Should I Upgrade My CPU or Get a Whole New PC?

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Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a dilemma. I’ve got a system with a 4070 Ti and an i7 12700F with 32GB of RAM, which runs games great overall. However, I’ve been experiencing noticeable FPS drops in action RPGs like Path of Exile 2 and Last Epoch, especially in busy scenes. While Last Epoch performs better, both games dip down to frustrating levels (30-60 FPS) during intense moments, which is really impacting my 1440p gaming experience at 120Hz.

I’m contemplating whether I should just swap out my motherboard and CPU for an AMD 9800X3D, which would only cost me about $1,000, or if I should bite the bullet and invest in an entirely new rig. I’ve had experience with RAM and SSD installs, but I’m a bit nervous about doing a motherboard CPU swap. However, I don’t want to overspend if I can avoid it. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Should I Upgrade My CPU or Get a Whole New PC
Path of Exile 2

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4 Answers

FPSFixer -

Some of your problems could just be tied to those specific games rather than your hardware. A stronger CPU might help a bit, but you could be disappointed if you expect a perfect fix. Have you tried adjusting settings like lossless scaling or adaptive frame generation? Also, I’ve heard the X3D chips are better for PoE2, so if you can afford it and really want that upgrade, maybe go for it. And swapping your mobo isn’t as hard as it sounds—just take your time and double-check everything as you set it up.

NerdyGamingGuru -

Honestly, I wouldn’t stress about getting the 9800X3D right now. Instead, I’d recommend considering something like the 7500F to save a bit of cash. It’ll give you decent performance and keep you in the game without breaking the bank.

QuickSilverDude -

Totally agree! If you’re looking for future-proofing, just get into AM5 as affordably as possible and wait for the next generation of chips like the Zen6 X3D. That’s my plan anyway.

TechSavvyJoe -

Or you might want to check out the 9700X – it’s priced well and performs decently!

CaptainBenchmarker -

I really doubt your CPU is what’s causing issues with your 4070 Ti. The 12700F should handle 1440p gaming fine. Before upgrading, maybe try a clean install of your OS and drivers, or check if the games have issues on their own. It could be something simple like a memory problem or game glitches.

CriticalHitMage -

You might find that no current CPU will give you a massive upgrade over your 12700F. Your CPU should be in a similar range as the 12400F and 12700K performance-wise. So, tossing money at a CPU upgrade might not yield the results you’re expecting.

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