F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Consider building AdviceDebating elements to support your upgrade route.

Consider building AdviceDebating elements to support your upgrade route.

Consider building AdviceDebating elements to support your upgrade route.

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da3skoom
Junior Member
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16
08-12-2023, 06:34 AM
#1
I'm evaluating potential upgrades for my current setup, which has been with me for over eight years. My work involves game development, frequent use of Blender and other 3D tools, plus video editing. The system is primarily used for gaming, and I enjoy playing new releases that receive positive reviews.

My current configuration includes:
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z390-F Gaming
- CPU: Intel Core i7 8700K (stock speeds)
- GPU: Gigabyte RTX-2080 8GB
- RAM: Corsair RGB PRO 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3600MHz
- Storage: 1TB Samsung 980 PRO NVME, 8TB Seagate
- Power Supply: Corsair RM850x
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- All components run at 2560x1440 resolution.

I'm considering two upgrade options:
1. Upgrade the GPU to an RTX 4080 – though the price seems excessive compared to the marginal gain.
2. Perform a full platform upgrade with a 14700K processor.

I prefer staying with Intel for now and avoid spending over $4,000 on either path. Both options are expected to land me around $1800 AUD, as both have good current availability.

Here are the parts I'm thinking about:
- GPU Upgrade: ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB – $1849 (down from $2899)
- Platform Upgrade: New motherboard Z790-F, CPU i7 14700K, RAM Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR5 6400MHz, cooling unit Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT 360mm – $599 + $639 + $199 + $329

I've tested my current system and see it performing well in CS2 with 100% GPU usage and about 30% CPU usage, averaging around 180 FPS at max settings.

Research shows both paths have pros—like moving to DDR5, supporting newer PCIe versions, and higher core performance. However, adding a 4080 might cause a noticeable CPU bottleneck, though not as severe as expected. I anticipate the platform upgrade will yield better frame rates than the GPU upgrade.

I plan to buy whichever I don’t choose, keeping both options ready for now. The LGA 1700 socket is outdated, but since I’ve used my current 1151 socket before, I’ll try to extend its life. Unless there’s a major new release soon, I’m not worried about locking into one generation.

In short, I’m undecided and would appreciate some advice to help me decide. Thanks!
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da3skoom
08-12-2023, 06:34 AM #1

I'm evaluating potential upgrades for my current setup, which has been with me for over eight years. My work involves game development, frequent use of Blender and other 3D tools, plus video editing. The system is primarily used for gaming, and I enjoy playing new releases that receive positive reviews.

My current configuration includes:
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z390-F Gaming
- CPU: Intel Core i7 8700K (stock speeds)
- GPU: Gigabyte RTX-2080 8GB
- RAM: Corsair RGB PRO 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3600MHz
- Storage: 1TB Samsung 980 PRO NVME, 8TB Seagate
- Power Supply: Corsair RM850x
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- All components run at 2560x1440 resolution.

I'm considering two upgrade options:
1. Upgrade the GPU to an RTX 4080 – though the price seems excessive compared to the marginal gain.
2. Perform a full platform upgrade with a 14700K processor.

I prefer staying with Intel for now and avoid spending over $4,000 on either path. Both options are expected to land me around $1800 AUD, as both have good current availability.

Here are the parts I'm thinking about:
- GPU Upgrade: ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB – $1849 (down from $2899)
- Platform Upgrade: New motherboard Z790-F, CPU i7 14700K, RAM Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR5 6400MHz, cooling unit Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT 360mm – $599 + $639 + $199 + $329

I've tested my current system and see it performing well in CS2 with 100% GPU usage and about 30% CPU usage, averaging around 180 FPS at max settings.

Research shows both paths have pros—like moving to DDR5, supporting newer PCIe versions, and higher core performance. However, adding a 4080 might cause a noticeable CPU bottleneck, though not as severe as expected. I anticipate the platform upgrade will yield better frame rates than the GPU upgrade.

I plan to buy whichever I don’t choose, keeping both options ready for now. The LGA 1700 socket is outdated, but since I’ve used my current 1151 socket before, I’ll try to extend its life. Unless there’s a major new release soon, I’m not worried about locking into one generation.

