9600k upgrade

[tony888]

Getting the upgrade itch and just wondering if it's worth getting the new zen3 or a 9900k?

Mainly used for gaming with the occasional development work.
Gaming at 1440p.

Specs are:
9600k @ 4.9Ghz
Asrock z390m-itx/ac
16GB at 3400 C15
1080ti

Also have the 3080 on order so waiting for that to come.

Zen3 + new motherboard or 9900k

Thoughts?

 

[Slinky69]

I'm a bit confused - Which processor do you have now? It says 9900k everywhere

 

[tony888]

Whoops... still feeling tired. I have a 9600k

 

[Jim Jervis]

I'd just drop a 9900k in, no faffing about changing mobo and zen 3 wont bork the 9900k no matter how good it maybe. 9900k is stonking monster that'll rip through anything you throw at it. Heck, why not drop in 32gb ram while you're at it then just finish it off with a 3080 when they become available.

 

[mickyflinn]

The only thing I would is add 16gb of ram.

How Much CPU Does the GeForce RTX 3080 Need?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.to...eforce-rtx-3080-ampere-cpu-scaling-benchmarks

 

[humbug]

I would wait for Zen 3, next month. October.

 

[Mr Mcgoo]

do you game above 60fps? Do you have a monitor capable of running above 60hz? if so then the 9700k or 9900k would be the best upgrade. However if your monitor is 60hz only then anything above 60fps is a waste as your monitor cant display the extra frames. Remember that your cpu usage is directly related to your fps in game. the higher the fps the higher the cpu usage. so if you game at 60fps the upgrade isn't really needed and as i have a 9600k with an rtx 2070 running 60fps 1440p, i haven't yet seen my cpu above 75% in any game at 60fps and gpu is the bottleneck for the most part.

 

[tony888]

do you game above 60fps? Do you have a monitor capable of running above 60hz? if so then the 9700k or 9900k would be the best upgrade. However if your monitor is 60hz only then anything above 60fps is a waste as your monitor cant display the extra frames. Remember that your cpu usage is directly related to your fps in game. the higher the fps the higher the cpu usage. so if you game at 60fps the upgrade isn't really needed and as i have a 9600k with an rtx 2070 running 60fps 1440p, i haven't yet seen my cpu above 75% in any game at 60fps and gpu is the bottleneck for the most part.

Yup, currently have a LG 27gl83a which is 1440 @ 144, averaging around 100fps on most games. Apart from assassin’s creed origin.

 

[PC777]

Same situation as you OP. I knew a 9600k likely wouldn't match the new consoles, yet already had 32gb and a decent MB, making an AMD switch more expensive than a 9900k upgrade.

So I found a cheap new 9900k from a reputable retailer and switched over last month. Mainly for future proofing and that I now have the best CPU for my MB the upgrade itch has been sated. Needed a MB bios upgrade to get it to work but now working superbly well. I recommend it if you already have a good MB and ram.

 

[Mr Mcgoo]

Nice monitor tony. Tbh you are at a bypass. All games (except Assassins creed origins) are more gpu dependent. At 144hz your 9600k will be close to fully utilised. i would take the 9900k route then maybe get an rtx 3070 or 3080 if and when you have the cash

 

[*Rich*]

Yep get a 9900k in there and overclock it. I'm waiting on my 3080 coming and am confident this cpu should be enough for 1440p gaming.

 

[Absolutely Clueless]

I'd go for Zen 3 and a new mobo, but each to their own! At least wait until Oct 8th to see what is announced.

 

[signal11th]

tbh I wouldn't upgrade the cpu yet there really isn't a need.

 

[Nemesis101]

Well I have a 9900K and it probably is overkill purely for gaming. Could have stuck with a 9700K and saved £100 or so, but like many I just have to have the best CPU to avoid getting the upgrade itch too early.

It does overclock nicely to 5GHz on all cores too, (this is just the K, not the KS version so think I did well on the silicon lottery this time around). Pairs very nicely with my shiny new RTX3080 and I can't see myself upgrading until Alder, or even Meteor Lake is released. So yeah if you must upgrade I'd just grab a 9900K for now.

 

[brummie]

My 9900k sits nicely at 5gz all cores using the mobo built in app.
Go for it. Lovely piece of kit. Just waiting for a 3080 next.
Pairs well with my 970 Evo plus for outstanding speed daily use too.

 

[tony888]

Thanks for all the advise. Got a 3080 coming on Monday so that will cure my upgrade itch for now.

Will wait for the zen3 benchmark to come out before deciding.