Hey folks! I'm gearing up to upgrade my old PC and I've hit a bit of a crossroads. I have two upgrade paths: I can either keep my existing motherboard and go with an 8th/9th gen Intel CPU, or I can opt for a new generation CPU that requires a new motherboard, which would cost more. I'm planning to reuse my current case, SSD, and 16GB DDR4 RAM.
To summarize the costs:
1. Upgrade with current motherboard:
- GPU (9060 16GB): £400
- CPU (i7 9700): £100
- Cooler (Thermalright Peerless Assassin): £30
- **Total: £530**
2. Upgrade with new motherboard:
- GPU (9060 16GB): £400
- CPU (i5 14600): £230
- Motherboard (B760): £130
- Cooler (Thermalright Peerless Assassin): £30
- **Total: £790**
So, is it really worth spending the extra £260 for the newer build with the i5 14600k? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
Honestly, the 9700K feels pretty dated at this point. If you're planning for the long haul, going with the 14600K will give you better performance and future-proof your system. However, upgrading your GPU now and waiting to upgrade the motherboard and CPU later isn't a bad strategy either!
I wouldn't bother with the 9700K; it's not great value these days. The 14600K is a solid option, and you’ll notice a big boost in performance. If you're worried about budget, maybe consider upgrading the GPU first before going hard on the CPU and motherboard.
Solid advice! It's good to get a few things sorted first, then go for the big upgrade.
If you're sticking with DDR4, have you considered the 5500X3D? It's often cheaper than the i5 14600K and can perform similarly, especially in games that utilize 3D cache. Plus, there's the advantage of staying within your budget for a new build.
Good point! I like the idea of saving a bit and still getting solid performance. Plus, it might give me more room for future upgrades.
The i5 14600K is definitely a significant step up from the i7 9700K. The pricing does seem a bit steep, but considering the performance gains, I'd lean towards the i5. Is there a chance you could find the i7 for a better price elsewhere?
I’m looking around for deals! I’m currently on an i3 9100f paired with an RTX 1650, so I know I need something better.
Thanks for the advice! I really might just upgrade the GPU first, then tackle the mobo and CPU when prices are better.