In short, I’m undecided and would appreciate some advice to help me decide. Thanks!

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alexsandar_123
Member
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53
08-12-2023, 10:31 AM
#2
CPU feels a bit old, but it’s not worth replacing. It’s unlikely to find good deals on a 9900k, which is probably the only option worth pursuing.
4070 Ti Super (16GB) offers reasonable pricing and is worth checking out. It shares the same chip as the 4080, just with reduced specs. This provides better memory bandwidth and capacity.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product...r-...16g-gaming
Choosing a motherboard isn’t clear—I don’t have specific needs for one.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product...lg...-plus-wifi
You might stick with your current setup, but the extra bandwidth from DDR5 could justify it.
You can also cut costs by reusing the cooling solution for the 8700K or using a larger air cooler. (Or both to maintain system performance)
Thermalright has intensified its pricing competition globally, offering competitive value.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product...sa...a120-se-d3
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alexsandar_123
08-12-2023, 10:31 AM #2

CPU feels a bit old, but it’s not worth replacing. It’s unlikely to find good deals on a 9900k, which is probably the only option worth pursuing.
4070 Ti Super (16GB) offers reasonable pricing and is worth checking out. It shares the same chip as the 4080, just with reduced specs. This provides better memory bandwidth and capacity.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product...r-...16g-gaming
Choosing a motherboard isn’t clear—I don’t have specific needs for one.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product...lg...-plus-wifi
You might stick with your current setup, but the extra bandwidth from DDR5 could justify it.
You can also cut costs by reusing the cooling solution for the 8700K or using a larger air cooler. (Or both to maintain system performance)
Thermalright has intensified its pricing competition globally, offering competitive value.
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product...sa...a120-se-d3

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Infallity
Senior Member
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379
08-12-2023, 02:57 PM
#3
I could reduce expenses by choosing a more affordable motherboard like your TUF suggestion. The main reason for this choice is that it matches the LGA 1700 model of my current board, and I already have an understanding of its quality and features.
Personally, I prefer sticking with the 4080 since the performance boost is minimal compared to the price I can find right now.
I thought about switching to DDR4, but I believe it would be wise to invest in a DDR5 upgrade for future-proofing despite the higher cost.
My existing CPU cooler feels quite old and I’m not sure how much I rely on an 8-year-old AIO. The thermalright fan cooler is good according to what I’ve heard, but I’m not sure.
Thanks for the advice—it’s helped me rethink my options.
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Infallity
08-12-2023, 02:57 PM #3

I could reduce expenses by choosing a more affordable motherboard like your TUF suggestion. The main reason for this choice is that it matches the LGA 1700 model of my current board, and I already have an understanding of its quality and features.
Personally, I prefer sticking with the 4080 since the performance boost is minimal compared to the price I can find right now.
I thought about switching to DDR4, but I believe it would be wise to invest in a DDR5 upgrade for future-proofing despite the higher cost.
My existing CPU cooler feels quite old and I’m not sure how much I rely on an 8-year-old AIO. The thermalright fan cooler is good according to what I’ve heard, but I’m not sure.
Thanks for the advice—it’s helped me rethink my options.

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Magister_Magi
Member
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151
08-12-2023, 03:34 PM
#4
It's definitely a lengthy lifespan for an AIO, which could make the purchase more appealing when paired with a new GPU. Additional VRAM will be useful for 3D projects. The 15th generation is expected to launch at the end of this year, so it might be better to hold off.
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Magister_Magi
08-12-2023, 03:34 PM #4

It's definitely a lengthy lifespan for an AIO, which could make the purchase more appealing when paired with a new GPU. Additional VRAM will be useful for 3D projects. The 15th generation is expected to launch at the end of this year, so it might be better to hold off.

