• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Should i upgrade my cpu (rtx 4070) ?

Don't have the most powerful gpu but more than i used to, at some point i won't get more fps because i only have a rtx 4070 (diminishing returns)
I think what everyone that tried to say here is, if you wanna spend you better wait till the new CPU comes out so you don't waste money when the newer CPU is just around the corner. Yeah you have 4070 now but you may upgrade it later, so with faster CPU you already buy, you don't have to upgrade your CPU during that time.

If you asked me don't worry about all those Youtuber videos, be gone with those overlay showing CPU or GPU usage, unless there is performance discrepancies or something wrong then you can monitor them. Be happy with what you have if it runs as intended :)
 
Mabye the new cpu's are very expensive + new mb and ram

I remember some say there are new gpu's this year but could be much more expensive

Meaning new cpu,gpus might be to expensive,(but faster) for me to upgrade in the near furtue and mabye only a rtx 6070 in 2-4 years is fast,cheap enough compared to a 4070, for me to be able to get one and to make a big enough, noticeable upgrade, therefor i think i max need an i7 or ryzen 7 to get more optimal performance over my 5600 for my 4070, if i deside to buy a better cpu

50% more for 5700x3d should be noticeable also against a 5800x,5900x

12600kf (as cheap as a ryzen 5700x) a little better than a 5600,samme or better than a 5700x,slower in games than a 5700x3d, better value for money (only the cpu) then a 5800x3d ?

12700kf is just about the same price as a 13600kf (20-30 euros more then a 5700x3d and 5900x)
 
If I were to get a new MB, I'll be getting something like Z890 or B860 to pair with an Arrow Lake processor, when they arrive in Q4.

Of course, I would compare the Arrow Lake processors with the ZEN5 lineup first before making the purchase.

This is the position I took on 14th gen Intel. I'm considerably less anxious to see the next gen as quad core era practices or worse seem to be setting in. When smoke and mirrors, look away from the stage and pay very close attention to everything you have seen leading up to this point.

If you're focusing on utilization then you're focusing on the wrong things in my mind. Once you have 10% GPU utilization, then you realize you're wasting your CPU. And you'll never have perfect harmony because not all workloads are identical. Chasing the mythical "no bottleneck" status is a pointless task.

In other words, stop worrying about utilization (especially when you're so close to 100% anyway) and worry on performance. Is performance good enough? If yes, then there's no problems.

Goal should be stated as system matching. High fps and micro stutters or similar failures are target they should be aiming for. With performance gains squashed and fractured the removal of intanglibles takes higher prominence. This is truely enthusiast level participation and coordination to remove the unwanted where no solid formula can be derived for ease of wider consumption.
 
I'd rather use virtual super resolution and other driver tweaks to get even better visuals instead. Don't see why 170 FPS is an issue in such a video game. Wait for 9000X3D series and then go for it, don't see how sidegrading will be feasible (unless you really wanna spend your money and get like 20 percent boost; I don't love it, why not 50+ % instead).
Yeah thats exactly what I do. If my gpu isn't getting full use, I just increase in the internal resolution. Actually I've been doing that so much, that now native resolution just doesn't look quite right :laugh:
 
Dakar desert rally gpu usage late 60's early 70, 100-110 fps was peaking very shortly higher and lower, often freezing for many split seconds (not shure if it's lag or stutter). I think that is to low gpu usage settled at mid 60's early 70's %, cpu usage and temps low 50's

I think with my rtx 3060 12gb it was in the 90's, im using pbo + 100mhz curve optimizer -20, mabye i can max it out to 200 or 300 but i don't think it's enough (i don't remember if 300 is possible but not 400)

Le mans (tv), cam chat,twitch and youtube (music) on my secondary monitor

Not shure despite having access to youtube how much i would gain (many videos is on a clean pc with no crap running in the background) and what is a minimum upgrade 12700kf,13600kf (with ddr 4 to save some money) or a ryzen 5700x3d

Optimal usage (do i really need a 7800x3d ?) Around 50-40 fps higher than me, mabye it's ultra and nothing else (crap) running in the background, i don't think my games is at ultra so medium or high with crap in the background should still give me 150 ish fps with a better cpu compared to the game, since i don't use ultra = compensates for what ever crap i have running in the back ground (if i had a 7800x3d or something like an i5 13600kf)

Don't know the resolution played in but an i7 8700k 4.7ghz, gpu usage mid 70's peaking around 20% higher
 
Last edited:
Should i upgrade my cpu and to what ?
Only you can answer that question. 5600 in real world scenarios should get most out of the 4070.

