I currently have an Intel Core i7-8700K and a motherboard that supports 8th-generation processors. I was considering an i9-8950HK, but I'm not sure whether it would be a meaningful upgrade or even compatible. I mainly use the PC for gaming and have an RTX 2070 Super. My board is a B360 model and may also support 9th-generation CPUs. What upgrade options make sense without replacing the motherboard?
4 Answers
Check the exact motherboard model and BIOS version before buying anything. B360 boards can support 9th-generation CPUs, but many require a BIOS update first. A 9700 or 9700K is compatible if your board’s support list includes it, though a 9900K is generally the highest-end option. Used prices can be high enough that the money would be better spent on a newer platform.
For gaming, upgrading from an 8700K to a 9700 usually isn’t a major jump. You’d get a more noticeable improvement by saving for a newer CPU, motherboard, and possibly reusing your current memory. A modern midrange platform such as a Ryzen X3D system or a newer Intel system would offer much better performance per upgrade dollar than an expensive used 9900K.
Your 8700K is already the top 8th-generation desktop CPU, so there isn’t an 8th-gen i9 upgrade available for that socket. If gaming is the goal, moving to an i7-9700 or 9700K would provide only a modest improvement, and the exact benefit depends on the game. It should work well with an RTX 2070 Super, but it may not be worth paying much for the upgrade.
The i9-8950HK is a laptop processor, so it cannot be installed in a normal desktop motherboard. It also isn’t faster than your desktop i7-8700K in the way you’re expecting. The fastest practical CPUs for your platform are 9th-generation desktop chips, such as the i7-9700K or i9-9900K, assuming your B360 board supports them after a BIOS update.
I checked again and my B360 motherboard supports 9th-generation processors. Would an i7-9700 work well with my RTX 2070 Super?