I'm considering a CPU upgrade to better balance my system. I currently have an Intel Core i5-13400F on an MSI B760M-P motherboard, paired with a GeForce RTX 4070 Super and a 1440p monitor capable of 165 Hz. Cooling shouldn't be a problem since I'm using a Peerless Assassin dual-tower air cooler.
I was thinking about moving to an i7-14700K, but I'm concerned that its power requirements might be too much for my motherboard's VRMs. I mainly play CPU-heavy simulation games such as Cities: Skylines, along with Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3. In heavier Cities: Skylines situations, I'm currently seeing around 30–60 FPS and often seem to be CPU-limited.
Would a 14600K be a safer upgrade on my current board, or would it make more sense to replace the motherboard as well and go for the 14700K? I'm also using DDR4, and DDR5 memory seems expensive, so I'm hesitant to switch platforms unless the performance gain is substantial.
3 Answers
Before choosing the 14700K, look up reviews of your exact MSI B760M-P model, especially its sustained VRM temperatures and the power limits used in the testing. Even if it technically runs the chip, a lower-end board may throttle or require reduced power limits. Also remember that the 14600K and 14700K won’t necessarily produce a dramatic difference in every game: simulation workloads can benefit a lot, but GPU-limited games at 1440p may show only a small change. A 14600K, or even keeping the 13400F until a full platform upgrade, may offer better value.
With DDR4, the most practical choices are either keeping your current motherboard and moving to a 14600K, or replacing the board and pairing a 14700K with a stronger VRM design. The 14600K should be a meaningful improvement while being easier on the board, whereas the 14700K offers more simulation-game performance but also brings higher power draw and platform costs. Check motherboard-specific testing before running a 14700K at unrestricted power limits.
Honestly, I wouldn’t rush into a new platform just for this. Your 13400F is still capable, and a newer socket would require a motherboard and DDR5 memory as well. If you can tolerate the current frame rates, waiting for the next generation of CPUs and then upgrading the whole platform may provide a larger improvement than spending money on a late-generation upgrade now.
That’s part of my concern. DDR5 is expensive right now, and I’m not sure whether prices will improve soon, so sticking with DDR4 may be the sensible option.
I’m on DDR4, so moving to DDR5 would add quite a bit to the cost. I’m mainly trying to figure out whether the extra motherboard expense for a 14700K is worthwhile compared with just using a 14600K.