Hey folks! I'm looking for some advice on whether it's a good idea to upgrade my CPU at this moment or if it would be smarter to hold off. Here's what I'm currently working with:
- **CPU:** Intel i5-11400F
- **GPU:** RTX 4070
- **RAM:** 16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR4 3200 MHz CL16
- **Motherboard:** MSI B560M Mortar
- **PSU:** Corsair RM650
- **Monitor:** 1080p 144 Hz
I primarily play competitive/modern games at **1080p 144 Hz**. Recently, in **ARC Raiders** (without DLSS), I've been noticing around **65-75 FPS**, but the performance isn't stable. With the RTX 4070, I was expecting better results at 1080p. From what I gather, it seems like the **i5-11400F might be the bottleneck**, especially given the resolution and refresh rate.
Do you think it's worth it to upgrade my CPU now and switch to a new platform, or should I wait a bit longer? I've also noticed that prices and availability for **DDR5 RAM are still pretty chaotic** right now, which makes upgrading more costly and less enticing. Looking forward to your thoughts! Thanks!
4 Answers
It really depends on your situation. If you're in the US, upgrading the i5-11400F while keeping your current RAM could cost you around $350 since you'd also need a new motherboard. If you have access to a Microcenter, there's a bundle with a Ryzen 5 7600X, a new mobo, and 16GB of DDR5 RAM for $350, which could be a solid option if you're willing to switch platforms.
Coming from a similar starting point, I'd say yes—most likely, your CPU is the culprit here. I went from an i5 to a beefier 9800X3D and saw a huge improvement in performance. With better optimization in terms of CPU power, my FPS jumped significantly.
Don't feel like you need to switch to DDR5 just yet. If you grab an AM4 motherboard, you could upgrade to a Ryzen 5600 or 5700, or with an LGA1700 mobo, you could go for 13th or 14th gen Intel. Both options let you keep your DDR4 and get a nice performance boost without breaking the bank.
It's definitely more about the CPU than the RTX 4070. You're running a lower-end i5, and in a lot of cases, those CPUs get maxed out quickly, especially at higher refresh rates. I started with a similar setup, and upgrading to better CPU made a huge difference in my games.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload