Upgrading Your GPU and System: A Comprehensive Guide
Deciding how to upgrade your gaming rig can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to selecting a new GPU. If you've been using an RTX 2060 OC Super, you're curious about what might be a good next step. In this guide, I'll provide you with a thorough analysis of potential upgrades, along with recommended options to ensure your gaming experience doesn't suffer.
Current GPU Market and Considerations
The current GPU market is in a state of flux, with the next-gen releases still pending. This can make it challenging to decide on an upgrade. The RTX 2060 Super, while still capable, struggles with 1440p resolutions. It's advisable to hold off until the next-gen offerings from both AMD and Nvidia are more widely available and well-reviewed.
Optimal Upgrade Strategy
Upgrading your GPU should not be a hasty decision. It's recommended that you look for a card with at least 50% better performance than your current GPU. This ensures you're getting a decent return on investment. Here are some recommendations based on your current setup:
Nvidia Options
Nvidia is currently offering limited options for upgrade enthusiasts. While the RTX 3070Ti is a promising candidate, it still lacks the VRAM that modern games require. Given the VRAM limitations, consider waiting for the upcoming RTX 4070, which promises 12GB of VRAM and a 192-bit bus. Alternatively, you might find a used RTX 3080Ti or the rare 12GB version of the 3080 for better value and performance.
AMD Options
AMD presents a clearer path to upgrade with their RX 6800 series. The RX 6800 or RX 680T will offer significant performance increases over your 2060 Super, with the additional benefit of having twice as much VRAM. While the RX 6700 XT is a tempting option, its performance is not quite sufficient to warrant an upgrade over your RTX 2060 Super.
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Recommendations
Upgrading your GPU will likely require a better PSU to support the increased power demands. Modern GPUs are power-hungry, and a mid-range PSU can become insufficient quickly. A 750W PSU is a reasonable starting point, but a 850W PSU is even safer. This way, you won't have to worry about upgrading your PSU when you decide to upgrade your GPU in the future. The extra 100W of power ensures a safe upgrade without the need for frequent replacements.
RAM Upgrade Considerations
Currently, you have 16GB of Corsair Vengeance RAM. While this is sufficient for 1080p gaming, if you plan to play at higher resolutions or take graphic quality settings to the max, you might want to consider upgrading to 32GB of RAM. RAM is crucial for maintaining smooth gameplay, especially when running multiple applications or when running demanding games.
Resolution and Performance Balance
Your choice of GPU will depend significantly on the resolution you plan to play at. For 1080p, the RTX 3060Ti offers excellent value and performance, representing a decent upgrade from your RTX 2060 Super. As you move to higher resolutions, the cost of the GPU increases. Beyond 1080p, gaming performance peaks at around 120-144fps, making additional performance increases less impactful.