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carp3
Senior Member
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572
08-12-2023, 04:45 PM
#5
Do a quick test to see if you could benefit now from a GPU upgrade. My stock approach to this perennial question: Some games are graphics limited like fast action shooters. Others are cpu core speed limited like strategy, sims, and mmo. Multiplayer tends to like many threads. You need to find out which. ------------------------------------------------------------ To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests: a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy. This makes the graphics card loaf a bit. If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration. If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited. b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%. Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/ This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do. Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do. Windows will spread out the cpu usage of a single threaded app. Beware, seeing 30% average cpu may well be hiding a single threaded game leading you to think that your cpu was plenty. You should also experiment with removing one or more cores/threads. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of threads to less than you have. This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many threads. If you see little difference, your game does not need all the threads you have. It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS. ------------------------------------------------------------- If your big benefit is a gpu upgrade then your choices seem reasonable. The caveat is that the 4080 may need more than 850w. Modern graphics cards can have some very high power spikes. Corsair rm is excellent quality, but be aware. On the cpu side, 14700K is also reasonable. The passmark rating s are: I7-8700K 12 13742/2748 I7-14700K 28 53464/4506 You get more threads(24 vs. 12) and the single thread performance rating(4506) is considerably better. At any price point, amd and intel are comparable. You will get amd suggestions in that regard But, there is a learning curve with amd, particularly regarding ram compatibility. I would agree with sticking to intel. (Were you an amd user, I would suggest sticking with amd.) Have you overclocked your 8700K? Some 25% cpu boost is generally available. Today, nobody doing gaming overclocks. It is better to let the default turbo mechanism boost a couple of cores to higher clocks than an all core OC can sustain. Your aio cooler is well past the typical 5 year lifespan and needs to be replaced. In a well ventilated case, a top air cooler will do the job. Do not succumb to the fear mongering about hot intel processors. Read this: Or, in video form: View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNFgswzTvyc Noctua maintains a list of suitable cooler for the 14700K: https://ncc.noctua.at/cpus/model/INTEL-C...14700-1818 If you like ram with tall heat spreaders, the NH-D15s is a high compatibility unit: https://noctua.at/en/nh-d15s-chromax-bla...cification If you are not overclocking, you do not need a Z790 motherboard. B760 will do. Many will come in MATX size that is less expensive. DDR4 and DDR5 ram performance is comparable. High latencies offset the higher speed of DDR5 ram. You could buy a DDR4 motherboard and reuse your ddr4 ram. I think, I would go ddr5 and a 2 x 16gb ram kit. Intel does not depend on fast ram for performance. 5000 speed is fine.
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carp3
08-12-2023, 04:45 PM #5

Do a quick test to see if you could benefit now from a GPU upgrade. My stock approach to this perennial question: Some games are graphics limited like fast action shooters. Others are cpu core speed limited like strategy, sims, and mmo. Multiplayer tends to like many threads. You need to find out which. ------------------------------------------------------------ To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests: a) Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy. This makes the graphics card loaf a bit. If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration. If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited. b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%. Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/ This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do. Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do. Windows will spread out the cpu usage of a single threaded app. Beware, seeing 30% average cpu may well be hiding a single threaded game leading you to think that your cpu was plenty. You should also experiment with removing one or more cores/threads. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. You will need to reboot for the change to take effect. Set the number of threads to less than you have. This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many threads. If you see little difference, your game does not need all the threads you have. It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS. ------------------------------------------------------------- If your big benefit is a gpu upgrade then your choices seem reasonable. The caveat is that the 4080 may need more than 850w. Modern graphics cards can have some very high power spikes. Corsair rm is excellent quality, but be aware. On the cpu side, 14700K is also reasonable. The passmark rating s are: I7-8700K 12 13742/2748 I7-14700K 28 53464/4506 You get more threads(24 vs. 12) and the single thread performance rating(4506) is considerably better. At any price point, amd and intel are comparable. You will get amd suggestions in that regard But, there is a learning curve with amd, particularly regarding ram compatibility. I would agree with sticking to intel. (Were you an amd user, I would suggest sticking with amd.) Have you overclocked your 8700K? Some 25% cpu boost is generally available. Today, nobody doing gaming overclocks. It is better to let the default turbo mechanism boost a couple of cores to higher clocks than an all core OC can sustain. Your aio cooler is well past the typical 5 year lifespan and needs to be replaced. In a well ventilated case, a top air cooler will do the job. Do not succumb to the fear mongering about hot intel processors. Read this: Or, in video form: View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNFgswzTvyc Noctua maintains a list of suitable cooler for the 14700K: https://ncc.noctua.at/cpus/model/INTEL-C...14700-1818 If you like ram with tall heat spreaders, the NH-D15s is a high compatibility unit: https://noctua.at/en/nh-d15s-chromax-bla...cification If you are not overclocking, you do not need a Z790 motherboard. B760 will do. Many will come in MATX size that is less expensive. DDR4 and DDR5 ram performance is comparable. High latencies offset the higher speed of DDR5 ram. You could buy a DDR4 motherboard and reuse your ddr4 ram. I think, I would go ddr5 and a 2 x 16gb ram kit. Intel does not depend on fast ram for performance. 5000 speed is fine.

