Upgrading From an Intel i5-3340 and a 1060 3GB to an RTX 2060: Should You Upgrade Your CPU?
As an SEO expert for Google, I have analyzed the performance and compatibility of your current hardware configuration. You currently own an Intel i5-3340 and a GTX 1060 3GB. You are considering upgrading your setup to include an RTX 2060. However, you are uncertain if your current CPU is holding back your GPU performance, and you are hesitating whether to upgrade the CPU.
The Current Bottleneck: Why an i5-3340 May Be Holding Back Your GPU
Your current CPU (Intel i5-3340) has a 4-core/4-thread configuration. While this processor is capable of supporting many basic tasks, modern GPUs such as the RTX 2060 are more powerful and can process complex graphics tasks more efficiently. When a GPU is paired with a CPU that has limited processing power, it can become the bottleneck, limiting the overall performance of your system.
For this specific scenario, having only 4 threads can pose challenges to the RTX 2060, which can utilize more cores for rendering and processing. This can result in lower frame rates (FPS) during gaming and other high-demand activities. However, there is still some performance improvement to be expected. The RTX series of GPUs is designed to work more efficiently with a multi-core CPU, which could lead to a significant increase in FPS.
Alternatives to an i5-3340: Hyperthreading and a Higher Clock Speed
If you’re considering an upgrade to your CPU, you might be interested in the older Xeon E3-1270 V2. This processor offers 8 threads, hyperthreading, and a clock speed of 3.9 GHz. While the price of the i5-3340 can range from $100 to $120, the Xeon E3-1270 V2 is much more affordable, costing around $50 to $60 USD. This Xeon processor can provide a better balance between performance and cost without pushing your budget too high.
Waiting for the RTX 3000 Series: A Better Long-Term Investment
While upgrading your CPU may provide some benefit to your current setup, it’s worth considering the long-term investment. The upcoming RTX 3000 series GPUs, such as the RTX 3060, will offer even better performance and efficiency. Given that the second-hand prices of these GPUs are dropping, it might be more prudent to wait for the launch of the RTX 3000 series before making any significant changes to your hardware.
Currently, you can find second-hand RTX 2080 Ti GPUs for around $400, which were priced at around $1000 a few months ago. While this is still a substantial investment, waiting for the RTX 3000 series could potentially save you money and ensure that your system remains future-proof for several years to come.
Conclusion
In summary, while upgrading your CPU to the Xeon E3-1270 V2 may provide some benefit to your current system, it is not necessarily the best investment if your ultimate goal is better GPU performance. Consider waiting for the launch of the RTX 3000 series GPUs, as these new models will offer improved performance and better value. In the meantime, the savings from waiting could be reinvested in other areas of your setup or saved for future upgrades.
Additional Tips
Before making any hardware changes, ensure that your motherboard is compatible with the new CPU. Additionally, monitor your cooling system, as more powerful CPUs and GPUs can generate more heat. A robust cooling solution will be essential to maintaining system stability and performance.