F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Seeking recommendations for improving your graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU).

Seeking recommendations for improving your graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU).

Seeking recommendations for improving your graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU).

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BigHaza
Member
211
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM
#1
Let me be direct; here’s a list of my components:

A Twin Frozr GTX 970 graphics card, an i5-4690k processor, 16GB of Corsair Vengeance RAM, and a 800w Fractal Design Newton power supply. I currently have approximately £1000 available. My goal is to build a computer that can smoothly play virtual reality games and run other titles at 60 frames per second in 1080p with high graphics settings. I realize this might be an ambitious request given my budget, but I’m open to saving more if necessary. Additionally, could you confirm whether my power supply is sufficient for these specifications, or would an upgrade be required? Thank you!
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BigHaza
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM #1

Let me be direct; here’s a list of my components:

A Twin Frozr GTX 970 graphics card, an i5-4690k processor, 16GB of Corsair Vengeance RAM, and a 800w Fractal Design Newton power supply. I currently have approximately £1000 available. My goal is to build a computer that can smoothly play virtual reality games and run other titles at 60 frames per second in 1080p with high graphics settings. I realize this might be an ambitious request given my budget, but I’m open to saving more if necessary. Additionally, could you confirm whether my power supply is sufficient for these specifications, or would an upgrade be required? Thank you!

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tl5678
Junior Member
9
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM
#2
Your budget appears sufficient.

That CPU should easily manage a GTX 1060, and even a GTX 1070 with perhaps some minor performance limitations – it’s not significant.

Both cards perform admirably at 1080p with ultra settings and 60 frames per second. The 1060… I've noticed slight texture issues in certain cases... but it generally covers most games flawlessly on high detail.

Your power supply is adequate for the wattage, just ensure it has the correct connectors for your chosen card [most 1060s require a six-pin connector, while most 1070s need an eight-pin]. The only remaining concern is my lack of knowledge regarding Fractal Design’s quality; therefore, I wouldn't install a new graphics card on a substandard power supply. Perhaps you should investigate the supply’s reputation and read reviews before making a decision.
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tl5678
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM #2

Your budget appears sufficient.

That CPU should easily manage a GTX 1060, and even a GTX 1070 with perhaps some minor performance limitations – it’s not significant.

Both cards perform admirably at 1080p with ultra settings and 60 frames per second. The 1060… I've noticed slight texture issues in certain cases... but it generally covers most games flawlessly on high detail.

Your power supply is adequate for the wattage, just ensure it has the correct connectors for your chosen card [most 1060s require a six-pin connector, while most 1070s need an eight-pin]. The only remaining concern is my lack of knowledge regarding Fractal Design’s quality; therefore, I wouldn't install a new graphics card on a substandard power supply. Perhaps you should investigate the supply’s reputation and read reviews before making a decision.

D
Deneth_
Member
175
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM
#3
Your financial plan appears sufficient.

That processor should easily manage both a GTX 1060 and even a GTX 1070, though there might be some slight limitations (but nothing significant).

Both of those graphics cards perform exceptionally well at 1080p with ultra settings and 60 frames per second. The 1060… I’ve noticed occasional minor texture issues at this resolution... but it generally covers most games flawlessly on the highest settings.

Your power supply unit is adequate in terms of wattage, just ensure it has the correct connectors for your chosen components [Most GTX 1060s require a 6-pin connector, while most GTX 1070s need an 8-pin]. The only remaining consideration is my lack of knowledge about Fractal Design and its reliability. My suggestion is to avoid installing a new graphics card into a substandard power supply. Therefore, I recommend investigating the quality of that particular unit and reading reviews from other users.
D
Deneth_
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM #3

Your financial plan appears sufficient.

That processor should easily manage both a GTX 1060 and even a GTX 1070, though there might be some slight limitations (but nothing significant).

Both of those graphics cards perform exceptionally well at 1080p with ultra settings and 60 frames per second. The 1060… I’ve noticed occasional minor texture issues at this resolution... but it generally covers most games flawlessly on the highest settings.