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winnerplay25
Senior Member
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477
08-12-2023, 05:04 PM
#6
Thank you for the thorough response, I’m ready to try those tests and check the outcomes. I’ve already completed a few trials to understand my 1% lows with the current setup, which is what I expected most games to function properly at 1440p.
I’ll explore lower resolutions next to compare the results.
I was also curious about my AIO’s performance; it seems Corsair products perform well. The temperatures my CPU reaches are normal, but I’m not sure how much longer that will last.
I’m uncertain whether I’d prefer a fan-mounted cooler or another AIO. Both options have had mixed results over the years. In my case, AIOs look more appealing, and Corsair’s models haven’t let me down yet.
Regarding the motherboard talk, since modern CPUs tend to overclock themselves, I don’t think a Z790 is necessary. It seems more about future-proofing with better components like higher-rated DDR5 and additional PCIe lanes, which will be useful as I plan to switch to NVMe storage eventually. However, I might consider alternatives since the one I have right now offers everything I need, and the current $599 price is quite attractive.
I haven’t delved deeply into DDR5 yet, so I can review other specifications if it helps me save money.
Thanks for the advice—I’ll run the tests and see how my system performs.
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winnerplay25
08-12-2023, 05:04 PM #6

Thank you for the thorough response, I’m ready to try those tests and check the outcomes. I’ve already completed a few trials to understand my 1% lows with the current setup, which is what I expected most games to function properly at 1440p.
I’ll explore lower resolutions next to compare the results.
I was also curious about my AIO’s performance; it seems Corsair products perform well. The temperatures my CPU reaches are normal, but I’m not sure how much longer that will last.
I’m uncertain whether I’d prefer a fan-mounted cooler or another AIO. Both options have had mixed results over the years. In my case, AIOs look more appealing, and Corsair’s models haven’t let me down yet.
Regarding the motherboard talk, since modern CPUs tend to overclock themselves, I don’t think a Z790 is necessary. It seems more about future-proofing with better components like higher-rated DDR5 and additional PCIe lanes, which will be useful as I plan to switch to NVMe storage eventually. However, I might consider alternatives since the one I have right now offers everything I need, and the current $599 price is quite attractive.
I haven’t delved deeply into DDR5 yet, so I can review other specifications if it helps me save money.
Thanks for the advice—I’ll run the tests and see how my system performs.

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chaospony
Member
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149
08-13-2023, 01:55 AM
#7
Just a thought, i don't know how tied you are to Intel and Nvidia, but AM5 is supported until 2026 at least so you would have a cpu upgrade path in the future. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the fastest gaming chip around currently for a smidge less, the motherboards a bit cheaper, ram is a bit cheaper, a Thermalright peerless assasin is an excellent cooler and available for MUCH less. The 7900XTX is the most controversial choice given DLSS and ray tracing and you being a game developer, but its cheaper, you get more VRAM, and its a bit faster in standard rasterization. [PCPartPicker Part List] https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/2T2KbL Type|Item|Price:----|:----|:---- **CPU** | [AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/3hyH...0000910wof) | $588.00 @ Centre Com **CPU Cooler** | [Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/MzMM...120se-argb) | $59.00 @ Scorptec **Motherboard** | [Asus TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/8yjB...-plus-wifi) | $528.00 @ Centre Com **Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL36 Memory](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/j6sV...m2b6400c36) | $169.00 @ PCCaseGear **Video Card** | [Sapphire NITRO+ Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/F3fn...322-01-20g) | $1599.00 @ Centre Com | *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* | | **Total** | **$2943.00** | Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2024-02-29 04:23 AEDT+1100 |
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chaospony
08-13-2023, 01:55 AM #7