A higher-end CPU could theoretically give you better lows/frame times but once against the cost benefit is really only going to be worth it if you're currently having bad lows now and if the games your having issues with even benefit from a better CPU. If neither or only 1 of those things are true, then not worth it.
 
Only you can answer that question. 5600 in real world scenarios should get most out of the 4070.

A higher-end CPU could theoretically give you better lows/frame times but once against the cost benefit is really only going to be worth it if you're currently having bad lows now and if the games your having issues with even benefit from a better CPU. If neither or only 1 of those things are true, then not worth it.
As you can se in the 2 video (i asume both is played in 1440p) a 7800x3d gives much higher and stable cpu usage,an i7 8700k at 4.7ghz might be equal in perfomance to mine running at mabye 4550 ghz on all cores (runs according to tpu stock 4450mhz on all cores,threads)

is a ryzen 5700x3d enough ?

a 13600kf,12700kf might cost the same + mb when i have a cpu + mb i can sell, not just a cpu (ddr 4 mb)
 
As you can se in the 2 video (i asume both is played in 1440p) a 7800x3d gives much higher and stable cpu usage,an i7 8700k at 4.7ghz might be equal in perfomance to mine running at mabye 4550 ghz on all cores (runs according to tpu stock 4450mhz on all cores,threads)
Impossible to answer because there's also other factors when comparing that video setup to yours. What background task was the video running ? What version/drivers ? What ram ? What exact graphic settings besides base-settings ? If you swapped a 5700x3d in your current setup than it won't necessarily give you those video results/performance if that video is running everything different than what you are.
 
As you can se in the 2 video (i asume both is played in 1440p) a 7800x3d gives much higher and stable cpu usage,an i7 8700k at 4.7ghz might be equal in perfomance to mine running at mabye 4550 ghz on all cores (runs according to tpu stock 4450mhz on all cores,threads)

is a ryzen 5700x3d enough ?

a 13600kf,12700kf might cost the same + mb when i have a cpu + mb i can sell, not just a cpu (ddr 4 mb)

You'll probably not see a major uplift in average FPS what you'd actually be gaining is much more consistent performance which imho is worth a lot more your 1% and 5% lowes will be much more consistent.

This is why I always look at min fps in cpu reviews not averages because they are significantly more important at least with a 144hz or better monitor anyways. If you are ok at 60-80fps stick with your current setup.

It's definitely not worth investing in a whole new platform for a 4070 level gpu but a drop in 5700X3D/5800X3D make much more sense. They are typical 6-8% apart so if the difference in price is small enough the 5800X3D is worth it

To get a noticeable uplift over 5800X3D you'd need to get a 14700k or better cpu and honestly unless you upgrade to a 4080 or better you'd likely not even notice it.

If your current cpu is getting you by Arrow lake and Zen5 are out beforr years end it seems neither sound very promising but a 9600/i5 ultra whatever intel calls it could end up similar to high end current tier stuff I just wouldn't get my hopes up that the high end is significantly better but some people act like 10-15% makes everything else obsolete so it just depends on your frame of mind I guess.
 
Often those videos are running at ultra, rarely they play only at medium or high (like most tests,reviews of cpus is done with a high end gpu above a rtx 4070)

Watching the 2 videos i se a ryzen 5600 (+100mhz) and a i7 8700k is the bare minimum for a rtx 4070

Mabye something like a 12400f would better than a i7 8700k but a newer 12 gen i7 or i5 13 gen and ryzen 7 5000 seems like a better choice then a ryzen 5600 and i7 8700k

12600kf (fairly cheap upgrade do to low price of the cpu),12700kf,13600kf + z mb or ryzen 5700x3d would be something i would like to get

They are typical 6-8% apart so if the difference in price is small enough the 5800X3D is worth it
a ryzen 5800x3d is around 25-30% more expensive than a 5700x3d dempending on prices where i perfer to buy (don't mind the currency difference to euros,pounds,dollars) but also 400mhz difference (the 5800 cpus has always been harder to cool than a 5700)

