I'm considering an upgrade for my gaming setup and I'm stuck between two options. I found a PNY RTX 5080 OC on Amazon for a good price, but I'm also thinking about upgrading my CPU from an i9 10850K @ 5GHz to a 9800X3D. I can't afford both upgrades, so I'm trying to decide which would give me a better FPS boost while gaming on my 1440p 165Hz monitor. Would the i9 bottleneck the RTX 5080? Just for context, I have the 10GB variant of the RTX 3080 currently. Any advice would be appreciated!
6 Answers
If you're primarily gaming at 1440p, I'd recommend upgrading the GPU to the RTX 5080. The performance difference will be noticeable, especially if you're looking to hit 165+ FPS. The 3080 is good, but the 5080 will give you that extra edge in newer titles. Your i9 should handle the 5080 without being a huge bottleneck, as long as you're not playing CPU-intensive games at a lower resolution.
At 1440p, you're probably safe sticking with your current setup for now. The performance gains from swapping to the 9800X3D might not be worth it right now compared to what a new GPU could give you.
Honestly, if you're focused on titles that require a lot of CPU power, the 9800X3D could be beneficial. I upgraded from a 10900K to a 9800X3D paired with my RTX 3090, and it made a noticeable difference. But if you're more into graphically intensive, fast-paced games, the GPU upgrade is probably the way to go.
That's a solid point! Just make sure your games really need the CPU boost before deciding.
If you're really strapped for cash, I suggest waiting until you can upgrade both. Upgrading just one may leave you feeling unsatisfied later on. However, if you're in a rush, the GPU upgrade now could give you a better gaming experience without needing to replace everything.
Yeah, patience might be key here, but if you have to pick one, the 5080 seems more effective for gaming!
Don't forget, upgrading the CPU means you'll also need a new motherboard and possibly RAM. If you're considering the 9800X3D, make sure you're factoring in those costs! But really, at 1440p, the RTX 5080 might suit your needs best right now with the option to upgrade your CPU later.
For my two cents, I went from a 3070 to a 7800X3D, and it improved overall gameplay responsiveness quite a bit. I think you should probably prioritize the GPU now and consider the CPU later when the prices settle down a bit.
Exactly! The evolving GPU options like the 5080 could be a smart investment right now.
Yeah, I agree! The GPU generally impacts your gaming experience more than the CPU at that resolution. If you're happy with your i9 for now, go for the 5080!