Looking to change my computer? I need something fast but don't want to spend too much money right now?
Looking to change my computer? I need something fast but don't want to spend too much money right now?
Hello, I own an RTX 3090 and an EVGA power supply that can handle up to 1000 watts. My computer also has a huge i7 7700k processor and 32GB of RAM. I want to upgrade my CPU so it gets at least 8 cores. I only have a few hundred dollars left every month, but I need the new parts. So far away from this update are just the motherboard, the new CPU, and the RAM. I'm wondering what should I buy that will last for several years while I still can upgrade if needed? If I am looking at both AMD or Intel chips, which ones would be best to get now so it stays relevant and worth investing in money right now? I have a problem with my current CPU because I only play games up to 4k resolution.
Here are some ideas: If the rest of your computer specs make sense, I'd suggest an i7 12700k paired with an Asus TUF Gaming H670-pro wifi card. This setup lets you keep your DDR4 RAM and GPU and power supply unit. You could also switch to an AMD AM4 platform, but those chips are picky about the memory sticks, so it might not work for sure. If you really want to upgrade later, you'll have to move to the AM5 socket, and AMD is probably still making them available in two or three more years at least. The main catch here is that you'll eventually need to change your RAM to DDR5. Intel seems to only offer a few sockets for a while, but AMD usually keeps their options around much longer.
Thanks a lot for your answer! I'm going to check out that CPU now.
It's rare for the CPU to be the main problem when playing games in 4K. Usually, the graphics card is the one slowing things down. Try running your games at a lower resolution with less visual effects. That makes the graphics card work a little easier. If your frame rate goes up, it means you have enough power in the CPU for better graphics settings. If your frame rate stays exactly the same, then you probably need to upgrade the CPU instead of the graphics card. Your Intel Core i7-7700K has 4 cores and 8 processing threads, which is usually fine for most games. It is the fastest processor that fits on your current motherboard. So, tell me what kind of motherboard you have. If it's a Z170 model, you might be able to overclock the CPU by about 35% just a bit more. But beyond that point, you'll need both an upgrade for the CPU and likely another one for the motherboard and memory.
Run the RAM at standard speeds and it will work in most computers. If you try to tweak it for speed (XMP), some systems might not support it, but that's just about one computer at a time. It is better to say that if you plan to *overclock* your RAM, AMD cares more than Intel. Otherwise, I agree with your post.
It is common for modern games to need lots of power, even though a cheap old CPU can handle it. Games have gotten more demanding lately, so you really need a strong processor now. Cyberpunk works great with an 8-core CPU like the 16900K, and you don't need to worry about that. The 3300X is basically just like the 7700K when it comes to gaming, even if your graphics card is a decent one like a 3080 or 3090. You will see big differences between these two chips when you use an RTX 40 series card because that chip helps more than the other. Even with the newest Intel chips, older ones still win at 4K resolution unless you have a top-end processor like the 12700K or 16900K doing well. If you are using the latest graphics cards, a 12th Gen CPU will be fine for most games, but if you plan on upgrading your GPU later, it is better to start with a newer chip that has more cores and faster speed. A new 12700K paired with the right motherboard and RAM would cost about $340 total instead of just buying parts separately. If you want something that can grow in power, AMD's new chips are much better because they have way more cores for gaming without needing to spend a lot of money on extra components. The deal here is getting an 8-core CPU with the latest graphics card so you don't need to upgrade later or save on RAM upgrades.
If you don't know the details of your existing RAM, I'm not sure it is a great long-term plan to keep it. If you think keeping it isn't an option, moving up to a DDR5 system would be a much better choice. If you are thinking about Intel's LGA 1700 platform, there probably won't be many parts coming out for it in the future, so it makes sense to buy what is available right now (I really doubt a 12-core part will matter at all for gaming). If your current RAM works fine and has low latency, buying a system with an Intel Core i7-12700K using DDR4 RAM should give you the best value. LGA 1700 motherboards can use either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM depending on what you choose; DDR5 is generally better for performance overall. Buying a new CPU setup right now doesn't make sense because anything built for Intel's newer platform will be faster and still support DDR4 RAM if that option exists. The AM5 platform has the longest lifespan of any current system, as it should eventually support the next generation of chips (Zen 6). Looking at today's prices, if you want an eight-core processor, the Intel Core i9-13900K is a good choice based on US pricing right now. Just remember that you will also need to buy a new CPU cooler regardless of which one you pick, so plan your budget accordingly. Thermalright's Peerless Assassin, Phantom Spirit, and Royal Knight are all excellent value options for dual-tower coolers that should work well with any CPU you choose.
Wow thanks guys! I really saw this when I first turned on Oblivion Remastered. The game warned me that it needs six or more CPU units. To quote it: "I am looking at maybe biting the bullet & buying an AM5 board with ddr 5 one month then getting a AMD processor the following." I like the idea of upgrading now so I don't get stuck in the same trouble next year.