I'm setting up a new build for gaming on a 1440p monitor, primarily playing GPU-heavy AAA titles and looking to maximize my experience in Valorant with my 360Hz monitor. My question is whether I should save some cash by pairing a 9070 XT with an Intel 13th or 14th gen CPU, like the 14600K and stick with DDR4, instead of opting for a more expensive Ryzen X3D setup with DDR5. I don't plan to upgrade in the next four years, and I don't need to maintain a super stable 300 FPS in Valorant, so I'd love to save around $400 to $600 by avoiding DDR5 and the pricier AMD options. However, am I limiting my build by choosing this route?
5 Answers
You can definitely go the Intel DDR4 route! I run a 9070 XT with a 14700K and DDR4, and I haven't faced issues in most games, although some unoptimized indie games might struggle. If you're gunning for longevity and a bit more performance, consider the 14700K over the 14600K. However, if you're sticking to DDR5, a 7600X is a good budget-friendly option.
You’ll hit 360 FPS in Valorant with any modern CPU, including the 14600K! There are benchmarks out there showing it can hit up to 500 FPS easily. Don’t stress too much about the RAM type for frame rates in that game.
You can do DDR5 with Intel if you want. I made that choice last November and have been pleased with the performance. But if you aren't planning to upgrade for a while, sticking with DDR4 for financial reasons is a solid plan. Just make sure to check if there’s a noticeable difference in the kind of games you play.
If you don't already own DDR4, the savings might not be as much as you think. But if you do have 2x16GB of Corsair Vengeance RAM that's between 3200-3600, you're definitely on the right track. Just keep in mind that if you're targeting high framerates, a top-tier CPU is essential.
If you really can save $600, then the 14600K will work great for you! Realistically, though, if you’re budgeting for a 13th gen Intel CPU and DDR4 RAM, you could make your build without breaking the bank. But if you're skeptical about your savings estimate, it might be worth double-checking the current prices.
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