Should I upgrade my graphics card for older games?

master68 RU 📗 Student 👁 39 ⚑ Report PC Games

I've got a GTX 1660 Super, and I love replaying old classics like Elden Ring on max settings. Graphics cards have gotten more expensive, but I'm not sure if it's worth upgrading if new hardware costs so much. What do you think, is it worth it?

5 answers

★ Best answer

A GTX 1660 Super handles Elden Ring just fine on max settings - you definitely don't need to upgrade unless you want to play the latest AAA titles on ultra. If your budget's tight, it makes sense to wait for GPU prices to drop or for cheaper new models to come out - the old classics aren't going anywhere. Your graphics card does the job, so there's no rush.

Don't chase the latest stuff just for old games - that's the most common mistake. A GTX 1660 Super handles classics just fine, even on high settings, because those games were designed for hardware that was relevant a few years ago.

I had a similar situation: an old laptop with a mid-range GPU still ran the games I actually played regularly without issues. But when I finally upgraded for new releases - that's when you could really see the difference. The thing is, an upgrade only makes sense if you're already hitting performance limits right now, not just because the price dropped or a new model came out.

If Elden Ring runs well and you're happy with the performance overall, keep saving. Upgrade when you find a game you actually want to play that starts to struggle.

# The main rule: if your card already runs the games you want at your desired settings, buying a new one is just throwing money away. Your 1660 Super is built for exactly this kind of task, and even classic games from recent years were designed with less powerful hardware in mind. There's no point paying for performance you're not using.

That said, there's a catch: if you're already seeing framedrops below a comfortable level in certain spots, or you have to sacrifice details you actually want to see, then it stops being a rhetorical question. But if Elden Ring at max settings is just a pretty picture you like, not a reason to upgrade - wait. The GPU market is volatile; things could shift in six months to a year.

Here's a practical tip: before you buy anything, run a benchmark of a game where you actually have real problems, but dial down the graphics settings to something easier first. A lot of the time turning off one or two effects gives you +30 FPS with barely any visual loss. Sometimes that'll save you from upgrading for years.

I used to give in to temptation and wanted to upgrade just because everyone around me was talking about the new cards, but then I actually did the math - turned out my hardware handles everything I play just fine! Your 1660 Super is perfect for old classics, and there's no point spending money if the fps and quality satisfy you. Upgrade only when you start playing new AAA games on ultra, but for now just ignore the hype talk - you're happy with yourself and your games, so everything's good!

Don't fall for the manufacturers' marketing - they'll always tell you your hardware is outdated, even if it works perfectly fine. I had a similar moment: I was watching reviews of new releases with basically the same card, started doubting myself, and then just launched my favorite games and realized everything was running the way it should, no lag or stuttering.

Your 1660 Super really doesn't need replacing if it's giving you the fps you need at the settings you want. Old classics like Elden Ring have been optimized for ages, and your card is perfect for them. Better to hold off on upgrading for a couple of years than pay extra for something you definitely won't use.

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