Choosing a processor after switching from Haswell is tricky.
Choosing a processor after switching from Haswell is tricky.
Hey there, first-time poster! I’ve been exploring numerous benchmarks for recent processors—like the 10th Gen Intel lineup, Zen 2 and Zen 3—and now I’m stuck deciding what’s best value. My current i7-4790 (non-K) isn’t performing well in modern games, so I’m thinking about an upgrade. I’m planning to replace it with a new CPU, along with a motherboard and RAM. Right now I own an RTX 2060 SUPER, but I’m eyeing the 3070 or 3080 as future options.
I mostly shop at a local Microcenter in Dallas, which offers great deals. I’m hoping to buy everything there. My main goal is at least an 8-core/16-thread processor, since I occasionally run workload tasks (mostly gaming). I also want extra core headroom for the long haul, given my current machine has been running for about six years.
My budget is flexible, but I’m targeting processors under $450. Power usage isn’t a big issue thanks to my RM-850X PSU.
Here’s what I’m considering:
- An i7-10700K for $320—great for gaming until Zen 3 came out.
- An i9-9900K for $300, similar performance but cooling concerns.
- An i9-10850K for $400, which is essentially a lower-end 10910K.
- On the AMD side: Ryzen 7-3700X around $270—good value for gaming.
- Ryzen 9-3900X at $400, though it’s not ideal for heavy workloads.
- I’m waiting to see if Zen 3 brings down prices for the 10850K.
I’m also thinking about the Ryzen 7-5800X as a potential pick.
My main question is: would a new processor make a noticeable difference in gaming, especially at 1440p/144Hz? I’d love some advice on this decision. Thanks for your help!
After accounting for the motherboard price, the numbers balance out. The Z490 isn't inexpensive—opt for a decent B450 board around 120.
When operating under high demands of 75-85% at 1080p or higher, the CPU strain doesn't drop noticeably like in lower resolutions. Even with 1440p or 4K, performance remains affected, especially for demanding games that expect multi-core processing. While FPS may decrease slightly, the real issue isn't just visual quality but sustained CPU consumption. On a system with a 4.8Ghz GPU paired with a 4790K monitor, reaching those limits still causes noticeable CPU pressure, particularly when running high-end titles at 60-75fps. The problem persists regardless of browser or software usage—just the game and its drivers. This is why upgrades like Zen+ (available soon) are worth considering.