Graphic Cards GPU Upgrade Advice for CS2 & Valorant (Preferably Second-Hand)

[Shini]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently running the following setup:

• CPU: Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4
• GPU: NVIDIA Quadro K1200
• RAM: 32GB DDR4

I get 200+ FPS in Valorant, but CS2 struggles with low FPS and stuttering, even on low settings. I’m looking for a second-hand GPU that can run CS2 and Valorant smoothly at high settings with stable FPS.
Budget: ₹10,000 max, since I’m saving for another build. I also know that a mid-to-high-end GPU would bottleneck my CPU, so it’s not worth spending too much on this setup. I just need a balanced upgrade that gets the job done.
What would be the best option within this range? Open to suggestions!

Thanks in advance!

 

[bssunilreddy]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently running the following setup:

• CPU: Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4
• GPU: NVIDIA Quadro K1200
• RAM: 32GB DDR4

I get 200+ FPS in Valorant, but CS2 struggles with low FPS and stuttering, even on low settings. I’m looking for a second-hand GPU that can run CS2 and Valorant smoothly at high settings with stable FPS.
Budget: ₹10,000 max, since I’m saving for another build. I also know that a mid-to-high-end GPU would bottleneck my CPU, so it’s not worth spending too much on this setup. I just need a balanced upgrade that gets the job done.
What would be the best option within this range? Open to suggestions!

Thanks in advance!

Do you need only nvidia?
Or
AMD is sufficient?

 

[YeAhx]

You can get a used RTX 2060 for 10k or if you add just a bit more even 2060 super/RX6600/5700XT. Though how severely they will be bottlenecked by that ancient processor is something that will depend on games. GPU depended games will run just fine but since CS2 is CPU dependent there will be severe stutters even with high max frames.
What you can do is to get GPU first then see if things are working for you or not and later sell the processor and GPU to get something like Ryzen 5500 + motherboard or better.

 

[bssunilreddy]

On nvidia side
OP can get used RTX 2060 6GB for 10k and used RTX 2060 Super 8GB for 13k.
While on AMD side
OP can get used RX 6600 8GB for 10k and used RX 6600XT 8GB for 13k
Post WTB here or check in gameloot or gamenation or in Facebook groups once.

 

[Shini]

You can get a used RTX 2060 for 10k or if you add just a bit more even 2060 super/RX6600/5700XT. Though how severely they will be bottlenecked by that ancient processor is something that will depend on games. GPU depended games will run just fine but since CS2 is CPU dependent there will be severe stutters even with high max frames.
What you can do is to get GPU first then see if things are working for you or not and later sell the processor and GPU to get something like Ryzen 5500 + motherboard or better.

Thanks for the suggestion! Yeah, I figured CS2's CPU dependence might be an issue but I mainly need something that gives me stable frames rather than just high max FPS. If CS2 is so CPU-dependent wouldn’t upgrading my GPU alone not make much of a difference? Would I still see an improvement or would the bottleneck be too severe? Also do you think a 1660 Super or RX 580 would be a more balanced choice for my setup?

 

[PunkX 75]

Thanks for the suggestion! Yeah, I figured CS2's CPU dependence might be an issue but I mainly need something that gives me stable frames rather than just high max FPS. If CS2 is so CPU-dependent wouldn’t upgrading my GPU alone not make much of a difference? Would I still see an improvement or would the bottleneck be too severe? Also do you think a 1660 Super or RX 580 would be a more balanced choice for my setup?

The GPU isn't entirely the issue. CS2 is very CPU-sensitive. Sure, a better GPU will give you better frame rates, but your 1% and .1% lows will still be garbage. Broadwell Xeons don't have good single-core performance to keep up with CS2, on a competitive level.

 

[Shini]

On nvidia side
OP can get used RTX 2060 6GB for 10k and used RTX 2060 Super 8GB for 13k.
While on AMD side
OP can get used RX 6600 8GB for 10k and used RX 6600XT 8GB for 13k
Post WTB here or check in gameloot or gamenation or in Facebook groups once.

Appreciate the recommendations! A used RTX 2060 Super or RX 6600 for around 13K sounds like a solid deal. Do you think either of them would still give good performance in CS2 despite my CPU bottleneck?
I've been looking around for various places to find a used GPU, but so far, the only reputable platform I've found with minimal to no negative reviews is TechEnclave. So, I’m just waiting until I meet the requirements to access the marketplace here. Hopefully, I can find a good deal once I get in!

 

[PunkX 75]

So, I’m just waiting until I meet the requirements to access the marketplace here.

You can buy Enclave Plus, which will give you immediate access to the marketplace with DM privileges.

