Upgrading your CPU? Need some guidance.
Upgrading your CPU? Need some guidance.
I built this system a few years ago using an i5-6500, GTX1060, 6GB RAM, and an MSI Z170A board. I’m currently playing shooters and got confused because I recently bought an 8GB GTX1080 Founders Edition for $310. After installing it, I realized my current CPU is a bottleneck. I looked for compatible options and ended up getting an i7-7700K for $500. Now I’m considering a full upgrade since the parts are outdated and seem overpriced. My motherboard is also a bit older. I think the CPU I got was released in 2017, and for the price I paid, it might have been better. I’m thinking about returning it if I decide to go that route. Any advice would be appreciated!
I’ve been comparing AMD and the Ryzen 7 3700X to the i7 7700K. It looks like the Ryzen is better, newer, and about $150 cheaper. I could also get a brand new 2060 with 6GB for roughly the same cost as a used 2-year-old 1080, even though it’s only 2GB less. What do you think?
You made a poor purchase decision. You have a few alternatives: 1. The 7700k remains decent, performing better than newer Ryzen chips in some titles and lagging only slightly in others. It's especially strong when overclocked—keep it, use it, and don't let pride get in the way. Revisit your choice later. The GTX 1080 stays mostly functional at 1440p—retain it and stick with it. 2. Consider selling the 7700k and 1080, then invest in a more balanced setup like a Ryzen 5 3600 and a 5700xt. Still, you'll likely lose money. 3. Option 1 is the most sensible since it avoids overspending.