Is it worth upgrading an i7 8700K for gaming?
Is it worth upgrading an i7 8700K for gaming?
Someone might be able to tell if upgrading your i7 8700K makes sense for your gaming setup. Your specs are listed in your signature, which could help. You mentioned concerns about core count and performance gains—some sources suggest the i7 9700K and i9 9900K offer only small improvements that may not justify the cost for most gamers. Others note that a few hundred dollars could add noticeable benefits, depending on your current setup. It’s worth weighing whether the extra money would make a meaningful difference for your needs.
Choose a higher core count CPU if you're purchasing a new one now. Given your current setup, it's perfectly acceptable for gaming or AAA titles. It's likely one of the best CPUs for gaming available today. Tech Deals recently covered discussions about 4-6-8 core CPUs that are especially useful when buying new today.
It's accurate, the improvement is relatively small when weighed against the expense. I'd keep my costs down unless you're extremely unhappy with your current situation.
I don't see a clear justification for upgrading, given its limited use for gaming and streaming. On the Intel side (excluding HEDT X299), the 9700K performs similarly to the 8700K for most tasks, while the 9900K only shines in more complex multi-core scenarios. For AMD, you have a broader selection up to 16 cores with the 3950X. If I were you, I’d choose the 8700K now and hold off until Intel releases its new 10th gen CPUs and next-gen Ryzen. Alternatively, continue with your current processor until you notice noticeable performance drops, then optimize its use. It remains a reliable option for the foreseeable future.
I can't picture the 8700K acting sluggish. Didn't ask—are you original?
Sure, I appreciate the explanation. I enjoy experimenting with and enhancing my PC for fun, even though it’s perfectly fine with the current specs. Still, I don’t want to waste money on unnecessary upgrades right away. Instead, I plan to save up and upgrade later as technology advances, keeping my computer in a state of continuous improvement.
I've already optimized it for 4.9 Ghz. I intend to push it up to 5 Ghz after installing the Kraken M22 120mm AIO and swapping in the EVGA CLC 280mm AIO that arrived yesterday. The 120mm Kraken struggled with the heat despite multiple intake and exhaust fans. I'm hoping the 280mm EVGA AIO will manage temperatures better.
Join the community of tech enthusiasts exploring the latest in computing. With AMD's impressive improvements, it seems unnecessary to upgrade from Intel just yet—especially if you're ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
I wouldn't update unless there was a need for more cores or threads, as suggested. A 9900K offers a small percentage boost, and the chip remains the same 14nm technology with similar clock speeds. For better performance on your current setup, consider using memory around 4000MHz if possible—it will make a significant difference.
P.S. The performance is smooth and responsive. It works well with a 2080 Ti processor, 32GB RAM at 3200 MHz, and a 970 Evo Plus M.2 NVMe card, allowing quick loading times. I can maintain my 1440p monitor at 130-150 FPS across multiple titles—Resident Evil 2 remake, RE:7, Devil May Cry 5, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and PUBG—using full settings.