Z370 model priced at 9900k starting from 8700k
Z370 model priced at 9900k starting from 8700k
According to IPC, a 5GHz 9900K core performs better than a 5GHz 8700K core.
If yes, I’d rather avoid paying $250 for the same performance. As mentioned earlier, I was checking if $250 would provide a practical upgrade. I should have noted that I intend to pass the entire PC to my son after he graduates in May, so a 9900K would be sufficient for the machine. If it doesn’t justify the cost, I’ll give him the 8700k and save the $250 for my next purchase next year.
Based on his configuration, it seems like a gaming setup, but if he manages some productivity work alongside multitasking, it could be worthwhile. You’ll notice a solid improvement in gaming performance and even better gains for tasks. More cores increase the likelihood of achieving higher clock speeds, especially with the stability improvements from newer generations. Personally, I own a 9600k running at 5.2ghz across all cores—it performs exceptionally well. Sorry if that didn’t help. It looks like my earlier search was off. The 9900k still offers good gaming gains too.
Because the 9900K features higher clocks by default, and the thermal paste is soldered rather than paste, it makes overclocking easier. A quick reminder to @Dedayog—picking up an 8700K would be even worse for overclocking compared to your current chip. If you aim for 5GHz regardless of CPU, it would still be tough for the average 8700K. The 9th generation CPUs are already running near their limits by default, which likely explains why your current processor isn’t performing well.
I mistakenly thought the CPU swap was in the opposite direction. The jump from an 8700K to a 9900K at that price is a great deal, and upgrading is definitely worth it. Even with a slight overclock, it's a quick processor, so the value seems too good to ignore.
The 9900k at 5ghz should handle most games quite well, similar to the 8700k at the same speed. However, it might lag slightly in CPU-heavy titles such as Hitman or Sottr. There’s no real difference in IPC, but the 9900k is more resistant to security BIOS updates and Windows patches, which could give it a slight edge in less demanding games. It also offers a larger cache (12 vs 16), which can help in certain titles. For the Gigabyte Gaming 5, I believe it should perform adequately. At 5.1ghz with 1.41v on my 8700k, stress tests only reached high temperatures in the 70s. I’ve been in a comparable situation recently. In most games, I’m pushing my 3080 to its limits, and sometimes my CPU reaches nearly full capacity in titles like CP2077 or AC Odyssey. Eventually, I decided to go with a Z590/10900KF since the cheapest 9900k I found was $375, and the 11th gen didn’t look very appealing based on Anandtech data. If the 11th gen proves solid, I’d consider returning the 10900KF by April 7. Also, my existing components are still in good shape, so there’s no real waste. If I could afford a 9900k for $250, I would definitely do it. Right now, I don’t have any Microcenters available for a six-hour session.
I faced the same issues too. The 5800x seemed to offer poor value, while 5600x lacked sufficient cores for my e-peen and psychological block. 5900x isn't available. Early reviews of the 11th gen show similar performance but at a higher cost for fewer cores. As noted, core count drops significantly, affecting performance. PCIE4 is an option, though not yet a clear choice. The 10th gen is affordable, with a $400 10900KF that offers better OC results than standard K and matches gaming performance of the 5000 series when paired with faster RAM than AMD. It meets the core requirements for e-peen and psychological needs. The 9900k at $250 fits most criteria, provides comparable cores to the 11th gen, performs within 10% in games, and is much cheaper with minimal hassle as a straight upgrade. I acknowledge there might be some placebo effect influencing my decision.
This also affects how I think about things. Given that upgrade season usually comes in May (assuming he’ll actually use it), deciding whether to wait or purchase now is really important. Absolutely, I’d want the top CPU possible on this board if it truly improves performance beyond just a minor gain.