I'm currently using an i7 9700k and I'm looking to upgrade my CPU to something better. However, I'm hesitant to switch to DDR5 RAM because the prices are quite high. Can anyone suggest the best CPUs that are compatible with DDR4 RAM? I also have a 3060ti graphics card and my budget for the upgrade is around $400 to $500.
6 Answers
For your setup with the 3060ti, the i5 14600k would be a great choice, but if you're looking for the absolute best with DDR4, consider the i9 14900k. Both should give you fantastic performance!
Intel's Raptor Lake series is also solid for DDR4; consider the 13600K(F) or the 14600K(F). They should work well with your current RAM and provide a notable boost in performance.
Given your budget, you could look for a 14th gen Intel or an AMD 5000 series. When I was planning to upgrade, prices on RAM shot up just before I was ready to buy! Make sure to plan ahead!
You might want to look at the Ryzen 5000 series or last-gen Intel that still supports DDR4. They work well and can often be found at decent prices. Just be sure to check compatibility with your current motherboard!
If you can find it, the 7600x3d combo with 32GB RAM is priced at around $429. But if that’s out of reach, a DDR4 LGA1700 board with an Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th gen CPU will allow you to keep using your existing RAM.
If you have access to a Micro Center, check out the 7700x bundle; it looks like a solid deal. It's a good option for performance without jumping to DDR5.
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm definitely leaning towards Ryzen or Intel's last-gen since DDR5 is too pricey.