F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Consider upgrading if you want better performance for demanding tasks.

Consider upgrading if you want better performance for demanding tasks.

Consider upgrading if you want better performance for demanding tasks.

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ThatMiningGuy
Senior Member
704
02-27-2021, 04:33 PM
#1
Hello community, I'm thinking about purchasing a 3060 with 12GB next year because of the current shortage. I'm unsure if upgrading my CPU is necessary to avoid performance issues. My setup includes a 1080p 144Hz monitor, and switching to 1440p isn't feasible due to the high cost in Uruguay. I currently have an 8400 processor in a Z370 Asus Prime Z370A with a Cryorig H7 cooler. Since an 8400 can bottleneck a 1080p display at that resolution, I'm wondering if upgrading to a 9700K would be worthwhile, especially given the $300 price tag in some US stores. I don't want to overclock the CPU every time a CPU-intensive game runs, but I also don't want to invest in unnecessary components.
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ThatMiningGuy
02-27-2021, 04:33 PM #1

Hello community, I'm thinking about purchasing a 3060 with 12GB next year because of the current shortage. I'm unsure if upgrading my CPU is necessary to avoid performance issues. My setup includes a 1080p 144Hz monitor, and switching to 1440p isn't feasible due to the high cost in Uruguay. I currently have an 8400 processor in a Z370 Asus Prime Z370A with a Cryorig H7 cooler. Since an 8400 can bottleneck a 1080p display at that resolution, I'm wondering if upgrading to a 9700K would be worthwhile, especially given the $300 price tag in some US stores. I don't want to overclock the CPU every time a CPU-intensive game runs, but I also don't want to invest in unnecessary components.

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Pickmaster12
Senior Member
710
03-05-2021, 03:11 AM
#2
Upgrading to a 9700k would keep you ahead for a long time. You'd also have the option for a more powerful GPU without having to make another upgrade.
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Pickmaster12
03-05-2021, 03:11 AM #2

Upgrading to a 9700k would keep you ahead for a long time. You'd also have the option for a more powerful GPU without having to make another upgrade.

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Grace8200
Member
58
03-06-2021, 06:31 PM
#3
Consider a 10700k for top performance. A 9700k works, but it slightly reduces speed. For better results, opt for a Z490 board if you need more power.
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Grace8200
03-06-2021, 06:31 PM #3

Consider a 10700k for top performance. A 9700k works, but it slightly reduces speed. For better results, opt for a Z490 board if you need more power.

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Joelis7
Member
52
03-06-2021, 06:41 PM
#4
The issue is that I have limited funds for the near future, and the newest items are very expensive in my country.
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Joelis7
03-06-2021, 06:41 PM #4

The issue is that I have limited funds for the near future, and the newest items are very expensive in my country.

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Blureux
Posting Freak
797
03-06-2021, 07:11 PM
#5
Hold off on the purchase—I've spotted them on Amazon for as low as $249. A 9700k with 5GHz (likely only reliable during gaming sessions, not full synthetic loads on that H7) would deliver solid performance up to a 3080/3090 at 1440p. EDIT: just checked your thread—if you're holding off until next year, consider waiting then.
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Blureux
03-06-2021, 07:11 PM #5

Hold off on the purchase—I've spotted them on Amazon for as low as $249. A 9700k with 5GHz (likely only reliable during gaming sessions, not full synthetic loads on that H7) would deliver solid performance up to a 3080/3090 at 1440p. EDIT: just checked your thread—if you're holding off until next year, consider waiting then.

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LooseDawg
Senior Member
628
03-06-2021, 11:39 PM
#6
It makes sense to match it with the 3060. An i5 8400 wouldn’t handle 144hz 1080p gaming smoothly with a 3060, especially if you want to keep the GPU usage low in CPU-bound titles. Focusing on a 9700k with a 3060 (or 3060 Ti) is a better choice for that setup.
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LooseDawg
03-06-2021, 11:39 PM #6

It makes sense to match it with the 3060. An i5 8400 wouldn’t handle 144hz 1080p gaming smoothly with a 3060, especially if you want to keep the GPU usage low in CPU-bound titles. Focusing on a 9700k with a 3060 (or 3060 Ti) is a better choice for that setup.

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WZ_Galaktiik
Senior Member
251
03-19-2021, 12:22 AM
#7
It seems you're curious about the performance difference between a 3060 and a 1080 Ti. If the 3060 behaves similarly to a 2070 Super, then rasterization should match closely. The reason might be ray tracing. If your game isn't running smoothly or your monitor can't hit the desired refresh rate due to CPU limitations, upgrading would make sense. A 9900k CPU is still a solid choice if you're looking for good value.
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WZ_Galaktiik
03-19-2021, 12:22 AM #7

It seems you're curious about the performance difference between a 3060 and a 1080 Ti. If the 3060 behaves similarly to a 2070 Super, then rasterization should match closely. The reason might be ray tracing. If your game isn't running smoothly or your monitor can't hit the desired refresh rate due to CPU limitations, upgrading would make sense. A 9900k CPU is still a solid choice if you're looking for good value.

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unormal2
Member
125
03-19-2021, 09:17 PM
#8
I won't be changing CPU settings (though I might consider it later). DSR works well but messes with my Windows 10 DPI adjustments once I leave the game.
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unormal2
03-19-2021, 09:17 PM #8

I won't be changing CPU settings (though I might consider it later). DSR works well but messes with my Windows 10 DPI adjustments once I leave the game.

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dogdude311
Junior Member
8
03-20-2021, 02:56 AM
#9
I was evaluating performance metrics. A 1080 Ti is about the same as a 2070 super, while a 3060 is comparable to a 2070 Super. I referenced the 1080 Ti after watching Greg Salazar's video on pairing it with an i5 8400.
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dogdude311
03-20-2021, 02:56 AM #9

I was evaluating performance metrics. A 1080 Ti is about the same as a 2070 super, while a 3060 is comparable to a 2070 Super. I referenced the 1080 Ti after watching Greg Salazar's video on pairing it with an i5 8400.

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Quinq
Junior Member
15
03-22-2021, 03:47 AM
#10
If you plan to upgrade your GPU next year, consider waiting until then. It’s usually wiser to invest in a fresh display now rather than a new CPU. A 9700k offers only modest gains compared to an 8400, especially if you’re not pushing it to overclock. A quality display will also enhance the visual experience more than just speed. The cost of a good 1440p screen can be worth it, even if it’s pricey, as long as it delivers real improvements.
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Quinq
03-22-2021, 03:47 AM #10

If you plan to upgrade your GPU next year, consider waiting until then. It’s usually wiser to invest in a fresh display now rather than a new CPU. A 9700k offers only modest gains compared to an 8400, especially if you’re not pushing it to overclock. A quality display will also enhance the visual experience more than just speed. The cost of a good 1440p screen can be worth it, even if it’s pricey, as long as it delivers real improvements.

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