I'm putting together a budget gaming PC around an RTX 2080 Ti 11GB blower-style graphics card. A parts list suggested an i7-4790K, but that processor seems quite old. I'd like advice on choosing a CPU and motherboard, preferably with some room for future upgrades. Would a modern CPU create a noticeable GPU bottleneck, and does it matter whether the graphics card came from a prebuilt system? I'm also open to either Intel or AMD, depending on value. What power supply should I use?
4 Answers
For good value, an AM4 setup is also worth considering. A Ryzen 5 5600 or 5600X with a B550 motherboard is inexpensive and should pair well with the 2080 Ti. If you find one at a reasonable price, a Ryzen 7 5700X or 5700X3D gives you more performance and a stronger upgrade path within the AM4 platform. Used DDR4 can help keep the total cost down.
Since the 2080 Ti has 11GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM will work, but 32GB is preferable for newer games and multitasking. DDR4 is generally cheaper than DDR5, although a newer platform gives you more future upgrade options. A quality 650W power supply should be the minimum, while a good 750W unit gives more headroom; choose a reputable model rather than judging by wattage alone.
The i7-4790K is a fourth-generation processor and is too old to be a good choice for a new build, even if it can technically run an RTX 2080 Ti. A modern six-core CPU such as an Intel Core i5-12400 or 12600K, paired with a B660/B760 DDR4 board and 32GB of DDR4-3200 memory, would be a much better balance. A 14600K is another option if you find a good deal, though it may be more CPU than the card needs.
Whether the card came from a prebuilt usually does not matter as long as it uses a standard PCIe power connection and fits in your case. Check the card’s dimensions, required power connectors, and condition. Blower-style cards can run hotter and louder, so make sure the case has decent airflow. With a modern CPU, gaming will generally become GPU-limited at higher resolutions, which is fine for this pairing.
So with a modern CPU, would the graphics card become the main bottleneck?