GPU or CPU upgrade for 4k 60 on chrome

[GamingPreferred]

I recently upgraded my monitor to a 4k one. However my PC is a little long in the tooth when it comes to specs and VP9 support. It can play 4k 60 but after a few mins it starts to get very stuttery and CPU usage reaches 100%. On 1080p it's super smooth but lacks the higher resolution.

I'm totally out of touch when it comes to PC tech now. I know my current PC's CPU decodes VP9 through software as my GPU does not support hardware decoding.

I've been wanting to upgrade my CPU for a while and probably going to go for the new Ryzen 5 5600X which I know is a really good processor, when I can get my hands on it that is!

However for smooth 4k 60 would I be better upgrading my GPU instead? Or will the Ryzen be fine? Is it hardware or software decoding on CPUs these days? Does it matter?

Current specs

GPU Radeon RX 480

CPU Intel i5-6600

Any help would be appreciated

[JohnZoidberg]

I think my CPU is even older than yours. But, I have an Nvidia 1060 that does the VP9 decoding, and it works perfectly. You could put something like an Nvidia 1030 in there for less money than a new CPU – that should be able to decode VP9 nicely.

[GamingPreferred]

That suggestion is a very nice budget friendly option, I could then upgrade my CPU in a year or so as it's actually fine.

I don't know if you'd know but how does the 1060 or even 1030 compare to my current card? I wouldn't really want to downgrade what I have, just so I can play the PC games I currently have. So I'd rather spend a little more than downgrade, if you know what I mean?

Saying that it looks like availability is troublesome for those cards too!

[GamingPreferred · Accepted solution]

So I'm thinking about something like this as it doesn't seem that anyone is selling the 1060.

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-geforce-gtx-1650-super-phoenix-oc-4gb-gddr6-vr-ready-graphics-c...

That way I can improve what I have without breaking the bank and just not bother with a new CPU, which I had budgeted around £500.

I also found this link helpful https://developer.nvidia.com/video-encode-and-decode-gpu-support-matrix-new 

Thanks for your help @JohnZoidberg 

[JohnZoidberg]

Hello @GamingPreferred 

That 1650 Super looks really nice – I'm considering that same card for a build my son wants to put together. 

[GamingPreferred]

@JohnZoidberg 

Yeah it was between that and the 1660 Super but I just didn't think the extras £65 was worth it given that the 1650S is a slightly better GPU than my current one and I really do doubt I'll be buying PC games going forward