[SOLVED] Will my Asus Prime Z370-A be fine for a 9900k CPU?

MrHGB

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Aug 11, 2014
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I just managed to snag an RTX 3080 and I don't want to bottleneck so I'm looking to upgrade my CPU as well, I was all set to buy the 9900k as it's the best CPU for my socket but I read some posts mentioning the board might not be up to the task? I would likely run the CPU at 4.8 - 5GHz boost.

Or should I just move to LGA1200 and go for something like the 10700k?
 
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I’d expect a 8600k can deliver 100fps in most games. Your motherboard should run the 9900k at stock and maybe a light OC like you suggest. I would definitely try it first.

However at 1080p there isn’t a cpu on the market that won’t limit the 3080’s potential in most games. They will still get great FPS but the 3080 is just overkill for 1080p and there will be many scenarios where it is not 100% utilised because it’s waiting on the cpu. By getting a 11700k or 5800x you will get the best FPS currently available but are you really going to notice the difference between 150 or 180fps for example (made up number to illustrate the point).

I’d try you 3080 first and maybe consider a monitor upgrade before cpu.

MrHGB

Honorable
Aug 11, 2014
28
0
10,540
What is your full pc spec at the moment?
What resolution and Hz is your monitor?

4.8-5.0GHz on all cores is an overclock but very mild. It should be possible with a good cpu cooler.

8600k @ 4.8Hz with a Kraken X63 AIO cooler
GTX 1080 (3080 coming tomorrow)
16GB DDR4 @ 3200MHz
Asus Prime Z370-A
1080p / 144Hz (looking to always push 100+ FPS, resolution is not important to me but performance is)

The main issue I'm reading about is the VRM on cheaper Z370 boards like mine getting very hot with the 9900k. I'm considering waiting and doing a proper refresh with a Z-590 board and 10700k or 11700k.
 
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I’d expect a 8600k can deliver 100fps in most games. Your motherboard should run the 9900k at stock and maybe a light OC like you suggest. I would definitely try it first.

However at 1080p there isn’t a cpu on the market that won’t limit the 3080’s potential in most games. They will still get great FPS but the 3080 is just overkill for 1080p and there will be many scenarios where it is not 100% utilised because it’s waiting on the cpu. By getting a 11700k or 5800x you will get the best FPS currently available but are you really going to notice the difference between 150 or 180fps for example (made up number to illustrate the point).

I’d try you 3080 first and maybe consider a monitor upgrade before cpu.
 
Last edited:
Solution