Yeah the 8700k is a a beast for it’s age…i run mine @5gz with hyperthreading disabled. Cpu watercooled stays in low to mid 70’s…have the 3090fe and it seems like a good pair in msfs…mostly cpu limited with occasional gpu limited message…compared to the initial launch of msfs to now with dx12 the sim is running at it’s best it ever has…prior to update 10 i had it in my mind i needed a cpu upgrade…but now I’m very satisfied with the performance I’m getting. Pretty much every setting on ultra, 5120x1440 (render scaling@125%), no vsync, no dlss…using TAA. At gates like Klax or ksfo I’m getting 32-40fps…on runway seeing 38-47, in air 60-65. Mostly importantly i no longer have micro-freezing, the scenery flows beautifully and I’m satisfied hardware wise.
I’d say you could squeeze more time with the 8700k and upgrade your gpu…you should be able to max out settings and have good frames…8700k is no slouch its almost unfortunate that newer gens don’t just flat out murder it…would be easier to justify in my mind
Heard some good things about the 13th gen…so maybe would be the better route for you…another thing holding me back from cpu upgrade is the ddr5 pricing…can’t do it…i remember being an early adapter to ddr3 and paying stupid prices for that…then watching the prices drop rapidly…too rapidly for my liking…vowed to never do that again…so for me i won’t be touching ddr5 till the prices get sane.
In the meantime if you haven’t already, try switching off hyperthreading and running the sim…cpu will generate less heat and you might get some added performance.
Tough decision ya got…either way cpu or gpu you’re gonna see improvements so cheers to that!
***just realized the length of this post…ugh!