Just a thought, i don't know how tied you are to Intel and Nvidia, but AM5 is supported until 2026 at least so you would have a cpu upgrade path in the future. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the fastest gaming chip around currently for a smidge less, the motherboards a bit cheaper, ram is a bit cheaper, a Thermalright peerless assasin is an excellent cooler and available for MUCH less. The 7900XTX is the most controversial choice given DLSS and ray tracing and you being a game developer, but its cheaper, you get more VRAM, and its a bit faster in standard rasterization. [PCPartPicker Part List] https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/2T2KbL Type|Item|Price:----|:----|:---- **CPU** | [AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/3hyH...0000910wof) | $588.00 @ Centre Com **CPU Cooler** | [Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/MzMM...120se-argb) | $59.00 @ Scorptec **Motherboard** | [Asus TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/8yjB...-plus-wifi) | $528.00 @ Centre Com **Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL36 Memory](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/j6sV...m2b6400c36) | $169.00 @ PCCaseGear **Video Card** | [Sapphire NITRO+ Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card](https://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/F3fn...322-01-20g) | $1599.00 @ Centre Com | *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* | | **Total** | **$2943.00** | Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2024-02-29 04:23 AEDT+1100 |

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alejandrobo1
Posting Freak
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877
08-13-2023, 10:23 AM
#8
I thought about returning to AMD, but it’s been nearly ten years since I used anything from them in my systems. If I decide to go AMD, I’d probably wait for the Zen 5 launch before committing, rather than jumping to AM4 now. Regarding Nvidia or AMD, I strongly dislike their pricing model like everyone else, but I’ll keep using their GPUs for the moment. My past negative experiences with AMD GPU warranty testing left a bad impression, and I’ve grown used to Nvidia’s tools, so I prefer staying with them. You and others have made me think about my cooling strategy again; I’ve always believed that AIO is usually more affordable than Air for comparable or better performance. I’ll need to explore this further.
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alejandrobo1
08-13-2023, 10:23 AM #8

I thought about returning to AMD, but it’s been nearly ten years since I used anything from them in my systems. If I decide to go AMD, I’d probably wait for the Zen 5 launch before committing, rather than jumping to AM4 now. Regarding Nvidia or AMD, I strongly dislike their pricing model like everyone else, but I’ll keep using their GPUs for the moment. My past negative experiences with AMD GPU warranty testing left a bad impression, and I’ve grown used to Nvidia’s tools, so I prefer staying with them. You and others have made me think about my cooling strategy again; I’ve always believed that AIO is usually more affordable than Air for comparable or better performance. I’ll need to explore this further.

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F4TAL_X_OLLIE
Junior Member
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17
08-16-2023, 09:24 PM
#9
The 7800X3D excels in gaming yet underperforms in productivity tools like Blender.
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F4TAL_X_OLLIE
08-16-2023, 09:24 PM #9

The 7800X3D excels in gaming yet underperforms in productivity tools like Blender.

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Infallity
Senior Member
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379
08-17-2023, 02:04 AM
#10
I thought it would be good to hear everyone's stories, since our experiences really shape what we like. Honestly, almost every maker has let me down at some point, which makes sense. I don’t know how urgent you are, but the new Zen 5 should come out mid-year, which means just a few more months—about three to four. Personally, I’m tired of AIOs and the hassle of replacing them every five years. With a good air cooler, it would last much longer as long as I can find or build the right mounts and fans. I still have some coolers from 2008 working fine in various setups, but my Corsair H50 from that time is long gone.
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Infallity
08-17-2023, 02:04 AM #10

I thought it would be good to hear everyone's stories, since our experiences really shape what we like. Honestly, almost every maker has let me down at some point, which makes sense. I don’t know how urgent you are, but the new Zen 5 should come out mid-year, which means just a few more months—about three to four. Personally, I’m tired of AIOs and the hassle of replacing them every five years. With a good air cooler, it would last much longer as long as I can find or build the right mounts and fans. I still have some coolers from 2008 working fine in various setups, but my Corsair H50 from that time is long gone.

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