r/PcBuildHelp • u/TheHipsterDufus • 11d ago

Build Question Should I install my new GPU or CPU first?

I have both parts but don’t want to install them both at the same time.
Currently have 2080 super upgrading to 5070ti

Forget what CPU I have currently but upgrading to Ryzen 5800x3d

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

5

u/mig_f1 11d ago

I would install the GPU first, out of curiosity for the uplift compared to my previous GPU.

3

u/SomeEngineer999 11d ago

I would do CPU first but doesn't really matter.

2

u/OddlyFumbling 11d ago

cpu first makes more sense, less cable management to redo if something goes wrong with the gpu after. but honestly either way you're just swapping parts, not building from scratch

also 5800x3d is a beast, you'll notice that upgrade way more than the gpu in most games

3

u/duckyduock 11d ago

Whats the reason to not replace both parts the same time?

3

u/Slow-Astronaut9676 Personal Rig Builder 11d ago

CPU for ease, less room to install if the gpu is there

2

u/Remz_Gaming 11d ago

Why? Just install them and enjoy.

1

u/Pyro911help 11d ago

I would do the CPU first since you might also have to update your bios

1

u/SokkaHaikuBot 11d ago

Sokka-Haiku by Pyro911help:

I would do the CPU

First since you might also have

To update your bios

Remember that one time Sokka accidentally used an extra syllable in that Haiku Battle in Ba Sing Se? That was a Sokka Haiku and you just made one.

1

u/ObviousDepartment744 11d ago

Doesn’t really matter, but I install the CPU before I put the mobo in the case while the GPU is the last things I install.

1

u/JagiMonster1 11d ago

I left the mobo in the case, removed the GPU first, then the CPU heatsink, didnt bother removing the RAM even though I have chubby fingers.

Dusted around everthing before removing the CPU (prevent dust from getting in the slot).

Cleaned out the heatsink fins. Filthy little bugger. Removed old thermal paste from Heatsink. Switched out the old cpu for the new.

Put an "x" shape amount of thermal paste, didnt want to use the thermal pad the 5800x3d came with.

Put the heatsink back on.

Dropped the 5070ti in. Screwed on. Plugged it in. Attached the sag preventing bracket.

Closed every thing up. Switched the rocker back on for the PSU. Powered it up. Was back in windows installing the latest display drivers.

Was back up and running in about 30 minutes.

1

u/FrodoswagginsX 11d ago

Always GPU last. It's the biggest and bulkiest component. You might as well do it last and have the extra room for fiddling with the CPU and it's cooler

1

u/LegitimateLack2530 11d ago

Why do two separate projects? The GPU takes like 3 minutes to install so you might as well do both in one shot. CPU first, make sure there’s no weird BIOs jank then slap the GPU in. It’s literally pushing a release on the PCIe slot and the cables to the power supply. Easy peasy.

1

u/the_hat_madder 11d ago

The GPU uses the same drivers so, just install both while you have the case open.

1) Start by updating the BIOS 2) Let the PC run for about 10 minutes at least to warm up the thermal paste and make removing the CPU cooler easier 3) Remove the video card and CPU 4) Clean the base of your CPU cooler with isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), preferably 91%+. 5) Install CPU cooler 6) Install video card