I've got an i5 10400F CPU in my current rig and I'm considering upgrading to an i7 11700T for $200. My GPU is a 6800 XT, and I suspect the i5 might be limiting its performance in some games. I play a wide variety of games, and I'm curious if I can expect a noticeable improvement in FPS with this CPU upgrade. I understand the i5 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the i7 has 8 cores and 16 threads, which may offer some advantages. However, I'm unsure if this is a common gaming CPU and if it's worth the price compared to newer options. Do I also need to get a new motherboard for this upgrade?
6 Answers
If you're looking in the US market, you can find an 11700K for less than $200. However, it’s hard to say if your CPU is the main bottleneck; it really varies by game. Check your CPU vs GPU usage while gaming to see what’s actually limiting you. You might find your GPU is the one under stress rather than the CPU. Also, remember that a stronger CPU can help with smoother gameplay even if overall FPS doesn’t drastically change!
The extra cores from the i7 can help with background tasks, but they won’t boost FPS significantly in most games. You might want to focus on the clock speeds and cache instead. Have you looked for something like a 10900K or 10850K? They’d offer better performance for gaming.
Spending $200 for that upgrade isn’t a great move. You could get a more impactful upgrade for a bit more if you save up instead. Definitely worth looking for something better!
While $200 sounds cheap compared to K SKUs, it’s better to look at newer options like the 12400F with a budget motherboard. They perform much better and are a smarter choice for the price right now.
The i7 11700T variant has lower clock speeds which might hinder your gaming experience. I’d pass on that one personally; you’re better off avoiding it!
Honestly, you probably won’t see much difference in performance with that GPU. I’d suggest waiting to upgrade your CPU until you’re ready to swap your GPU too—hold out for a better deal later on!
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