Is it beneficial to upgrade an old i7 to a new GPU?
Is it beneficial to upgrade an old i7 to a new GPU?
So I got this new GPU Asus GTX 1660 TI and I'm using it on i7-970 3.2 GHz (currently at 3.33 GHz), so question is:
Will I get a significant FPS boost in modern games if i go for the 4 GHz barrier, or the CPU is just too old?
I'm willing to spend 120$-130$ on water cooling, or Air, what ever is better for that price range, if there is a point.
MB: Gigabyte EX58-extreme
CPU: i7-970
GPU: Asus TUF-GTX1660TI-O6G
RAM: GEIL 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 1600 MHz CL9 Dual-Chanel
PSU: Enermax 500W or 550W ( Too lazy to open case)
HDD: 4TB HGST DESKSTAR NAS
Choose a fresh setup rather than spending on a watercooler. Even with an overclocked CPU, it can significantly hinder your GPU's performance.
It would be better to save up and upgrade to a 3600x or better. I wouldn't overclock a system from 2010; stressing a 10-year-old system could lead to failure, and finding parts is difficult.
When considering a new CPU cooling solution, it should also be seen as an investment for your future PC build. The only drawback is that it may limit you to building another system with an Intel CPU.
Based on my experience, successful CPU overclocking can boost performance by 10% to 20% or more. However, the outcome depends on factors like CPU quality, hardware condition, previous usage, your expertise, available tools, and the time you're prepared to invest. Also, be aware of the increased risk of issues as the computer ages.
If you often play highly demanding games at maximum settings in 1440p resolution, expect limited gains in FPS after overclocking the CPU.
This AIO seems compatible with FCLGA1366.
You can find a suitable one if that's your goal.
Thank you all for your responses.
I’m playing at 1080p and aim for the highest quality at 60 FPS because of my monitor ASUS MX279H. The question is: if I play something like new Tomb Rider at 50 FPS and optimize, can I reach that critical 60?
The tricky part is my case is CM Elite-334 (not the elite-334U or Nvidia Edition—it’s an older model, so it’s about 2cm smaller in all dimensions). That means I can get a 12cm AIO cooling solution or something similar with a 155 mm tower fan.
The downside is I live in Eastern Europe (Bulgaria), where the market is limited, and if my CPU overheats, I might only find an i7-920.
PS: I currently have a Zalman CNPS9900 LED, and I’m wondering if I can do a lot of overclocking with that setup. I changed the thermal paste recently (Cooler Master IC Essential E1).
This old-style case with its restricted cooler height adds more challenges. A double fan watercooler isn't feasible, and any tower cooler taller than 163mm is not an option.
Hyper 212 LED Turbo barely fits. Be aware you need to consider the total height of the CPU cooler along with the fan if it's a tower model.
You should really think about whether it's worth spending your money there or save up until you can afford a better or even new setup.
PS. If you're near Greece, look into the local market for used or new components.
Try this reverse test to assess how responsive your games are to CPU clock speed:
Set the maximum CPU percentage to around 70%.
Navigate to control panel/power options/change plan settings/adjust advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will mimic the effects of limited CPU power.
On the other hand, a 20% boost in core speed could have a similar impact.
You possess all the threads a gamer might need.
The key factor remains clock speed.
If you wish to optimize, ensure you have sufficient cooling.
Check the available space for a tower-style air cooler.
There are many quality options that fit within 160mm dimensions.
The Noctua NH-D15s @160mm is likely a top choice.
Think of this high-end cooler as an investment for future builds.
Its cooling performance rivals that of a 280AIO cooler.
The CryoH7 Plus offers a 145mm model with solid results.
Would you like a link to your case?
Make sure the cooler has enough front intake space.
Don’t stress too much about processor damage from overheating.
The chip will reduce speed or shut down if it senses a critical temperature, typically around 100°C.
Pay attention to voltage during overclocking. I don’t have a specific safe range, but it’s something to consider.
I had a Xeon x5660 and wasn't sure if I had a solid one, but I managed to overclock it to 4.5ghz, achieving 993 on Cinebench R15, which was significantly higher than its stock benchmark of around 600. Overclocking definitely improved performance. I used a poor Asetech water cooler and attached a 100cfm bathroom fan, but the case fan couldn't be increased, and temperatures stayed near 70°C maxed out. A better 240W power supply would have made a noticeable difference, but these CPUs still offered solid results.
Thank you all again for your responses. In short, it depends on what you spend—if I invest 120$ in a 12cm AIO, I’d expect a tower fan around 155-156 mm, which would be about 2-5mm beyond the side plate. Would that allow me to get a decent drop-in? Or is it better to allocate the money toward cooling the new PC, especially if I need it by year-end? Also, I’m having trouble finding the specifications for my case (CM Elite 334), which is 184mm wide, and all the listings suggest it’s either CM Elite 334U or Nvidia Edition.