My son’s gaming computer needs an upgrade to improve performance—faster processing, higher frame rates, and reduced lag.
My son’s gaming computer needs an upgrade to improve performance—faster processing, higher frame rates, and reduced lag.
I built this gaming PC for my son 3 years ago. He's turning 13 this months and wants a little more out of it.
He's describing it to me that he wants "more speed, more frames per second, less stutter when gaming". I'm trying to get more descriptions out of him but it's like pulling teeth.
Below is the current setup.
Case: ZALMAN Z11 NEO Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
CPU: Intel I5 4690k 3.5GHZ
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z-97X Gaming 3
RAM: G.SKILL TidentX 16GB(2x8GB) 2133MHZ DDR3
Video Card(Graphics Card): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960
Memory: 1: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD 2: Samsung 850 EVO 120GB SSD. 3: WD 1TB Hard Drive
Power Supply: Corsair RM 750
Monitor: BenQ XL2411Z 24" 1920x1080; 1ms; 144hz; DCR 12,000,000:1(1000:1)
Keyboard: Razer Black Widow Tournament Edition Chroma
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Headset: HyperX Cloud Gaming
Mic: Blue Yeti Blackout
OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Previously, altering processor speeds yielded noticeable improvements. Currently, a minor boost of 5% results in only a marginal increase—perhaps 8-10 frames per second, when you were already achieving 130 fps—making it somewhat insignificant.
Computers offer a beneficial design that allows for upgrades and expansions. Therefore, consider gifting him a new graphics card or a complete system featuring a new processor, motherboard, and memory for occasions like Christmas or his birthday.
Options such as the 1080, 1080 Ti, 2070, 2070Ti, and 2080 are excellent selections. The optimal choice hinges on his preferred resolution. For 1080p gaming, the 1080 or 2070 should suffice. However, if he plays at 1440p, 2k, or 4k resolutions, the more robust 1080 Ti, 2080, and 2080Ti are highly recommended.
Regarding central processing units, I strongly suggest the 9700K over earlier models like the 8700 and 8700K. It’s an exceptionally powerful processor that I personally appreciate.
Concerning…
What’s your budget for an enhancement? I lack specialized knowledge, but I’m considering replacing my processor with an 8600k—which would likely necessitate a new motherboard—or upgrading my graphics card to a 1000-series model based on available funds. Previously, I possessed a 4690k and then upgraded to the 8600k, along with swapping my GTX 960 for a 1070ti. There’s an assessment you can perform to determine whether your processor or graphics card is limiting performance, although I’ll investigate that at a later date. With the 4690k and 960, I'm unsure if my CPU was a limiting factor, but it certainly proved to be one when paired with the 1070ti. I made these changes within a relatively short period.
Regarding cost, I'm aiming to keep it under $800, ideally less. I’m determined not to replace the motherboard. He presented me with an i7-8700k, which isn’t compatible with his existing motherboard or memory – alongside a selection of graphics cards: an NVIDIA 1080ti, RTX 2080, 1080, 1070, 1070ti, and 1060 6gb. I believe the 1080ti and RTX 2080 would exceed my budget unless they were the only purchase.
Initially, I envisioned constructing this PC with future overclocking in mind and a simple graphics card upgrade. However, considering his case’s capacity for additional fans and liquid cooling, I'm now considering that route.
I’ve been extensively researching – looking at countless resources – and wondering whether to incorporate a cooling system, overclock the processor, and then enhance the graphics card for significantly improved performance? Or alternatively, would it be more advantageous to swap out three or even four components entirely?
Once upon a time, pushing the limits of processor speeds was truly impactful. Presently, an incremental boost like 5% results in only a modest gain – typically 8-10 frames per second – when you're already achieving impressive rates of 130 fps. A significant advantage of computer systems is their design, allowing for easy upgrades. Therefore, acquiring a fresh graphics card or a new processor and motherboard with increased memory could be an excellent gift for someone who enjoys gaming. Options such as the 1080, 1080 Ti, 2070, 2070Ti, and 2080 are all commendable selections. The optimal choice hinges on the resolution at which he plays games; for 1080p gaming, the 1080 or 2070 should suffice. However, for resolutions of 1440p, 2k or 4k, the more robust 1080 Ti, 2080, and 2080Ti are strongly advised. Regarding central processing units, I confidently endorse the 9700K over its predecessor, the 8700 and 8700K. It delivers exceptional performance and I greatly appreciate it. Concerning cooling, I consistently advise investing in a high-grade solution, regardless of whether overclocking is planned. Maintaining component temperatures is crucial for ensuring stability and extending equipment lifespan. Several excellent cooling systems exist, but I have a particular fondness for Corsair’s AIW water coolers. I currently utilize the H110i with my 9700K, and am considering upgrading to the H150i Platinum as a replacement.
My apologies; I was referring to solely boosting the processor’s speed and replacing the video card. Is that a wise decision, or potentially problematic?
Regarding cooling, do you still believe a new cooling solution is required now that I’m planning to update my processor, motherboard, memory, and graphics card? The case already includes five internal fans, and I believed its airflow was above average for typical cooling needs. However, please understand that I lack specialized knowledge in this area. My initial assumption was only a liquid cooling system would be needed to achieve CPU overclocking speeds.
Furthermore, replacing all five components simultaneously will likely exceed my $800-$1000 budget.
Consider a GTX 1070 combined with a Cryorig H5 and boosting all the cores of the 4690k to 4.3 GHz or beyond. This configuration will provide a robust experience at 1080p/144Hz, and you could upgrade the processor, motherboard, and memory in approximately two years. The storage devices, cooling system, graphics card, and power supply unit would remain suitable for a considerable period.
Acquire this CPU cooler: https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NH-D15-hea...uage=en_US. Push your processor’s clock speed to approximately 4.5GHz or even higher, provided you are able to do so. Purchase this graphics card: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-RX-580-8G-OC/...uage=en_US. This card outperforms the 1060 6GB model and offers a more affordable solution, making it an ideal upgrade for the foreseeable future.
Considering the Nvidia GTX 1080 as my preferred graphics card, I'm wondering if increasing its performance through overclocking would adequately support it. Also, I’m curious about how it would perform at a 240Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, I find the concept of overclocking the CPU appealing because we can work on it collaboratively, and he could gain experience alongside me.
Regarding cooler options, I’ve examined the fan suggestions you provided, and neither utilize liquid cooling systems, is that accurate? I doubt a Noctua NH-D15 will comfortably accommodate his enclosure; my understanding is that two 120mm fans can be positioned adjacent to each other, while only two 140mm fans can fit that way. Furthermore, would the Cryorig H5 provide adequate cooling to securely boost his processor’s clock speed up to approximately 4.3 GHz or 4.5 GHz, or even higher? We intend to conduct rigorous testing to determine the maximum stable frequency we can achieve.