Upgrading for performance issues caused by limitations elsewhere.
Upgrading for performance issues caused by limitations elsewhere.
I've been searching for a suitable CPU while keeping my existing setup. Currently I'm using an i7-3770k with a GTX 1070ti. It runs well in FPS titles like Overwatch and Apex, but sometimes drops to low 100s or even 90s unexpectedly. Many new CPUs have just launched, and I'm still figuring out the best options for gaming value and budget. I plan to upgrade only the CPU while leaving the old one behind, but I want guidance on choosing a CPU and matching it with a compatible motherboard. I've been comparing 8700k, 9700k, 9900k, and K-series models, but I'm unsure which offers the best balance of price, durability, and performance. Their gaming scores seem similar based on YouTube reviews, but I need advice. With a budget of $300-500, I want something really strong. I saw Dafran achieving steady 250fps in Overwatch on his new rig—impressive! Thanks for your help.
I attempted a modest overclock and followed some tutorials, but I reached my limits. I haven’t used an AMD chip before. Which Intel CPU would that match, and are they dependable? The recent updates on Intel and AMD suggest AMD is making progress. If I were choosing between the two, what would you prefer?
amd has really shocked everyone with the 3950x launch, targeting overwatch. for a budget build, i’d opt for the r5 2600/2700 at around 100 or 150 usd each. if you’re willing to invest more, intel still holds a slight edge in certain games—about 5-10% better performance at lower prices. a 3600 chip is essentially comparable to an 8700, while the 2600 runs roughly 10% slower. the only time i’d choose intel right now is for the 9700kf+z390 elite motherboard if you’re serious about gaming.
I also suggest AMD. Beyond a few special cases where 1080p gaming tops the chart, AMD offers a superior product overall. Intel has really struggled this year, especially with frequent security updates and other issues. In my view, it’s no longer safe to rely on Intel anymore. For tasks like streaming or video editing, AMD clearly outperforms Intel in performance. Regarding the AMD models, the 3600 seems to provide the best value if budget matters. The 3700x is a close second, mainly because it adds two extra cores that will eventually make a noticeable difference. In the long run, I’d say the 3700x is the better choice, though it’s $130 more expensive. That extra cost could be used for better RAM or an upgraded motherboard, which is definitely worth considering.
It appears the 3700x is priced around $327.99 on Amazon, while the i7 9700kf costs about $329.99. I found a YouTube video that compares these processors, highlighting that most models perform similarly, especially between the 8700k and 9700k. This suggests it might be time to explore Black Friday discounts. A comparison video noted that the 9700kf uses more CPU power during gaming, with roughly 5-15 extra frames, whereas the 3700x excels in multitasking. I’m not planning any overclocking at the moment, so the 3700x seems a solid choice. For a compatible motherboard, microcenter has a deal on the 3800x, bringing its price down to $300 if you get one with it. Thanks for the guidance!
This way unless you're aiming for extremely high frame rates at 1080p with adjusted settings I'd definitely choose a more affordable 2700x rig using a B450 Tomahawk and a 5700XT. A 3700x is also fine, but it's significantly more expensive and doesn't offer double the performance.
I enjoy shooting games mainly at high frame rates around 240fps with a 240Hz display and minimal input delay. Watching Dafran's stream showed him running everything on ultra and 250fps consistently, which is impressive. If I can achieve stable 240-250fps while adjusting some settings, it would work perfectly. I also want a system that remains reliable for years, maintaining good performance at resolutions like 3700x/3800x.