I just picked up an RTX 5080 for a great price, and now I'm wondering if I should also upgrade my CPU and power supply to make the most of it. I'm currently gaming at 1440p with an AMD 9600x and a 750W power supply. I've noticed that my friend has the same GPU but gets around 105fps in a game while I'm only hitting about 60fps, all on the same graphics settings. I've heard that having a better CPU and a stronger power supply can boost performance by 30-40% at 1440p. Should I be considering upgrades?
3 Answers
It really depends on the types of games you play. If they're CPU-intensive, like Battlefield or Call of Duty, a stronger CPU would help. But if you're mostly into single-player games, like Crimson Desert, that might be where the bottleneck is coming from. Your friend's 9800x3d does perform better at 1440p, which could explain the FPS difference. Also, I’d recommend looking into an 850W power supply for that GPU.
You've got a solid setup, but yes, your CPU might be holding you back especially at 1440p. That and the power supply can affect overall stability and performance with high-end GPUs. If you're serious about gaming, consider going for at least an 850W PSU to make sure you’re covered for future upgrades.
Considering your situation, a CPU upgrade would likely give you a better performance increase, especially since your friend has the more powerful 9800x3d. However, don't forget to check whether your current 750W PSU is stable under load with the RTX 5080. Upgrading to an 850W for headroom would be smart if you plan to go for a new CPU too.
Yeah, I've noticed similar issues with my setup. Single-player games can really highlight CPU limitations. It's frustrating when just a CPU upgrade can make such a difference.