Hey everyone! I'm seeking some advice on improving my gaming PC performance. I mostly play graphics-intensive games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Battlefield, Borderlands, and Overwatch. I bought a pre-built HP Omen Obelisk back in 2020 and have done some upgrades on my own, including swapping out the graphics card and getting a new case since the GPU didn't fit.
Here's what my setup looks like now:
- **CPU:** Intel Core i9-9900K, 8-core, liquid cooling, 3.60 GHz
- **GPU:** NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (I'd like to keep this if possible)
- **Motherboard:** HP 8509
- **RAM:** 64GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro (4x 16GB)
- **Power Supply:** Corsair RM 1000X
I'm considering upgrading my motherboard and CPU or CPU cooler but I'm not sure where to prioritize. I have sufficient storage with my SSDs and SATA drive. Any tips on what I should be focusing on for upgrades? Thanks in advance for your help!
4 Answers
Honestly, you might not even need to upgrade right now! Your current setup should deliver high FPS (120+) in the games you’ve mentioned. Just think about what levels of performance you truly want before making a decision.
Jumping platforms would be beneficial! Installing an i7-14700K with a Z790 motherboard allows you to keep many of your current parts. You could sell your i9-9900K for some cash back. I would recommend considering a used i7-9700 for budget-friendly performance too if you decide to sell the HP.
For the games you’re playing, the CPU really is holding back your performance. While the GPU is crucial, you can tweak graphics settings to squeeze out better frames. Upgrading to a newer platform like the Intel 13th or 14th gen is worth considering. If you want the best performance, look into the Ryzen 7800X3D or 9800X3D, but remember, RAM prices are pretty steep these days. Also, keep in mind that since you have a HP setup, your Windows license might not transfer to a new motherboard.
Switching to an AM5 setup with a 7800X3D or 9800X3D could be a solid option. Just note, RAM is quite expensive right now, so it might be worth selling your entire setup and going for something that includes a newer GPU like the 9070 or 9070XT, depending on your budget.
Thanks for the insight! I appreciate it! I think moving forward with the i7-14700K sounds like the best route for me. It's cost-effective given the RAM prices, and I've got good DDR4 RAM already. I’ve found a solid deal on the CPU and motherboard, and even if I need a new Windows license, it’s all still cheaper than going full DDR5.