Not sure which processor fits your PC build.
Not sure which processor fits your PC build.
I’m not sure if you should go for the i7 9700k or the Ryzen 7 3700X. You’re thinking about using an RTX 2070 at 1440p resolution. The i7 is pricier, but the Z390 boards are more affordable, making Intel the better deal overall. Since you mainly play games and only run VMs for non-gaming work, the performance difference won’t be huge.
The i7 is actually more affordable, and I have a powerful cooler for some overclocking.
Average frame timings tend to be more stable with higher thread counts. While some games might not experience stuttering even at high threads, the overall consistency improves. I don’t have specific tests or data to share, but observations from others and expert insights suggest a better frame timing on average for 3700x threads compared to lower counts. After upgrading from an i5-8500 to an 8700k, the increase in threads did noticeably impact performance.
The 3700X stands out as the top processor across most areas, particularly when prices match. At 1440P resolution, your graphics card usually becomes the main limitation (though this varies by game, most AAA titles will still struggle with GPU power). That’s why I consistently pick the 3700X. In 2020, I’d never buy a chip without support for SMART or hyperthreading, especially if you plan to keep the system running for years into the next console era. The 9700K works fine now, but this trend has been ongoing—processors missing hyperthreading quickly become outdated. Every generation that skipped this feature has seen it fade away, whether it’s the 4 or 6 core i5s. The upcoming consoles will bring Zen 2 chips at lower speeds, so a higher clock like 3600 should perform well for background tasks. Overall, the 3700X matches the 9900K in raw performance, though gaming might lag slightly. Avoid settling for parts that seem limited just because they fit a brand line. If you need Intel, wait until the 10th gen Comet Lake launches, when the i7 should match the 9900K’s capabilities and offer better value. But if you’re in the market now, go for the 3700X—it’s a much better choice overall. The 9700K is just a joke processor, similar to how the 970 was compared to the 390 and 390X.