Is it worth the extra cash for a better CPU and GPU upgrade?

I've been through similar upgrades myself. I started with a 4060, switched to a 5070, and then finally got the 5070ti, which I’m really happy with now. I've learned to always aim for the best you can afford to avoid regrets later. I'd recommend going for a solid GPU and not cutting corners.

Consider what you mostly use your computer for. The performance gain from the 9700x over the 9600x isn't significant for gaming. If you need the best for higher resolutions or fancy graphics settings, then go for the GPU, but keep an eye on your budget!

Yes and No. If you're aiming for 4K gaming with decent frame rates and want ray tracing, then the newer setup is beneficial. For 1080p gaming, though, the more basic setup will suffice. You might even want to consider Intel's i5 14600K, which is a good alternative to the 9700x in performance but could save you some money.

If you're mainly gaming, I'd say the GPU upgrade is definitely worth it, but the CPU might not show a huge difference. The 9700x won’t give you much more performance than the 9600x in most games. Focus your budget on the GPU if possible.

Absolutely! Just keep in mind what you're prioritizing in your gaming. Higher-end components can make a difference, especially for AAA titles.