My PC is mainly used for gaming and currently has an RTX 4080, 64GB of DDR4 memory, an Intel Core i7-13700K, and a 990-series M.2 SSD. I was considering upgrading the processor, but I would prefer to keep my existing DDR4 memory because DDR5 is expensive. Would a CPU upgrade make sense, and is it realistic to reach around 120 FPS in newer games at 4K while staying on DDR4?
3 Answers
A faster CPU could help in some CPU-limited games, especially at lower resolutions or with very high refresh rates, but at native 4K the RTX 4080 will generally determine performance. Even a much newer graphics card may not deliver 120 FPS in every demanding game at native 4K, particularly with heavy ray tracing or path tracing enabled. DLSS and frame generation can get closer, but that is not the same as native 4K rendering.
At 4K and 120 FPS, the graphics card is usually the limiting component rather than the 13700K. An RTX 4080 is already a strong pairing, and upgrading the CPU while staying on DDR4 probably will not make a meaningful difference. Reaching 120 FPS depends heavily on the game, ray tracing settings, and whether you use DLSS or frame generation.
There is not really a worthwhile CPU upgrade on a DDR4 platform. I would keep the current system and save toward a complete DDR5 platform upgrade later. By the time you are ready, a newer CPU generation could offer a much more noticeable improvement than spending money on a minor upgrade now.
That makes sense. I’ll probably keep the current setup and save for a larger platform upgrade instead.