What GPU would you pair with an i7 4790k without being ba ridiculous mismatch?

I helped someone build 2 PCs for themself and their spouse, and in return they gave me some spare parts they had lying around.

Those spare parts ended up including an i7 4790k, motherboard, and RAM.

i understand it’s not 2014 anymore and that CPU is old right now, but I’d like to turn it into a modest gaming machine and give/sell it to someone as a cheap first gaming desktop.

I’m in the US. My first thought was something like a 1070, or an RX 580, but looking around Offerup there’s also a few 1660s and 5600 XTs for cheap as well.

Looking for ideas for 1080p gaming. Ideally something that will be slightly bottlenecked by the CPU/RAM so that when the buyer upgrades the CPU/RAM/MB the GPU will still be relevant.

7 points

They are all good options. I wouldn’t worry about future upgrades and just get something spec appropriate like a 1070, 1660 Super or even a RX590.

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4 points

Don’t worry about bottlenecks, get the fastest card you can with the budget.

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4 points

I think you’re spot on, any GPU around the 1070 and RX 580 era would work. I still run a 6gb 1060 and can still play most things (albeit at lower settings - looking at you, The Last of Us). You can find a used 1060 for under $100 now.

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2 points

Thank you!

I wouldn’t buy a 1070 for more than $100 in the US, let alone a 1060. There are a few 1660s around me near the $100 mark, and due to the pervasive Nvidia tax, much stronger AMD GPUs like the 5600 XT and 5700 can be had for under 140 even when the Nvidia equivalents (2060, 2070) are going for 200

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4 points

I had the same CPU paired with a RX 6600 at a 16:10 1920x1200p resolution. Cyberpunk 2077 ran at high settings at 40 to 50 fps.

The card is a good value for FullHD gaming.

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1 point

Yeah a friend bought a RX 6600 and has had nothing but glowing reviews. MLB, 2K, Tekken, BG3

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2 points

A 1070 doesn’t have RTX features, so you can go with AMD or Nvidia. Just pick something around $100 that plays the games that are going to be played on it well.

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