Check the specifications for AMD 2700x 3070 3800x/xt or 9700k/9900k.
Check the specifications for AMD 2700x 3070 3800x/xt or 9700k/9900k.
I received a 3070 with poor 1080p results. Oddly, the CPU runs at only 30% usage, making it hard to tell if it's a bottleneck. Still planning an upgrade. My main use is gaming, but I occasionally do CAD/video editing, so I want solid cores (8+). I'm unsure if the 2700x is causing the low FPS and subpar performance versus others with the same chip and 3070. I have an ASRock B450M PRO4 board, which means I could upgrade to something like the 3800X/XT without a BIOS update or new motherboard—around $400 for the CPU alone. Alternatively, a 9700K for about $270 plus a $100 motherboard, or a 9900K with matching cores/threads for roughly $360 plus a $100 board. I own a Cooler Master ML240L v2- and want to ensure it handles Intel or AMD upgrades. For overclocking, aiming for at least 5 MHz instead of 5.2 would be reasonable if using Intel. Regarding the 5000-series CPUs, I’d prefer not to replace them unless necessary. If choosing Intel, should I go with the 9700K or 9900K? Would the absence of extra threads in the 9700K matter much? I just need some advice from someone with experience.
9700k is a scam and doesn't offer value. 9900k is acceptable if you secure a good price. With your B450 motherboard supporting Ryzen 5000 series, it's best to wait for the Ryzen 5000 release. Moving from Ryzen 2000 to 5000 represents a significant performance leap. If choosing Intel, you'll need to invest in a new CPU and motherboard and reinstall Windows. For AMD setups, simply replace the CPU, reapply thermal paste, and reconnect your cooler. The 5600x is decent for gaming only. The 5800x is superior due to its 8 cores and 16 threads.
Now that you note the 5000 is much more attractive, it depends on what you prioritize. Benchmarks suggest a 5600X delivers around 120 FPS in Fortnite compared to 9900K's ~150 FPS, which could be a strong choice. Alternatively, a 9900K offers higher raw performance but lacks the extra cores and threads useful for productivity tasks.
Some games may be better on Intel being the game was likely written and optimized on an Intel.... AMD has better (WAY better) performance to the watt and the 5000 series chips are just all around faster from IPC to thread count. There's no reason not to by a 5000 series AMD processor at this time. Intel can't shake a stick at it.
Intel maintains its position versus AMD in gaming, but with the Ryzen 5000 the difference in performance isn't huge—around 5 to 7 frames per second. It's not much to overlook when AMD has options available. User benchmarks can be questionable, often skewed or biased, so it's not a solid choice. A video demonstration at 5600x shows the Ryzen 5000 competing against an i7 10700K.
I understand the frustration with the slow GPU performance. I'm considering a model from the 5000 series. Have you heard about the BIOS updates for B450 motherboards?