Hey everyone! I've been trying to get into Marathon, but my current setup is feeling a bit outdated. I'm using an i5-8600k with an RTX 2070 Super, and no matter what graphic settings I try at 1080p or 1440p, I can barely hit 60fps. Since the game seems to be very CPU-intensive, I was considering a full PC rebuild, but a nice setup with a 5070ti would cost me over $2k. Instead, I'm thinking about just upgrading my CPU to a 9800x3d along with a new motherboard and RAM, which I can do for much less at Micro Center. That way, I could upgrade my GPU later when it fits my budget. Has anyone tried something like this with Marathon?
4 Answers
If you have 32gb of DDR4 RAM, you might want to consider a more budget-friendly approach like an i5-14600k paired with a 5070ti. This could save you some cash for other parts of your build!
Going for the 9800x3d sounds like a solid choice! Your GPU might limit the CPU's potential right now, but it'll set you up for a nice performance boost once you decide to upgrade your GPU later.
Honestly, even a low-end 5500 would outperform the 8600k. Unless you have a super high refresh rate monitor, the 9800x3d might be overkill. A 7500x3d bundle with mobo and RAM at Micro Center could do just fine for your needs.
I just went all in and upgraded to a 9800x3d with a 5070ti, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. The performance is amazing, and I have no regrets!

I do have 32gb of RAM in my current setup, so that's good to know! I'm looking at mobo/cpu/ram combos around $500, but that 5070ti alone is over $1k.