Yes, it's a good idea.
Yes, it's a good idea.
Hey there, I've got some thoughts. Right now I'm using an i7 9700K, but I've been diving into 3D modeling and photography lately, which means I'm spending time in Photoshop and other similar tools. I've already started to feel the strain on my CPU. With prices being so high these days, a full upgrade seems out of reach for me. But I'm wondering if switching to an i9 9900K would make sense, or if it's better to stick with my current setup and plan a bigger system upgrade when possible.
If you locate a 9900k chip under $250, it could be worth considering, but otherwise focus on a 5.2g+ boost for your CPU and plan for a full platform upgrade. The 14nm voltage spec is 1.52v, so temperature concerns aren't the main issue.
You're in the US right now. This board offers a Core i5 12400 and MSI Pro B660M-A for $350. For tasks needing multiple threads, the 12400 matches the 9900K, while single-threaded work is noticeably quicker. It supports future upgrades to CPUs like the 12700, giving you today's performance plus a clear path forward instead of being limited. If you don't require the integrated GPU for QuickSync, the 12400F saves $30.