Hey all - looking for some advice on upgrades... I've got an MSI Pro Z790 with a Core I7 12000kf processor, 32GB RAM, RTX 4080 Super and a couple M2 drives. I get decent performance in most games now, but I'm considering upgrading the processor. Just not sure that it's worth it. What do you all think? If so, what processor would be the best bang for buck?
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Upgrade Thoughts?
- Thread starter 4mbi3nt
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BlueLineSwinger
[H]ard|Gawd
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I'm guessing you meant to write that you have a i7-12700KF? And are you certain you're actually CPU-limited and not bound by the GPU? What resolution/refresh are you running?
Cheapest would be to simply upgrade to a 13th or 14th generation LGA1700 CPU, such as the 14700K. You'll get additional E-cores and a small boost in single-core speed, but with the prospect that the CPU will eventually fry itself. I wouldn't recommend this.
There's the current Intel CPUs such as the Core Ultra 7 265K (JFC CPU naming these days). Stable, but not a really a step up from what you're running now (and may even be a regression in some titles).
To me, the only real CPU upgrade is to go with a 9800X3D. But then you also have to replace the mainboard (and possibly the RAM). Much more costly, and if you're limited by the GPU of no real help.
Cheapest would be to simply upgrade to a 13th or 14th generation LGA1700 CPU, such as the 14700K. You'll get additional E-cores and a small boost in single-core speed, but with the prospect that the CPU will eventually fry itself. I wouldn't recommend this.
There's the current Intel CPUs such as the Core Ultra 7 265K (JFC CPU naming these days). Stable, but not a really a step up from what you're running now (and may even be a regression in some titles).
To me, the only real CPU upgrade is to go with a 9800X3D. But then you also have to replace the mainboard (and possibly the RAM). Much more costly, and if you're limited by the GPU of no real help.
X8XFoundries
Limp Gawd
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I would keep the platform, but if you want some oomph, do a 12900. Its the state of the art tech from intel, minus the newer core scheduling that will likely get upgraded in a microcode update.
You're avoiding the weaker VRM's on 13 or 11, and the rust issues in 13, 14, and 15. Wait for like series 3 or 4, when some of the newer fabs are established, to do a series upgrade if you really need it. As a person that is actively 10-15 years behind, on purpose, however, I wouldn't worry about anything big until like, the board dies or something. CPU won't die, likely.
However if you get a 12900, get one from launch.
X8XFoundries
Limp Gawd
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thats literally rolling his money in a pipe bomb and blowing it up why would he do that
A bit dramatic. I have a 14700K and 13700K with zero issues like many people. If he gets a new cpu and upgrades to the latest bios he will be fine.
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Issue is what types of games are you playing and what framerates are you targeting? Upgrading processors won’t really make a difference unless you’re pushing 150+fps. You’ll be better off upgrading GPU, but even then you’d need a 4090 or 5090 as the 5080 is at best a sideways move from your 4080s
If you’re on a 12700f then it’s probably the last price/perfance king from intel that doesn’t have self immolation issues. Would hold out on upgrading unless you’d be able to get a cheap 7800x3d combo.
X8XFoundries
Limp Gawd
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With rust embedded in the die layers come on man really?
12 9 is literally the same thing with a better hardware scheduler and a 512 bit bus you can turn back on. AVX 512 is even efficient. I'd go with the 12 9 and hold off on mone money.
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This is completely false and most 12900Ks are not going to even have AVX512 and you wouldn't want to really run a bios that supports it anyway.
Added that user to mine as well.
14700K is 320 dollars I'd go for that.
I don’t do it often but definitely warranted this time.
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Get a better video card.
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DDR4 or DDR5?
If its DDR5 6000 or faster, with tweaked timings: a 12700KF is still a solid CPU. It would be only slightly worse than a 14600K, Probably more consistent in gaming than a 245K Core Ultra, and slightly worse than a Ryzen 7600.
If its DDR4, you will notice a big difference with a new system.
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If you can find a cheap 13900KS or 14900K that are about the same performance wise. See if you can find one brand new. They have more cache and more cores since newer games are starting to use more cores every passing day. The 13700k and 14700k close enough to the 900 series also for better value. I've been running my 13900KS at 5.5/4.5 with low voltage 
lovin it.
lovin it.
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I'm budget minded, your PC is good enough IMO and I would wait a couple of Gens for budget or go all out now with the best with 64GB.
Maybe get another 32GB if you have the slots available.
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This.
There is no need to upgrade that rig OP, especially just for games.
Grab a 5090 if you have to have more performance and are itching to upgrade and have money to burn.
Your rig is faster than mine and I would gladly run it.
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I think there is a possibility of having ram instability issues going with 4 slots populated. Legend has it 2 slots for 2x16 is more stable for xmp timings and speed at which point it is to consider if it's even worth it? Maybe if you find a really cheap dual channel set. Only because hitting a hard roadblock at 16gb if which i regularly do it will cause a sever disadvantage in gaming or workloads running out of system memory. Come to think of it I'm not sure if it's system memory of gpu memory but I have noticed it at 18 gb or more when I've bothered to even look at the monitoring numbers.