I built my first gaming rig back in 2018 with an i5-8400, and over the years, I've made some upgrades like adding an RTX 3070 and improving my cooling system. I'm considering swapping my i5-8400 for an i7-9700 to ensure I can run future games smoothly. The i5 still performs decently, but I'm feeling the strain during gameplay. Do you think upgrading to the i7-9700 is a wise move, or should I focus on a more advanced setup?
6 Answers
Forget the i7-9700! Go for the 7600X3D and don’t look back! You’ll be much happier in the long run.
I still use a 9900k, and it's holding up just fine for my gaming needs, especially with my 5070ti. I think you might be okay for now until something truly requires an upgrade. A lot depends on what games you play too!
Did you know that Noctua offers a free mounting kit if you send them proof of purchase? It's worth considering since an older socket like the one you're using is getting outdated. I’d recommend saving for AM5 since it promises better upgrade potential with future generations, plus the x3d chips are usually stronger for gaming.
Keep in mind the i7-9700 is from 2017, and while it's decent, it might not keep up with modern gaming demands. If you're looking for something that'll last, you might want to consider a Ryzen 5600 instead, especially since it's pretty cheap with a new motherboard.
How much are they asking for the i7-9700? That could help determine if it's worth it. For context, I’ve seen it priced around $150 in my area.
Honestly, you might be better off saving up for a DDR5 system instead. While upgrading to an i7-9700 could give you a bit more performance, a modern CPU like the 7600X would offer more upgrade paths in the future. Going with the i7 could limit your options down the line, especially if you plan to upgrade your GPU later.
Switching platforms sounds expensive, especially since I’d need new RAM and a motherboard along with the CPU. I'd prefer to reuse what I can.
Totally get that! It’s like rebuilding a whole setup just for one component.
Yeah, that's what I found too! Makes me wonder if it’s a steal or just a decent deal.