What is the most suitable GPU upgrade?
What is the most suitable GPU upgrade?
I’m considering a GPU upgrade. I recently switched from Windows 10 to Ubuntu Studio to avoid Windows 11. For now, I’m using an older PC (i7-6700k) with Windows 10 and Adobe photo editing software until I can find a Linux-based solution. No email or web access is allowed on the Windows 10 machine.
I’m currently running Ubuntu Studio for photo editing and some video work (Davinci Resolve). My regular computer handles email, browsing, and light gaming—anything above 60Hz is unnecessary for me.
What GPU recommendations do you have? I’m open to used models and want something affordable.
System details:
CPU: i7-6900k overclocked to 4.2 GHz (all 8 cores)
GPU: GTX 1070 Ti with 8GB RAM
Monitors: Three Asus ProArt 27" displays at 2560 x 1440 via Display Port, refresh 60Hz
Storage: 128 GB SSD/HDD
PSU: Age included, BIOS version available
Motherboard: Not specified
Chassis: Not specified
OS: Not specified
Monitor: Included
Recommendations: Any suggestions for a useful GPU upgrade?
Location: Not provided
Budget: Not specified
Preferred purchase location: Not mentioned
What does "light gaming" refer to in your thoughts? Which titles are involved?
Can the present GPU handle such a reduced gaming workload?
What frame rates are typical for some of your preferred games?
How much would you be prepared to invest in a new GPU upgrade?
Lutfij - I believed I had captured most of the important details, but here’s additional information if it’s significant:
CPU: i7-6900k
CPU cooler: Nocuta air cooler NH D-15 (two fans and 12 pipes)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A II
Ram: 128 GB CORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4 2400 (PC4 19200)
SSD/HDD: Numerous options available, but the boot drive is a Samsung 500Gb M.2 NVME
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti
PSU: CORSAIR RMi Series RM1000i 1000W 80 PLUS GOLD Haswell Ready Full Modular ATX12V & EPS12V SLI and Crossfire Ready Power Supply with C-Link Monitoring and Control
Chassis: Corsair Carbide Series 330R Blackout Edition CC-9011076-WW Black Steel, ATX Mid-Tower
OS: Linux Ubuntu Studio
Monitor: Three Asus ProArt 27" displays @ 2560 x 1440 each via Display Port, refresh rate 60Hz
The age of the PSU is approximately nine years.
BIOS version for your motherboard: Version 1401
SkyNetRising-
Games are not a top concern; the current setup is satisfactory for Fortnight. My main focus is on how a stronger GPU could enhance photo and video editing, ensuring good Ubuntu support.
Budget? Around $200 to $300. It seems unlikely to justify spending heavily on such an older system.
COL Geek-
That’s correct. I should have expressed it more clearly. A reasonable upgrade from the GTX 1070 Ti would be ideal.
LordVile-
I respectfully disagree.
This option fits within the specified budget and would represent a suitable enhancement.
Photo editing on GPU likely isn't crucial.
For video editing, does your Linux video editor support GPU acceleration?
Which programs are you employing?
For video editing I am working with Davinci Resolve. It's a fresh install, so I haven't tested its performance on Linux versus Windows 10. I'm just pleased it functions.
In photo editing, I've observed some variations using the older 6700k system in Lightroom. It seems quite smooth, allowing me to move quickly with selection brushes and accumulate several clicks in a short time—about 10-15 seconds for larger selections. I'm not certain if this is due to CPU or GPU limitations.
(edit)
I also keep wondering how the GPU RAM and speed are affected when using three 2560x1440 screens side by side. With just one screen, it handles 3,686,400 pixels; with three, it jumps to 11,059,200 pixels.
When considering the RTX 5060, ensure your budget allows for it.