Hey everyone! I'm new to building PCs and have recently started exploring AI generative models (particularly local AI). However, I've hit a snag: it seems I can't expand VRAM with most of these networks, so my dual 2080 Ti setup is becoming somewhat ineffective. I'm considering upgrading to a 32GB 5090 GPU, but I also need to switch out my motherboard for PCIe 4.0 or newer to maximize its potential. Currently, I'm running an Intel Core i9-9900K at 3.6GHz. What motherboard would be a good fit for my setup?
3 Answers
Just a heads up, but the i9-9900K doesn't support PCIe 4.0 at all, so you'll definitely need to upgrade your CPU too if you want a new board that can handle those newer features.
If you're hitting a VRAM limit, you might want to look into the modded 4090 cards that come with 48GB. They could serve you better.
Thanks for the suggestion! That's interesting, but I'm set on getting the 5090. What about the motherboard?
You don't need an ultra-high-end setup, but an upgrade is definitely in order. I suggest looking into the AM5 platform. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid budget motherboard. Pair that with a Ryzen 5 9600X and 64GB of RAM for optimal performance. Make sure to grab a powerful PSU, like a 1000W or 1200W, and consider a good cooler too for stability. You'll get everything running smooth!
So I really do need a new processor then? That's a bummer.