Hey everyone! I'm putting together a new PC mainly for AI/ML tasks, but I'll also use it for some gaming. I'm considering reusing my current 12600K CPU since I want to save some cash. Do you think the 12600K will pair well with a 5090? I've read about undervolting, and I'm curious if it would cut into my performance a lot, particularly for ML workloads. Any tips or things I should know? Thanks!
5 Answers
If you're already set on using the 12600K, you should be fine for a while before experiencing any significant performance drop, depending on what games you're playing and your FPS goals. But remember, for intensive AI tasks, the 5090 will shine regardless!
It's a bit of an unusual combo, but it should work fine for your needs. Just keep in mind that if you upgrade later, you'll have a limited upgrade path. Overall, it's not a bad move if you're looking to save some money.
Some folks get a bit dramatic about bottlenecks. In most games, you might not feel the full power of your 5090, especially at 1440p where the extra power might go to waste. However, if you're gaming at 4K, the 12600K should be sufficient to utilize most of the GPU's capabilities. Just tweak your settings for the best experience!
I did notice a bottleneck at 4K when I paired a 13600K with a 5090, so it might not be the best for heavy gaming. However, for your AI applications, the 12600K can handle those tasks decently well. You might want to check if your motherboard can support a higher CPU like a 14900KS if you decide to upgrade down the line.
Undervolting can actually help performance! I successfully undervolted my 13600K and saw a significant improvement in my Cinebench scores, no crashes at all. So, I’d say it’s worth trying, especially if you want to improve efficiency.
True, the factory voltage settings are often too high. Tweaking them can definitely unlock extra potential, just like tuning a car!
Exactly! At 1440p, the GPU is underused, but 4K can really help the CPU show what it can do without completely maxing out the GPU.