How important is a new CPU?

bobcat1 · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:13

I've just bought a nVidia 970 upgraded from my current gtx570.

I still have an i5 2500 sandybridge.

It's going to be a while until I can splash money on upgrading mobo/cpu, but how much will I be held back in terms of the gaming I'm trying to achieve with this new 970?

Flack88 · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:17

Is it overclocked?

ExRayTed · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:18

If it's the 'K' version, not at all if you overclock

To be honest even the non clocked unit runs quick enough for today's games, assuming the rest of the system is up to the task.

Check here for some surprising results.

RJC · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:19

Hello and welcome to the forum

Is your cpu the K version?

But I doubt you have any issues with your new card with your current cpu.

stulid · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:19

Overclock it if you can.

If its a non K and a Z68/77 type board you can still tweak it to 4 speed bins higher than the minimum turbo ratio.

bobcat1 · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:21

it is the K version Z68

RJC · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:23

Start overclocking

stulid · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:24

They all do 4.5 minimum, they even do 4 on the stock cooler.

setter · 23 Jan 2015 at 21:32

RJC said:
Start overclocking

This tbh, free performance is hard to beat.