what cpu to buy
what cpu to buy
while playing games sometimes my CPU reaches maximum usage even with just one program running. I've tried some fixes but now think upgrading is necessary. My setup includes an Intel Core i5-4460S CPU at 2.90GHz, 8GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. I haven't upgraded before and need to confirm the right components.
What games do you enjoy and what budget are you aiming for? For new CPUs, you'll also need a fresh motherboard and RAM. Right now, popular picks for gaming include the Ryzen 5600X or i5 12600K, though there are more affordable alternatives. The most budget-friendly option is a used Haswell i7 if you can secure a good price—upgrading to higher speeds and hyper threads will still provide a noticeable boost, though it won't match the performance of the latest chips. You don’t need to replace the motherboard or RAM.
You won't get much more performance from your graphics card by adding a faster CPU. Unless you're planning a full PC overhaul, swapping in an i7-4790 should work if your motherboard supports it (Z97 chipset). It would cost about $100. Decide whether the small investment is worth it now or save for a bigger upgrade later. For now, I’d prefer the latter.
Thank you for your support. I’m still facing challenges with Apex Legends, but I’m ready to invest around $200 in a new CPU. If I decide to upgrade my PC, I might spend more, especially if I find a good deal. Regarding selling my current machine, I have some questions about the right price to get it and what extra points to consider beyond the basics.