Will Upgrading My CPU Improve Performance If My GPU Is Already at 100%?
Asked by
GamerBlaster42
I'm considering upgrading my i9-9900k to either a Ryzen 7 9800x3d or 9850x3d, but I'm unsure how much improvement I could expect. Currently, I have an RTX 4070 TI that often reaches 100% utilization, while my CPU only runs at about 60-70% usage. I typically game at 3440x1440 with a target of around 120fps, but I'm only getting around 70-80fps on high settings in some titles. I don't have any thermal issues to worry about. My concern is whether moving to a newer CPU could unlock more performance since I'm using PCIe 5 and DDR5 technologies. I've heard that if a component is maxed out, it's the bottleneck and upgrading other parts won't significantly help. So, realistically, will I see more than a 10% increase in performance by upgrading my CPU, or is that money better spent elsewhere?
Answers
If your GPU's hitting 100%, there's likely not much more performance to squeeze out with a CPU upgrade. However, if you're experiencing stutters or significant frame drops, that might change things. Think about whether you notice any CPU-related issues in your gameplay, like slow loading or lag in specific scenarios.
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Your 1% lows might see an improvement, but if it's pure FPS you’re after, then I wouldn't expect much change.
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Right, your FPS won't really shoot up, but the smoothness could improve. Just analyze your gaming experience to see if you notice problems that might link back to the CPU.
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Testing your frame rates at a lower resolution might help you see if your CPU can handle more. It could give you a better idea of where the bottleneck really is.
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You probably won't see a massive change in average frame rates, but you might notice improved stability in your frame rates, especially in the lower percentiles. Your 1% lows can get better, which helps with smoother gameplay.
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PixelPioneer99: Yeah, especially with DLSS and Frame Generation, having better FPS stability can make a big difference in how the game feels. Nobody likes input lag when things start to spike!