Intel Core i5-8400 processor at 2.80GHz paired with GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card
Intel Core i5-8400 processor at 2.80GHz paired with GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card
This 2060 offers solid 1080p performance, but your processor might be limiting your experience. The clock speed isn’t great, which could cause noticeable slowdowns. It seems like the card isn’t reaching its full potential.
The i5-8400 supports a peak turbo speed of 4.0 GHz. Adjusting the BIOS can help all six cores reach that full boost with minimal risk. Starting at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz is relatively low. Given the processor, it’s likely you’re using an Intel 300-series motherboard. You might replace the current CPU with a faster model from the i5, i7, or i9 9000 series. Other options include i5-9600, 9600K, 9600KF, 9700KF, 9700K, 9900K, and 9900KF variants.
It would have made sense to purchase an 8700k at that time. A well-tuned 8700k still outperforms a 3900x in gaming and isn’t noticeably slower than a 9900k. Upgrading to a 3600/3700/3800x wouldn’t significantly boost your experience, nor would it provide a meaningful gain of $500 or more. Unless you can sell the 8400 for a fair price, it’s not worth moving up to a 9900k or higher. In some titles you’ll see slight gains, but overall performance won’t justify the cost. With an 2060, focus on adjusting CPU settings if needed and wait for a better upgrade opportunity.
I wouldn't upgrade from the i5-8400 to the i5-9600, but rather consider an i7-9700K or i7-9700KF. Of course, the i9-9900K or 9000KF would be even better, though they come with a significantly higher cost. By the way, what motherboard are you running? Which games are you playing? @Mister Woof agrees, but this is what @Kraudi can achieve by simply swapping the CPU without altering platforms—something that would definitely exceed his $350 budget. The 9700K or KF remains a solid choice for gaming purposes. The i5-8400 with a 2.8 GHz base clock falls short.