I'm currently facing some performance issues while playing games at 1080p on low settings. My frame rates are fluctuating between 80 to 100 FPS, and I've noticed that my CPU usage is pretty high, around 90 to 95%, while my GPU usage is only about 60%. I have a Z370 Extreme4 motherboard, which can support the Intel i9-9900K, and I'm considering upgrading to it. But, I'm not sure if the performance boost is worth the cost. Ideally, I'm hoping for an extra 20 FPS since I find 144 FPS to be much smoother, similar to my experience with Battlefield 2042. Since BF6 is the main game I'll be playing in the near future, I want to make sure my setup can handle it well at launch. Should I upgrade to the i9-9900K, or would it be more beneficial to look at a complete system upgrade instead?
3 Answers
For your current setup, actually looking for a full upgrade may be the best route. The market is fluctuating, but if you're ready to look at new parts, now can be a decent time. Prices have normalized a bit since last year, especially on GPUs and motherboards; it's worth checking out what options are available before committing to just a CPU upgrade.
I wouldn't get my hopes up for a big gain from just one generation upgrade. The 9900K will likely give you some improvement, but considering the age of these CPUs, it might be time for a full platform upgrade instead. Prices for older CPUs tend to be inflated because they’re still in demand, so check if it's worth the expense or if you should go for a newer setup.
Honestly, upgrading to the i9-9900K might not yield the massive performance boost you're hoping for. It's generally seen as a minor upgrade from the 8700K, especially since both CPUs are from the same generation. Also, keep in mind that these best-in-socket CPUs can be pretty pricey on the used market since people tend to hold on to them for their build. Make sure you're not running low on system RAM, though—16GB can feel cramped for modern games nowadays.
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