2024-06-16 02_05_56-AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D 3.0GHz Socket AM4 Box • Pris » – Google Chrome.jpg2024-06-16 02_05_38-AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4GHz Socket AM4 Box • Pris » – Google Chrome.jpg

As you can se here a 12600kf is alot cheaper than the x3d cpus, thats why i mentioned it,disadvantage a z mb is alot more expensive than a b550 mb for ryzen. I what an overclockable mb + im 99.99% shure it supports 14gen cpus

2024-06-16 02_11_27-Intel Core i5 12600KF 3.7GHz Socket 1700 Box without Cooler • Pris » – Goo...jpg
 
Last edited:
I would do the cheapest option out of those the X3D chips will likely be a bit more consistent also the 5800X3D isn't worth 30% more than the 5700X3D... 10% maybe.

I've never been a fan of the 6 P core intel chips I like them about as much as the 6+6 ryzen chips they are mostly fine but can be a tad inconsistent. Not sure what it cost in your country but the 13700k/ 14700K are probably my favorite RL chip currently but likely significantly more expensive than 5000X3D.
 
13700k/ 14700K
I think it's got to high cooling demands for me, 13700kf close to 350 euros, 14700kf is 420 euros

To comparison a ryzen 5700x is around 170 euros and atm a ryzen 5900x is 241 euros, around 245 euros for a 5700x3d (good overclockable b550 mbs like msi B550 a-pro is around 115 euros 50% more for a z590 mb)

Don't like hot cpus even when gaming temps from a 13700k,14700k is within it's range,limit, i still think it's to much

 
Last edited:
5700X3D is your friend then although temps sit in the high 70s with most coolers I've tested with it, it puts out almost no heat.

I'm not saying you do but some confused the corelation with a cpus temps and the heat produced in the room a lower temperature on a cpu has nothing to do with how much heat it dumps into your case/room and at least for me cpus that sit around 50-65w while gaming you almost can't feel.

Paired that that 4070 you'd likely be sitting at less than 250w most the time.
 
Are my results okay in dirt 5, i think low 0.1%, 1% and minimum low is a little dissapointing in 1080

2024-06-16 11_34_33-DIRT5.jpg2024-06-16 11_33_36-DIRT5.jpg2024-06-16 11_38_09-DIRT5.jpg
 
So , how many thread pages do you think you need this time to figure out what CPU/motherboard to buy?... :D
 
I just need an intel alternative, in case i think a 5700x3d isn't fast enough

Used i haven't seen any 5700x3d

So fare a 13600kf is a little faster than 12700kf but is a 12600kf a better buy do to a lower price and mabye lower temps, can it run at noticeable higher speed at the same temps as a 12700kf ?

When i know i can look for new and used offers, instead of looking an mabye miss a good deal since i don't know what excatly to go for, 5700x3d is what i would go for i i deside to buy ryzen

Update I found a 12700kf for the same price as ryzen 5700x3d
 
Last edited:
At least wait for Arrow Lake then.
 
At least wait for Arrow Lake then.
But would it be to expensive, new cpu no matter what if i don't want ryzen, new mb (used is no option ?) and ddr 5 ram, sounds to me like 500 euro minus my current set up, 200 euros ?

12600kf + mb 325-335 euro, my cpu + mb 150 euros = 175-185 euro, using my current ddr 4 ram, + 80 for a 12700kf or 95-100- extra for a 13600kf
 
I think you're making this more complicated than it has to be the 12600/12700kf are just going to trade blows with a 5700X3D unless you OC them and pair them with expensive ram nothing in your price range is going to be all that different in a large selection of games. The only benefit of getting an LGA 1700 based system is being able to upgrade to a 14700k later you've already said high power consumption/temps worries you so that probably isn't an option so why not get the easiest drop in upgrade and sell your 5600 to cover part of the upgrade.

Then down the road sell it all and upgrade to AM6 or LGA whatever whenever you actually need extra cpu performance.

Or if you're worried about wasting money save as much money as possible till next generation cpus are in your price range.
 
sell your 5600 to cover part of the upgrade.