 

[Shini]

The GPU isn't entirely the issue. CS2 is very CPU-sensitive. Sure, a better GPU will give you better frame rates, but your 1% and .1% lows will still be garbage. Broadwell Xeons don't have good single-core performance to keep up with CS2, on a competitive level.

That makes sense. I know Broadwell Xeons aren’t great for CS2’s single-core performance, but I’m more of a casual gamer, so as long as I can get a consistent 60 FPS at 1080p, I’ll be more than happy. I can manage a few stutters here and there. Since I’m already saving for a new build, I just need this setup to work for another year or so at max. Do you think a mid-range GPU upgrade would at least help me reach that goal?

 

[PunkX 75]

That makes sense. I know Broadwell Xeons aren’t great for CS2’s single-core performance, but I’m more of a casual gamer, so as long as I can get a consistent 60 FPS at 1080p, I’ll be more than happy. I can manage a few stutters here and there. Since I’m already saving for a new build, I just need this setup to work for another year or so at max. Do you think a mid-range GPU upgrade would at least help me reach that goal?

In that scenario, you can go ahead with something like a used 5700XT/1080 for around 10k. Do NOT buy 6 GB cards like the 2060/1660, even for 1080p.

 

[Shini]

You can buy Enclave Plus, which will give you immediate access to the marketplace with DM privileges.

Yeah, I saw that it’s only ₹150, which isn’t much, but since I’m not in a rush and will only need the marketplace for a one-time purchase, I’d rather just wait it out. If needed, I’ll go that route later. Appreciate the suggestion!

In that scenario, you can go ahead with something like a used 5700XT/1080 for around 10k. Do NOT buy 6 GB cards like the 2060/1660, even for 1080p.

Got it, I’ll keep that in mind. I was considering a 1660 Super or 2060, but if 6GB VRAM isn’t enough even for 1080p, I’ll steer clear. A used 5700XT or 1080 for around 10K sounds like a solid option—appreciate the suggestion!

 

[YeAhx]

If you buy a card that's on a higher end it's not like you can't lower power limit or increase in game resolution to stress the card enough so that your CPU will not be pegged at 100% usage all the time (which in turn will reduce the amount of severe stutters). Buying a low-med tier GPU will just ensure you don't reach that level with your current processor. There will still be stutters that are related to weaker IPC of the processor though.

Like I said you will have to see it for yourself how much capable that processor from 2015 is. I do not think you will have a good time with any configuration until you balance both CPU and GPU.
To show you how severely CPU dependent CS2 is look at this video below.

This is a 7800X3D processor being 40-55% utilized running CS2 bot match (bots are least stressful for processor) with a RX6400 GPU. 7800X3D costs 42k new BTW whereas you can get RX6400 for 4k-5k used. (apple to orange comparison I know but look at the price difference)

Remember, why wait a year when you upgrade it now? Sell it back if you need to upgrade again. People are always looking for a deal here.

 

[theagilecoder]

I was in the same boat as you. With a way weaker cpu than yours (i5 6600K quad core) paired with a 11gb 1080Ti.
Decent FPS but nothing great and struggling in newer AAA titles and choppy 1% low FPS - I just thought my CPU is too weak for the GPU
Then I got to know about Nvidia CPU Driver Overhead issue as highlighted by HWUnboxed
I exchanged my 1080Ti with 6600XT. Even though they are considered to have same perf, I am getting 20-30% more FPS but more importantly way smoother 1% lows.
You can look at it yourself :
Imgur Link

 

[jaswanth2703]

cs2 became very intensive unlike csgo. The resolution you play also matters very much. what resolution do you play at?

 

[YeAhx]

I was in the same boat as you. With a way weaker cpu than yours (i5 6600K quad core) paired with a 11gb 1080Ti.
Decent FPS but nothing great and struggling in newer AAA titles and choppy 1% low FPS - I just thought my CPU is too weak for the GPU
Then I got to know about Nvidia CPU Driver Overhead issue as highlighted by HWUnboxed
I exchanged my 1080Ti with 6600XT. Even though they are considered to have same perf, I am getting 20-30% more FPS but more importantly way smoother 1% lows.
You can look at it yourself :
Imgur Link

This video is 4 years old now, is the issue still same? This topic needs a serious revisit. I didn't even know about this even though I frequent Hardware Unboxed videos (or at least I used to).

 

[Shini]

If you buy a card that's on a higher end it's not like you can't lower power limit or increase in game resolution to stress the card enough so that your CPU will not be pegged at 100% usage all the time (which in turn will reduce the amount of severe stutters). Buying a low-med tier GPU will just ensure you don't reach that level with your current processor. There will still be stutters that are related to weaker IPC of the processor though.

