I'm currently using an i5-9400 CPU along with a GTX 1660 and 16GB of RAM. I'm considering upgrading both my CPU and RAM but I'm not sure which CPU would be the best choice for me. Any suggestions? Also, if now isn't the right time to upgrade, I'm thinking about whether I should buy tickets to see Weird Al instead.
4 Answers
If you're going big, think about the 9800X3D. It’s a serious upgrade, but keep in mind not everyone has $600-$800 for a CPU alone. Plan accordingly based on your budget!
If you're looking to upgrade, consider the Ryzen 5 7600, 7600X, or even the 9600X. If you're on a tighter budget, the Intel i5 12400F or 14400F could work too. Just keep in mind, you'll need a new motherboard for these CPUs—look for a B650 or B850 for AMD and a B660 or B760 for Intel. Make sure to go for DDR5 RAM for better performance!
I just upgraded to an i9 14900K, and I also got a new motherboard since it uses socket 1700. I paired it with 64GB of Vengeance DDR5 RAM. Just a personal choice, but it's given me a significant boost!
Honestly, your current setup with the i5-9400 and GTX 1660 seems to balance well. Upgrading might lead to one part holding back the other. Before upgrading, it’d be great to know what you intend to do with the system so I can give you more tailored advice. But if you feel an upgrade is necessary, let me know your planned use!
True, some of us need to be more budget-conscious when considering upgrades. It’s all about balance!