Question Looking for a good CPU to pair with my RTX 2070 Super

ItsKieranL

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Dec 15, 2015
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Currently looking for a new CPU and motherboard to companion my new RTX 2070 Super. I'm not bothered if its Ryzen or Intel, just need a processor from either of them which won't bottleneck as much as my current processor which is the i7 6700K, currently im looking at the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, and the intel i7 7700k / i7 9700k. But im leaning towards the Ryzen as I also do some editing on Abobe premiere pro, After Effects and Photoshop. I also do some streaming so im not too sure at the moment. Also if you do recommend a processor please also recommend a cooler / AIO.


My current specs consist of:
Case - NZXT H500
CPU / Processor - I7 6700k
GPU - GTX 1060 6GB
Power supply - cm650x
motherboard - Asrock z270 taichi
CPU cooler - Hyper 212x evo
ram - 2x4 Corsair vengeance LPX 2400 - CMK8GX4M2A2400C14
1x8 Hyper fury - HX424C15FB2/8

Another question which i also have which may link to my limitations of the processor would be my PSU (Power supply) I'm not too sure if i should upgrade it. Should i?
 
An I7 6700k shoulld not limit a 2070 super a lot in many games, but there could be some microstutter in demanding games since its only a quad core. A new CPU will be beneficial to gaming, but mainly it will help with after effects.

As for upgrades:

The 7700k wouldn't prove to be enough of an upgrade to be worthwhile.

Whether you go 3700x or 9700k you will need a new motherboard. You also need new ram since your current ram is mixed and of low frequency.

If you do after effects, go for the 3700x. The 9700k is only a little faster for gaming while the 3700x is a lot better for everything else.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $309.99 @ B&H
Motherboard | MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard | $114.99 @ B&H
Memory | G.Skill Flare X 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory | $59.99 @ Newegg
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $484.97
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-12-17 16:23 EST-0500 |
 

ItsKieranL

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Dec 15, 2015
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An I7 6700k shoulld not limit a 2070 super a lot in many games, but there could be some microstutter in demanding games since its only a quad core. A new CPU will be beneficial to gaming, but mainly it will help with after effects.

As for upgrades:

The 7700k wouldn't prove to be enough of an upgrade to be worthwhile.

Whether you go 3700x or 9700k you will need a new motherboard. You also need new ram since your current ram is mixed and of low frequency.

If you do after effects, go for the 3700x. The 9700k is only a little faster for gaming while the 3700x is a lot better for everything else.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $309.99 @ B&H
Motherboard | MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard | $114.99 @ B&H
Memory | G.Skill Flare X 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory | $59.99 @ Newegg
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $484.97
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-12-17 16:23 EST-0500 |
Would i need to upgrade my PSU or should i be fine with my current one with the Ryzen 3700X upgrade?
 

ItsKieranL

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Dec 15, 2015
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3700x comes with the AMD Wraith Prism RGB cooler. Its adaquate for that CPU.

Your Hyper 212 would be a better cooler, but your h212 may not have came with he appropriate AM4 bracket, depending on the date of manufacturing.
What other motherboards would you suggest? I like aesthetics but not in a crazy manner, do you have any more recommendations? Also i'm also thinking about getting this AIO cooler, would it be suitable for the 3700X?
 

commercepk

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If you're playing at 1080p/240fps you'll want a new CPU
If you're playing at 4k/60hz you'll most likely be fine with the 6400.

If you're playing somewhere in between, ie. 1440p/144hz, then a CPU upgrade would help, but doesn't have to be done straight away.

I'd suggest looking into an R5 3600 / B450 mobo (MSI MAX for something that's Ryzen 3000 ready out of the box)