Like I said you will have to see it for yourself how much capable that processor from 2015 is. I do not think you will have a good time with any configuration until you balance both CPU and GPU.
To show you how severely CPU dependent CS2 is look at this video below.

This is a 7800X3D processor being 40-55% utilized running CS2 bot match (bots are least stressful for processor) with a RX6400 GPU. 7800X3D costs 42k new BTW whereas you can get RX6400 for 4k-5k used. (apple to orange comparison I know but look at the price difference)

Remember, why wait a year when you upgrade it now? Sell it back if you need to upgrade again. People are always looking for a deal here.

Yeah, I’m well aware that my CPU will still be a bottleneck, which is why I’m already saving for a new build. If I can get a decent GPU for cheap, I’ll pick it up and probably resell it later when upgrading. Just looking for something to make CS2 playable for the time being.

And yes due to medical reasons, I will have to wait for the upgrade

I was in the same boat as you. With a way weaker cpu than yours (i5 6600K quad core) paired with a 11gb 1080Ti.
Decent FPS but nothing great and struggling in newer AAA titles and choppy 1% low FPS - I just thought my CPU is too weak for the GPU
Then I got to know about Nvidia CPU Driver Overhead issue as highlighted by HWUnboxed
I exchanged my 1080Ti with 6600XT. Even though they are considered to have same perf, I am getting 20-30% more FPS but more importantly way smoother 1% lows.
You can look at it yourself :
Imgur Link

I hadn’t really considered the driver overhead issue before. Good to know that switching to AMD helped your 1% lows. I’ll definitely keep that in mind while looking for a used GPU,appreciate the insight!

 

[YeAhx]

Yeah, I’m well aware that my CPU will still be a bottleneck, which is why I’m already saving for a new build. If I can get a decent GPU for cheap, I’ll pick it up and probably resell it later when upgrading. Just looking for something to make CS2 playable for the time being.

And yes due to medical reasons, I will have to wait for the upgrade

I understand. Then RX5600/RX5700 should suffice.
Good luck with the upgrade. Let us know how it went.

 

[theagilecoder]

This video is 4 years old now, is the issue still same? This topic needs a serious revisit. I didn't even know about this even though I frequent Hardware Unboxed videos (or at least I used to).

Yes, the video is 4 years old but the generation of hardware it talks about is exactly the same as mine and as OPs.

As far as newer CPUs are concerned, since they have slightly higher clocks now, they can handle the game's main thread along with Nvidia's scheduler. So. its less pronounced now. As for the GPU designs, it hasnt changed -> Nvidia still expects the CPU to do the scheduling so eating some of the CPU cycles and AMD has its scheduler on-board the GPU so doesnt consume any CPU cycle. And most game engines still suck when distributing the compute across all CPU cores and just not hogging the main thread.

 

[YeAhx]

Yes, the video is 4 years old but the generation of hardware it talks about is exactly the same as mine and as OPs.

As far as newer CPUs are concerned, since they have slightly higher clocks now, they can handle the game's main thread along with Nvidia's scheduler. So. its less pronounced now. As for the GPU designs, it hasnt changed -> Nvidia still expects the CPU to do the scheduling so eating some of the CPU cycles and AMD has its scheduler on-board the GPU so doesnt consume any CPU cycle. And most game engines still suck when distributing the compute across all CPU cores and just not hogging the main thread.

Well I asked because I thought since it was driver related (for NVIDIA) things could have changed since then, even if the hardware is same. Also since we are talking about scheduling here does HAGS (Hardware accelerated GPU scheduling) come into play or not? Maybe OP can try both on and off and see which gives him more stable FPS.
None the less it seems like AMD GPUs are the way to go for builds with weaker processor.

 

[Shini]

I understand. Then RX5600/RX5700 should suffice.
Good luck with the upgrade. Let us know how it went.

Thanks! I appreciate the suggestion. I'll keep an eye out for a good deal on an RX 5600 or RX 5700. Will definitely update once I get the upgrade sorted.

Well I asked because I thought since it was driver related (for NVIDIA) things could have changed since then, even if the hardware is same. Also since we are talking about scheduling here does HAGS (Hardware accelerated GPU scheduling) come into play or not? Maybe OP can try both on and off and see which gives him more stable FPS.
None the less it seems like AMD GPUs are the way to go for builds with weaker processor.

Yeah, I actually tried HAGS, but since my GPU is much older, it didn’t really give me any performance boost. From what I’ve seen, the impact of HAGS varies a lot depending on the hardware and drivers. As for NVIDIA’s driver overhead, I was wondering the same thing, but it doesn’t seem like much has changed for older cards. And yeah, AMD GPUs do seem to work better with weaker processors in many cases.