I've just upgraded my GPU from a 1060 to a 3070, and while the overall performance improvement is noticeable, I'm still struggling with viewport FPS. My CPU, an i5-8400, is maxing out at 80-100% while the 3070 is hardly utilized at 10%, and I'm only getting around 14 FPS max during playback of a long animation (about 15,000 frames).
I've tested with a friend's 32 GB RAM, but it didn't help my FPS—just reduced crashes and stutters. I'm planning a full upgrade, including the CPU and RAM (to 32 GB) since I got the GPU early. I mainly use Blender in Eevee mode, and I'm looking to spend less than $500 AUD for a CPU that provides good value and enhances my viewport playback performance.
I've considered the 7800X3D, but I've heard it's more for gaming than productivity; I'm also looking at the 9700X but unsure about their performance in Blender. Would these CPUs be overkill, or can I get something that gives me decent returns without breaking the bank? I know Blender benefits from higher clock speeds and fewer, faster cores (with 8 cores being an ideal sweet spot).
3 Answers
For your Blender needs, I'd skip the X3D CPUs. You’re better off going for a 9900X, which typically offers much better returns for productivity tasks like yours. The extra cores will definitely be beneficial; with full CPU utilization during heavy tasks, you’ll see massive improvements compared to what you're currently using. Swapping from your i5-8400 to a 9900X could really change the game for you, as it sounds like you've already felt the limitations of your current setup.
You might want to consider the Intel Core Ultra 265K, as it’s priced around $460 AUD, which is a solid option compared to the 7900X at $570 AUD. The 7900X does offer upgrade potential for the AM5 platform, but keep in mind that Intel CPUs often need faster RAM and a more robust motherboard for power delivery. So even if a processor seems cheaper initially, total upgrade costs can add up.
Blender loves fast single-core speeds, but it also efficiently uses all available cores. Given that you're working with such a long animation, upgrading to a 12-core model like the 9900X should give you a significant boost in viewport FPS. That extra core count will help manage all those frames effectively.
That’s good advice! I didn’t realize the RAM and motherboard might run my costs up too. Thanks for breaking that down!