Path upgrade likely involves the CPU.
Path upgrade likely involves the CPU.
I currently have the setup: I5-9600K CPU, RX 6900 XT GPU, 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3000mhz, Asus Z390 Strix motherboard, 850W EVGA G2 power supply. I’m running at 2.5K Ultra Wide format. Even at that resolution, my CPU seems to be limiting performance. Upgrading RAM could help, but I’m not sure it’s worth the cost. For future upgrades, adding a 9700k or 9900k might be simpler than replacing the board. However, newer models are available, so I’m questioning whether a new motherboard/CPU combo is necessary. I’m budget-conscious and tend to prioritize value. I mainly play games, no rendering or heavy apps. What do you think about my choices?
Conduct some performance checks on the native server, observing CPU and GPU usage. This will indicate which component is depleting resources first.
Your 6900xt is clearly constrained by the 9600k. I don't think you'll get a 9700k—it won't be significantly better than your current 9600k. Go all the way up to a 9900k instead. Most games use 12 threads, but the 9700k only offers 8. The 9900k provides 16 threads. It's essentially a 10700; you don't need to upgrade your Strix board, IMO.
I don’t increase my CPU speeds, and I won’t try to do so. I stopped overclocking because it damaged the motherboard before then. Apart from boost settings, I’ve stopped OCing now. My cooler is the Noctua NH-D15.
It's okay if your CPU doesn't hit 85% during games; higher GHz generally means better performance with top GPUs. The main risk comes from overvolting the CPU, which can cause issues. Keep the voltage under 1.45 volts and avoid exceeding it—just try a bit higher than 17 GHz if you want more speed, but stay safe.
Others suggested targeting a 9900k speed. Your choice with the D15 chip seems to sacrifice some performance, especially without overclocking. Adding RAM would be beneficial. The 3000mhz memory isn't the fastest option. Upgrading to a higher-speed configuration with some overclocking and precise timing adjustments could improve overall performance. You might also be able to fine-tune your existing RAM settings.