Should I upgrade or wait?
Should I upgrade or wait?
Well, the situation was similar when you purchased your i9-9900K, as that CPU also lacked upgrade options (LGA1151). The 10th generation Intel models use a different socket (LGA1200). Back then, being unable to upgrade the CPU without replacing the motherboard wasn't a concern. Why would you believe it's an issue now?
Most people don’t upgrade their CPU even when possible. Instead, they keep using the same build for years until performance issues arise. At that point, a newer CPU with a different socket becomes available, making it common to switch to a new CPU-MoBo combination.
For example, I’m currently running an Intel 6th generation processor with an i5-6600K. I bought it in 2016, during the Skylake era, which was about a year away from the next generation. The following model, Intel 7th generation (Kaby Lake), was just around the corner and compatible with my motherboard. Eight years later, I still haven’t felt the need to upgrade. Sure, I could switch to an i7-7700K while keeping my current motherboard, but at the moment, a 13th or 14th generation CPU with a new motherboard would be about the same price and offer significantly better performance.