I've recently upgraded to a 4K 144Hz IPS monitor, and I'm planning to purchase an RTX 5080. However, I'm a bit torn between CPU options. Should I opt for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Intel i9 14900K for 4K gaming? I'm not overly concerned about getting ultra-high FPS; I'm fine with around 60-120 FPS since I'm not playing competitive PvP games much anymore. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
If you're focusing on pure gaming, I'd definitely recommend considering the 9800X3D instead of those two. It's often more cost-effective and delivers great gaming performance. Unless you're doing heavy productivity work, you might not need the extra power from the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or i9 14900K.
At 4K resolution, the CPU isn't going to hold you back that much. Even a Ryzen 5 9600X or something lower could handle your gaming needs pretty well. The difference in performance would be minimal with your setup. The higher you go in CPU tiers, the less impactful it tends to be for gaming.
Exactly! A cheaper CPU might do just fine, especially if you’re focused on getting a good GPU.
For gaming specifically at 4K, stick with the 9800X3D. It's specifically geared for that and won’t let you down. There's really no need to spend the extra bucks on the higher-end models if you’re not pushing for extreme performance.
Totally agree! Just because you can get a powerful CPU doesn't mean you need to. It's all about balance!
I had the 9950X3D paired with a high-end motherboard and had to switch to an Intel i9 14900K later—got a better deal and honestly, performance-wise, it’s been pretty comparable for gaming. So don’t stress too much, both are good, but if you find a good deal on the i9, go for it!
Good to know! Deals can make a big difference; I’ll keep an eye out.
Yeah, I've seen the 9800X3D perform just as well for gaming, and it's cheaper. Seems like a solid choice!