Intel Core i9-12900K or Intel Core i7-12700K in a box, equipped with DDR4 memory.
Intel Core i9-12900K or Intel Core i7-12700K in a box, equipped with DDR4 memory.
Hello everyone, Merry Christmas! I'm thinking about upgrading my PC since my i5 6400 runs at full capacity while gaming and virtualization. I also render videos and plan to livestream, so performance matters. While benchmarks don't show a big gap between i5 and i9, the i9 seems better for heavy workloads. Should I invest around €200 more in an i9 or stick with what I have?
I don't believe the i9 justifies its high price. You gain four additional E cores and a slight boost in frequency, but that's essentially all there is. Sure, you can utilize the cores for your tasks, though I think the extra cost would be better used elsewhere unless everything else is already premium. For instance, it might make sense to upgrade your RAM if you're aiming for 32GB or more.
For video rendering and VMware needs, DDR5 seems ideal. With DDR5 prices at 32GB now around €399, it’s a good deal. DDR4 32GB is about €145—still a bit expensive for early adopters. I might wait for better pricing if DDR4 remains stable. Could DDR4 become a major limitation?
It really varies by use case. For instance, in compression tasks, DDR5 adds significant bandwidth benefits. However, in general, it's usually not a major concern. If budget is a priority, I'd still recommend the 12700K—it offers better value. Besides the CPU cost, you won't need to invest heavily in a top-tier liquid cooler either.
Choosing an i9 requires a costly cooler since the processor generates a lot of heat. If your budget is limited, opt for an i7 instead.