Best GPU for an i7-8700 without bottleneck?
Posted by Jul1an_Gut1errez_777@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Hi, I'm looking for a GPU for my PC and I'm not sure what the best option would be
My CPU is an Intel Core i7-8700 (not K), and a GTX 1650 so I would like to upgrade it to a more current gpu. I've seen some posts mentioning something like the RTX 4090 or the RX 6600
I don't really have a budget limit. I just want the most powerful GPU possible that won't have a significant bottleneck with this processor.
mdnightman94@reddit
depends on refresh rate and resolution
unless you are targeting less than 120fps though you will be bottlenecked hard by that cpu as my 10700k holds my 5080 back in bf6 and arc raiders depending on action.
so probably something like a 3080, 4070 or 5060ti for nvidia. dont know much about amd gpu these days but whatever the equivalent to those nvidia gpu id say for that brand
Technova_SgrA@reddit
Despends on your chosen resolution, your monitors max refresh rate, what games you play, and whether you are ok with frame gen.
I play 4k with dlss, use a lot of frame gen, and play mostly aaa games on a 4k240 hz monitor and an 8700k does fine with a 5070 ti.
I also have a 5070 ti 7700x system (paired with a 4k 144 hz tv) and am putting together a comparison. (Updating): https://imgur.com/a/CNhpU4c
Big-Salamander-2158@reddit
I would go for a 9060xt 16gb, good card that should last you a long time. The cpu shouldn’t limit it too much, and if you’re perfectly balancing it, you’re just buying something to be replaced soon again. An rx 6600 for example, also turns 6 years old this year.
prank_mark@reddit
A 9060 XT 16GB is the best option here
kawaii_Summoner@reddit
The best GPU for an i7-8700 is a 5090, played a 4k resolution. Every other card will have a larger CPU bottleneck
FortDragCartel@reddit
Extremely incorrect information here...
Naerven@reddit
Every computer ever built has had multiple bottlenecks. That's just how they work. It's likely you never even noticed your current bottlenecks.
That said I would be willing to grab something like a RTX5070 or RX9070 along with a 1440p monitor with your build.
FortDragCartel@reddit
This information is incorrect. Not a good idea unless they're exclusively playing high resolution at a locked 60...and that point, why buy a 5070?
Here's a good video explaining this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DfGNPiNTuM
A 3060/3060ti would be the highest I'd go, depending on what games you play.
Slight_Profession_50@reddit
OP will probably get some serious CPU bottlenecking in games with those. The 8700 is pretty old now.
monkeybusiness64@reddit
Works if target is 60 fps in nearly all titles
Glad_Razzmatazz8004@reddit
Hey!
You don’t need anything close to an RTX 4090 for that CPU.
With an i7-8700, going ultra high-end will just waste performance—especially at 1080p, where the CPU becomes the limit.
The sweet spot is mid-range:
So:
Anything above this tier (like 3080 or 4090) is just overkill unless you plan a full platform upgrade soon. On the other hand, you need a new PSU too, around 650-750W from a trusted manufacturer at least bronze quality
SatisfactionKlutzy18@reddit
I would say the 9060xt 16gb is your friend here and likely the highest you can go. There may be some bottlenecks here and there but the 8700 should keep up well with it.
It’s basically the equivalent of pairing the 8700 with a 3070 Ti with 16gb of VRAM
blackburn26@reddit
It depends on the monitor you're gaming on and the limitations of your current PSU. And despite being outdated, the i7-8700 is still very capable.
Ponald-Dump@reddit
If you don’t have a budget then upgrade your cpu/motherboard as well. If you don’t want to, then stop worrying about bottlenecks and get the best GPU you can reasonably afford
Marty5020@reddit
I'd go for a 3060 or 3060Ti if I were you. For 1080p it should be pretty balanced overall.
Pragitya@reddit
You said a RTX 4090 and a RX 6600 is the same sentence…. Are you even sane?
Why do you think of using a 4090 with an ancient processor. If you have the money why not upgrade everything
system3295@reddit
just upgrade your pc entirely if you do not have a budget limit
Curun@reddit
why?
Then also do your CPU/mainboard
Hawk7117@reddit
I wouldn't go above about a 3070/3080, and even then there will likely be a small bottleneck in most games at 1080p. A 4090 is out of the question if avoiding a bottleneck is a priority.
If playing at 1440p your options open up quite a bit, but in general I would say anything from the 2070< would be a solid pick.