Which Should You Upgrade First: CPU or GPU?

Are you wondering whether your CPU or GPU is holding back your PC’s performance? It’s a common dilemma when upgrading your computer, especially on a budget. But fear not, we have some key takeaways to help you figure out which component you should upgrade first.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand the roles of your CPU and GPU. The CPU handles core computing processes, while the GPU manages graphics-related tasks. To determine which component is bottlenecking your PC, you can run tests using tools like MSI Afterburner to monitor performance.

If your GPU usage is consistently below 85 percent while playing games, it’s likely that your CPU is the bottleneck. On the other hand, if your GPU struggles to maintain 60FPS with usage above 90 percent, you may need to upgrade your graphics card.

Monitoring your CPU usage in Task Manager can also provide insights into whether your CPU is holding back your PC, especially during basic tasks like web browsing. Grouping apps by CPU usage can help identify resource-intensive applications.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your CPU or GPU first depends on the games you play and the resolutions you play them at. CPU-intensive games like esports titles may benefit from a faster processor, while AAA games at higher resolutions may require a more powerful graphics card.

Whether you opt for a new CPU like the Ryzen 7800X3D or a graphics card upgrade to an RTX 4080, knowing which component to prioritize can help you make the most of your PC upgrade. So, assess your PC’s performance and make an informed decision to enhance your gaming experience.