000w setup isn’t necessary, but 650w seems insufficient for your system, particularly with a high-power GPU (this applies to Nvidia as well).
The 7900xt is significantly pricier than the 9070xt, while the 7900gre offers a more competitive price similar to the 9070xt, roughly 700 to 800 euros (still lower but nearly comparable). It’s unclear why GPU costs have become so high today, as finding a clear explanation for these prices can be quite complex.
For a 9070xt, what PSU would you recommend? Please specify the brand and whether you need an 850W or 1000W unit. I’m located in Spain, so feel free to use the link provided. Thanks!