Your power supply unit is adequate in terms of wattage, just ensure it has the correct connectors for your chosen components [Most GTX 1060s require a 6-pin connector, while most GTX 1070s need an 8-pin]. The only remaining consideration is my lack of knowledge about Fractal Design and its reliability. My suggestion is to avoid installing a new graphics card into a substandard power supply. Therefore, I recommend investigating the quality of that particular unit and reading reviews from other users.

V
Valtorm
Member
131
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM
#4
Considering a GeForce RTX 2070 would provide satisfactory virtual reality capabilities, I’d prioritize that component while retaining the other parts. Subsequently, if your existing central processing unit proves insufficient, a separate upgrade to the motherboard and RAM could be undertaken, likely fitting within the allocated budget.

PCPartPicker build list:
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/DhkMYT
Price details by retailer: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/DhkMYT/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – 3.4 GHz, 6-Core Processor (£143.58 from Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS ELITE ATX AM4 (£91.98 from Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 (£128.16 from Amazon UK)
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB M.2-2280 SSD (£62.98 from Amazon UK)
Graphics Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 8 GB WINDFORCE (£473.99 from CCL Computers)
Power Supply: Corsair TXM Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX (£77.48 from Amazon UK)
Total: £978.17
Prices include delivery, VAT and promotions where available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-24 19:37 GMT+0000
I am assuming you possess a hard drive and case that can be reutilized.
V
Valtorm
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM #4

Considering a GeForce RTX 2070 would provide satisfactory virtual reality capabilities, I’d prioritize that component while retaining the other parts. Subsequently, if your existing central processing unit proves insufficient, a separate upgrade to the motherboard and RAM could be undertaken, likely fitting within the allocated budget.

PCPartPicker build list:
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/DhkMYT
Price details by retailer: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/DhkMYT/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – 3.4 GHz, 6-Core Processor (£143.58 from Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS ELITE ATX AM4 (£91.98 from Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 (£128.16 from Amazon UK)
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB M.2-2280 SSD (£62.98 from Amazon UK)
Graphics Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 8 GB WINDFORCE (£473.99 from CCL Computers)
Power Supply: Corsair TXM Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX (£77.48 from Amazon UK)
Total: £978.17
Prices include delivery, VAT and promotions where available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-24 19:37 GMT+0000
I am assuming you possess a hard drive and case that can be reutilized.

N
Neidro
Senior Member
453
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM
#5
The Ryzen 7 4690K remains a viable processor presently. Invest in an effective all-in-one (AIO) cooler and overclock it significantly. Regarding the graphics card, a GeForce RTX 2060 would be a suitable choice, providing good compatibility with limited performance restrictions; further adjustments will improve its efficiency. Concerning the power supply unit (PSU), the Fractal Design Newton is perfectly adequate due to its adherence to gaming standards for stable power delivery. Allocate the remaining funds for a more extensive system upgrade in the future. Currently, your processor delivers excellent single-core speed and many games aren't optimized for six or more cores; you can maintain it as is and enjoy virtual reality without difficulty. Utilize that extra "Devils Canyon" capability and optimize it for optimal performance.
N
Neidro
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM #5

The Ryzen 7 4690K remains a viable processor presently. Invest in an effective all-in-one (AIO) cooler and overclock it significantly. Regarding the graphics card, a GeForce RTX 2060 would be a suitable choice, providing good compatibility with limited performance restrictions; further adjustments will improve its efficiency. Concerning the power supply unit (PSU), the Fractal Design Newton is perfectly adequate due to its adherence to gaming standards for stable power delivery. Allocate the remaining funds for a more extensive system upgrade in the future. Currently, your processor delivers excellent single-core speed and many games aren't optimized for six or more cores; you can maintain it as is and enjoy virtual reality without difficulty. Utilize that extra "Devils Canyon" capability and optimize it for optimal performance.

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BudNinja220
Junior Member
15
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM
#6
I’m omitting the RTX line – they were recently released and I haven't yet fully processed owning one.
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BudNinja220
02-22-2025, 08:57 AM #6

I’m omitting the RTX line – they were recently released and I haven't yet fully processed owning one.