Upgrading from an Intel 10900K to a Ryzen 9800X3D
Upgrading from an Intel 10900K to a Ryzen 9800X3D
Hi all.
I’m considering upgrading the CPU in my RIG. Right now I have an Intel Core i9-10900K and a RTX 4090. I play games at 4K resolution, usually achieving 85-100 FPS with maximum settings. My aim is to hit 4K at 120 FPS. I’m thinking about switching to an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Would it be worthwhile to upgrade to that CPU, and could I actually reach 4K 120 FPS? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
A straightforward yes. Remember that for the 9800X3d you need AM5 support, DDR5-6000MHz or faster RAM, low latency memory, and a powerful VRM motherboard, while steering clear of ASRock boards.
Gaming at 4k is expected to be gpu limiting.
Try this straightforward test:
Run your games, but reduce the resolution and visual effects.
This causes the graphics card to work a bit harder.
If your FPS improves, it suggests your CPU can handle better graphics settings.
If your FPS remains unchanged, you’re likely more constrained by your CPU.
Keep in mind that switching processors usually needs both a CPU and RAM upgrade.
To reach your 120 fps goal, lowering graphics settings might be the solution.
The 9600 is an unnecessary expense for AAA gaming, and you'll face problems that won't appear on a clean test bench or a bar graph. In 2025, having six cores isn't worth it unless you're playing lightweight e-sports or older games. Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty can make full use of an 8-core processor, for example. A Ryzen 7700 is the only realistic choice if you want to run the newest AAA titles. A 9800x3d offers better performance at a lower cost, while DLSS reduces resolution, making CPU power more critical. A 7800x3d is another solid option and significantly cheaper.
6 cores plus hyperthreading plus 8 e-cores equals 20 threads. A standard 6-core system should perform adequately in most modern games, but for a 4090 processor, higher performance is advisable.