Question Upgrade CPU or GPU?

[jasonzip]

Built this way back in 2018 and looking for an upgrade.

CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z390 UD ATX LGA1151
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2666 CL15
Video Card: RTX 2070
Monitor: 1440 p165 Hz

Given that I game on 1440p 165Hz, should I upgrade my GPU or CPU? Limited budget so trying to stretch my money and find the best value. My Microcenter has a bundle with a i5-12600KF, MSI Z790-P Pro WiFi LGA 1700 Motherboard, TeamGroup 32 GB (2x16 GB) DDR4-3200 PC4-25600 CL16 for $266. Should I instead spend around that amount upgrading my GPU? Concerned about potential bottlenecking.

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

What sort of titles are you going to tax the system with? If you do decide to go with that processor listed above, look at the K SKU since the iGPU can and will come in handy when you need to troubleshoot a discrete GPU issue.

How much are have you set aside for either a platform upgrade or a GPU upgrade?

You forgot to mention the make and model of your PSU and it's. Without which you're left like a sitting duck.

 

[Eximo]

$266 is not going to get you much better than an RTX 2070.

RTX 2070 ~= RTX 3060 ~= RX6600 XT/RX6650XT which are in that price category. RX7600 would be a slight improvement.

Might be able to find a used RTX 3080 / 3080 Ti for about that much though, but that of course comes with risks.

What games are you struggling with?