Should I consider a new system or an upgrade?
Should I consider a new system or an upgrade?
Should I consider an upgrade?
I recently installed a 32GB DDR4 4200MHz RAM.
I only play certain games.
CS 2, Pub G, Rainbow 6 Siege, COD.
Do I need to purchase a new system or just upgrade some components?
Brand
ABS
Series
Panzer-G
Model
ALI229
Quick Info
Type
Gaming & Entertainment
Usage
Consumer
Processor
Intel Core i7-8700K 3.70 GHz
Processor Main Features
64 bit 6-Core Processor
Cache Per Processor
12 MB L3 Cache
Memory
32 GB DDR4 2400 MHz
Added 32GB DDR 4200MHz
Storage
2 TB 7200 RPM HDD + 480 GB SSD
Removed upper HD
Two SSDs: 2TB and 1TB
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11 GB
Power Supply
700W
Case
COUGAR Panzer-G (3 x 120 mm LED fans)
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64-Bit
Special Features
AIO Liquid Cooled 240 mm
Motherboard
Chipset
Intel Z370
CPU
CPU Type
Intel Core i7 8th Gen
CPU Speed
8700K (3.70GHz)
L3 Cache Per CPU
12 MB
CPU Main Features
64 bit 6-Core Processor
Graphics
GPU/VGA Type
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Video Memory
11 GB GDDR5X
Virtual Reality Ready
Yes
Memory
Memory Capacity
64GB DDR4
Memory Speed
DDR4 2400
Memory Spec
16 GB x 2
Storage
SSD
480 GB
HDD
2TB
HDD RPM
7200rpm
Communications
LAN Speed
10/100/1000Mbps
WLAN
Wireless AC600
Front Panel Ports
Front USB
2 x USB 3.0
2 x USB 2.0
Front Audio Ports
2
Back Panel Ports
PS/2
1
Video Ports
2 x Native HDMI 2.0
2 x Native DisplayPort 1.4
Rear USB
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A
2 x USB 2.0
RJ45
1 port
Rear Audio Ports
3 ports
Expansion
PCI Slots (Available/Total)
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (support x16, x8/x4+x4*)
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1, x2 and x4 devices)
* For 3 Intel SSD on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold separately) into the PCIeX16_1 slot, enable this card under BIOS settings.
4 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
Mouse
Mouse Type
USB Mouse
Keyboard
Keyboard Type
USB Keyboard
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions (H x W x D)
22.24" x 8.18" x 20.47"
Additional Information
Date First Available
December 31, 2018
If you're looking to replace your CPU, you'll need to modify the motherboard. Which monitor are you planning to use? Where are you purchasing the new components, and what is your budget? I recommend following this guide: *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* This advice is based on the original post about seeking upgrade guidance. It was adapted from a previous forum thread discussing similar requests. You can find more details on forums.
First it really depends on if your current system has issues playing the games. Be very careful to not get into the trap thinking slightly higher frame rate is somehow going make you a win more in shooter games.
Although you likely could put a 9000 series cpu in the board with the correct bios it is very hard to say if that is a good investment. The cpu chip itself will cost as much if not more than the most current generation. This is likely because they don't make the chips any more. But it will still be cheaper than buying a new motherboard and new memory that the newer cpu would require. If you can get a used cpu chip that would be different.
The video card is much more of a challenge. A 1080ti was a top of the line card and you pay like $700 for it. Now days you spend $700 and it only gets you a middle of pack card. It will still of course be faster than a 1080ti. Unlike cpu where you get a lot more cpu power for just a small amount more video cards if the performance doubles you almost pay double.
It mostly depends on money I guess. If you were to spend money to upgrade how long would you be satisfied with it compared to buying a completely new machine.
Does your present setup provide you with a satisfactory gaming experience? What graphics settings are you using? Is an upgrade financially feasible for you? Your current setup is acceptable as long as it meets your needs, but a significant upgrade would involve replacing the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and possibly memory (especially if you move to DDR5), which would not be inexpensive. If this is the case, it looks like you're generally content with your existing performance.
Games are constrained by either the CPU or the GPU.
Play your games but reduce resolution and visual effects.
This slightly strains the graphics card.
An increase in FPS suggests your CPU is powerful enough for better graphics settings.
If FPS remains unchanged, you’re likely more CPU-bound.
What is the model and specifications of your 700W PSU?
If it’s not high quality, it might restrict the GPU upgrade options.
The 8700K was a strong processor back then. Unfortunately, you’ll need a better motherboard to support a stronger CPU.
Your existing DDR4 RAM can still be used.
Your games appear to rely heavily on CPU performance and are mostly single-threaded.
Run the CPU-Z benchmark on your 8700K; you should see a score around 641:
https://valid.x86.fr/bench/rlnqcz/1
What is your budget?
A $250 I5-14500 would achieve a score of 795:
https://valid.x86.fr/bench/unqm4d
I think it's time for a change. You might consider using the DDR4 4200 in a 14700k configuration with a DDR4 Z790 board to cut costs. You'll need the CPU, board, GPU, and power supply, at least.
Here are some general 2k budget builds you can consider if you’re starting fresh with a new system:
AMD:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor
($386.56 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler
($42.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
ASRock B650E PG RIPTIDE WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
($189.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB Video Card
($799.99 @ B&H)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case
($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total:
$1899.49
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
Intel:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-14700K 3.4 GHz 20-Core Processor
($389.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler
($42.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($237.41 @ Amazon)
Memory:
G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6800 CL34 Memory
($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB Video Card
($799.99 @ B&H)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case
($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total:
$1960.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and any applicable discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-01-31 14:23 EST-0500
When considering the games you engage in, the variety is quite limited. If you decide to move forward with the latest AAA titles that are more challenging, the only real upgrade would be a newer GPU. On your existing setup, it serves two roles. It allows you to extend the life of your current components while also acting as a foundation for future upgrades, ensuring you’re ready when the time comes. It simplifies the process of purchasing all components at once compared to spreading them over time. If you’re ready for a complete new system, go ahead. However, with the games you currently play, it’s perfectly fine to stay as is.
I believe the latest CoD titles are quite challenging. It seems to depend on the chosen settings, resolution, and the performance standards they aim to meet. The original poster should provide further details.