RTX 3080 and i7-8700k, looking to invest in either new monitor or CPU

[Lokratus]

Hello!

So I've recently bought a new RTX 3080 that works just fine with my i7-8700k. The only problem that I currently have is, that my monitor is still 1080p 144hz. I therefore also sometimes struggle with mid GPU usage and higher CPU usage.

I have 2 questions:

1. Should I be looking to invest into a better CPU or a new 1440p monitor?

2. Is it normal that my CPU utilization is currently higher than my GPU utilization because of my monitor?

 

Thank you very much!

[adarw]

honestly i would say both.

 

 1.if you do get a new monitor it would put less stress on the cpu.

2.if you get a new cpu, you put less stress on the cpu and then there wont be a bottleneck.

3. if you get both a your cpu will be no bottleneck from the cpu side.

[pas008]

new monitor

higher resolution relieves cpu if you look at 1440p 4k benchmarks you will see they are close

3 gens of intel cpus below last has 8700k which you can compare to other 2 links of where it should stand

for 1440p to 4k

 

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i9-12900k-alder-lake-12th-gen/23.html

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i9-11900k/24.html

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i9-10900k/21.html.

 

you would be getting more out of that gpu imho

unless you do need more cores for multitasking/streaming/work

then would like to know more details of what you are doing but from gaming stand point 3080 is kinda overkill for 1080p

[SpookyCitrus]

A new monitor would alleviate the resolution bottleneck. Your CPU should be fine with the 3080 at 1440p. If it were me I would get a 1440p 165hz or higher monitor and call it good. Upgrading the CPU is up to you, but for this particular issue you are experiencing isn't necessary.

[Mick Naughty]

Id do both. Or get the monitor and see how the cpu fairs. Wouldnt expect it to do much given how they perform but it also comes down to the games.

[Lokratus]

31 minutes ago, pas008 said:

new monitor

higher resolution relieves cpu if you look at 1440p 4k benchmarks you will see they are close

3 gens of intel cpus below last has 8700k which you can compare to other 2 links of where it should stand

for 1440p to 4k

 

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i9-12900k-alder-lake-12th-gen/23.html

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i9-11900k/24.html

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i9-10900k/21.html.

 

you would be getting more out of that gpu imho

unless you do need more cores for multitasking/streaming/work

then would like to know more details of what you are doing but from gaming stand point 3080 is kinda overkill for 1080p

I primarily use my PC for gaming. Would a 1440p 165 hz or 4k benefit me more? And also later down the drain, I guess I will also just upgrade my CPU.

[Lokratus]

20 minutes ago, SpookyCitrus said:

A new monitor would alleviate the resolution bottleneck. Your CPU should be fine with the 3080 at 1440p. If it were me I would get a 1440p 165hz or higher monitor and call it good. Upgrading the CPU is up to you, but for this particular issue you are experiencing isn't necessary.

Is there a large difference between 1440p and 4k in terms of performance?

[SpookyCitrus]

Just now, Lokratus said:

Is there a large difference between 1440p and 4k in terms of performance?

Yes, fairly. 4K depending on settings you will be able to get around 60fps on most AAA or graphically demanding titles, where as at the same settings on 1440p your looking at 80 to 100fps or higher. I personally prefer 1440p 165hz or higher refresh rate monitors over 4k because the resolution/quality difference is negligible and the performance is much better.

[pas008]

17 minutes ago, Lokratus said:

I primarily use my PC for gaming. Would a 1440p 165 hz or 4k benefit me more? And also later down the drain, I guess I will also just upgrade my CPU.

i game on 3x1080p 5760x1080 resolution @144h usually(if game can allow me)

I went from 4770k to 8700k then to 10850k all with 1080ti sli

from gaming stand point barely seen anything improve for fps

other things that arent gaming like cad I noticed better differences which made it worth it to me

and I cant seem to score any new gpu lol

[Bobbysixjp]

I’d go for a new monitor first (personally I’d go with 1440p ultrawide) but be aware that the 8700K is starting to show its age and might bottleneck the 3080 in some games.