I'm considering whether it's worth it to upgrade my current CPU, the i5 14600k, to either the i7 14700 or the i7 14700k. I'm not looking to change the motherboard since I'm aware that the 1700 is already somewhat outdated and I would need a new motherboard for future upgrades. My main focus is on gaming, specifically at 1440p and 4k, targeting at least 120fps. Besides gaming, I also use it for everyday tasks like browsing with multiple tabs open, using Microsoft Office, and watching movies or videos in 4k. Ideally, I want this setup to last me for at least two more years. I would really appreciate any advice or insights on this! It's my first PC build, and I've been pondering this question a lot.
5 Answers
If you're into 3D modeling and rendering, upgrading makes more sense for you. However, for pure gaming? Just stick with your current setup; you're likely not going to gain much!
Upgrading probably isn’t worth the investment. In most gaming scenarios, moving from 6 to 8 cores on these CPUs won't significantly improve performance, especially since they tend to run hotter too.
Unless you can snag the i7 for a really low price—like an extra $50-$100—it's probably better to stick with what you have. Trading for a small amount could make sense, but buying new just isn’t justified.
What kind of GPU are you using? If you have a high-end GPU, you might not get much benefit from upgrading your CPU. At higher resolutions, like 4K, the GPU typically dictates performance more than the CPU does.
Honestly, I don’t think you’ll notice much difference in your FPS going from i5 to i7 at 1440p or 4k. The 14th gen CPUs are solid, and if you’re managing fine now, you should be good for another couple of years.

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