I'm building a PC that I'll be using for gaming and 3D modeling, particularly with software like Blender, Substance Painter, and ZBrush. My friend suggested the Ryzen 9 9950X, which is a solid choice, but I'm curious if there are any cheaper alternatives that still perform well for my needs. Thanks for any advice!
4 Answers
If you're leaning towards gaming, X3D CPUs generally outperform others, but since you have a lot of 3D modeling tasks, consider the 9900X3D or the 9950X3D. If gaming performance isn't your top priority, a standard CPU might be sufficient, especially at higher resolutions where X3D models aren’t as critical. Check out this Blender benchmark for a performance comparison: [Blender Benchmark](https://gamersnexus.net/u/styles/large_responsive_no_watermark_/public/inline-images/GN%20CPU%20Benchmark%20_%20Blender%204.2-4x_foolhardy_Remacri_1.png.webp)!
What kind of budget do you have in mind? The 9900X3D is a good step down from the 9950X and gives a nice balance between gaming and productivity with its 12 cores. You might find it cheaper and effective for both tasks!
Just a heads up, though, some users feel the 9900X3D isn't worth it. Others suggest the 9800X3D for strong gaming performance while still handling workloads well.
Have you thought about the 7800X3D? It's a solid choice that strikes a great balance for gaming and 3D tasks!
Honestly, go for the fastest CPU you can afford. If possible, check out the 7000 series; they’re great all-around performers. More cores means tasks get done quicker, but if you want to save some bucks, a 9700X would be fine too.
You could also consider going with Intel’s Ultra 7 or Ultra 9 CPUs. They perform well in gaming and handle productivity tasks admirably, and they are currently priced lower than the Ryzen 9 options.