Im gonna do that no matter what

Update i have ordered a ryzen 7 5700x3d

Once again thanks for the help

I didn't want to pay that much for a 5800x3d when many say it's a little hot (again more than the 5700x(3d) and a ryzen 5900x is atm cheaper then a 5700x3d, makes the 5800x3d a worse value for money then the 2 other cpus alone based on the price, did i have a 4090 it would make sence to buy the 5800x3d since it does offer around 20 more fps with a 4090 then a 5700x3d)

Intel must be another time also swapping cpu is alot easier + the power consumption is still higher on intel than on a ryzen 5000 8 core cpu

Difference in ghz wouldn't be a problem when not gaming, since i get 8 cores,16 threads instead instead of 6 cores and 12 threads, gaming the cpu is faster do to more cache, should also be better than a 5600x alone based on the 50% higher price + it's optimized for gaming.

So , how many thread pages do you think you need this time to figure out what CPU/motherboard to buy?... :D
2 pages
 
Last edited:
I didn't really think the 5800X3D was all that warm I've worked with 3 of them and the warmest one hit 82C the 5700X3D is slightly cooler maybe 3-4C.

And yeah I thing just being able to drop in a 5700X3D without swapping motherboards makes more sense at your current prices the 5800X3D doesn't make sense.

Honestly I was more impressed with the 5000 X3D chips than I was the 7000 chips as drop in upgrades they are prett fantastic.
 
There is a very simple rule to these 'upgrades'.

If you have to ask whether you need a CPU upgrade, you don't need one.

If you really need one, you will have no doubts about that whatsoever.
/thread
 
There is a very simple rule to these 'upgrades'.

If you have to ask whether you need a CPU upgrade, you don't need one.

If you really need one, you will have no doubts about that whatsoever.
/thread

I don't know, depending on income or availability at a given price in a country that might not be the case and one might need to make every $$$ count making them over think upgrades.

A 4070 super is a good pair with a 5700X3D I hit cpu limits with a 3080ti with a 5800X non 3D at 1440p and that's ballpark similar performance I wouldn't hit them with an X3D chip at the same time my wife mostly uses that pc and she can't tell 60 from 240 so it's been a non issue.

At the same time I grabbed a 7800X3D and was underwhelmed and swapped to a 7950X3D although it took a bet from someone that I would like it better.... So you just never know.
 
There is a very simple rule to these 'upgrades'.

If you have to ask whether you need a CPU upgrade, you don't need one.

If you really need one, you will have no doubts about that whatsoever.
/thread

I found out that some games don't use my gpu the way i wanted (%)

I think my rtx 3060 that i used for dakar desert rally with my ryzen 5600,that the gpu usage was much closer to 100% and more consistent

I wanted and needed a cpu upgrade to get better use of my gpu, therefor i wanted to aske what cpu you would recommend pairing with a rtx 4070

If i had alot of extra money for a cpu or where an extreme gamer, i might have gone for a 7800x3d with a good mb and 32gb 6000mhz cl 30 memory,ram, with bios updates to prevent higher tier intel cpus from getting hot (10% less performance) + higher power consumption and price
at the end the ryzen 5700x3d is the right choice (performance vs heat vs power consumption vs price + the ease of upgrading only the cpu)

Just wanted to make shure a 12600kf,12700kf,13600kf with ddr 4 ram wasn't a better choice, value for money, next time i might upgrade when ddr 6 ram is latest and greatest, have launched (can't be that long), not when it's launched but skipping ddr 5 setups and going for a ddr 6 setup

I could have had a ddr 5 setup but i haven't

I don't know, depending on income or availability at a given price in a country that might not be the case and one might need to make every $$$ count making them over think upgrades.

A 4070 super is a good pair with a 5700X3D I hit cpu limits with a 3080ti with a 5800X non 3D at 1440p and that's ballpark similar performance I wouldn't hit them with an X3D chip at the same time my wife mostly uses that pc and she can't tell 60 from 240 so it's been a non issue.

At the same time I grabbed a 7800X3D and was underwhelmed and swapped to a 7950X3D although it took a bet from someone that I would like it better.... So you just never know.
I think we are at a point where unless you play at 4k, a ryzen 5600(x) and an i5 12400f is just not good enough for many games when you have a rtx 4070, less performing cpu is not recommended (an i9 9900k or ryzen 9 3950x might be okay, i know one that has a rtx 4070 ti paired with an i9 9900k)

I only have a rtx 4070 not 4070 super
 
Last edited:
There is a very simple rule to these 'upgrades'.

If you have to ask whether you need a CPU upgrade, you don't need one.

If you really need one, you will have no doubts about that whatsoever.
/thread

If you can live with a CPU bottleneck that is....
 
Back
Top