Alright. I’ve hit a wall researching CPU’s. I know MSFS doesn’t use all of the threads but what about cores and base frequency? I’m assuming base frequency or overall frequency is important. I have no plans on overclocking anytime soon as I have a B660 motherboard so I can’t and honestly have no clue what I’m doing (something I need to learn).
I’m looking at the top 2 performing 13th CPU’s below (unless I’m wrong) and the cheaper i7 option has a higher base frequency than the more expensive i9 with more cores/threads. Does this mean for MSFS the i7-13700K is actually better in this case (due to base freq since I’m not over clocking)?
What CPU specs do you want to see for optimum performance? And what specs are overkill once you reach a certain point?
Upgrading from an i5-12400F by the way.
i9-13900K $580
24 cores / 32 threads
3.0Ghz Base Frequency
5.8Ghz Turbo Clock
i7-13700K $420
16 cores / 24 threads
3.4 Base Frequency
5.4 Turbo Clock
Thanks!
MSFS loves cache, hence the 5800X3d and probably the Ryzen 7 3d versions releasing soon are by far the best performers.
But assuming you want to keep your current motherboard then I think it depends on your GPU if the 13900K is worth the price difference. If you got a 3080 or better it could make sense IMO.
It appears as though the i7 has 32MB and i9 has 36MB if I found the right information. Is that 4MB difference a big one? I know nothing about cache.
No, that’s not really that significant. The ryzan 3d variants have 3-4x that much, then it’s significant.
The i9 is better in everyway, cache (only slightly though), cores (doesn’t rally matter for MSFS), turbo (can also overclock the i7 to same turbo as i9 if needed). The only question is if it’s worth it the price increase. What GPU do you have an what resolution do you play at? My hunch is unless you play at 1080p with a high end GPU you will get near identical performance with the two CPUs, so may wanna save your money.
I’m currently running a 3050 but shopping for a 4080/4090. Been watching stock the last couple weeks waiting for one to become available I like.
Playing at 1440p right now aiming for Ultra with a smooth experience at add on airports, Fenix/FBW A320, etc. Not chasing frames so 40-50 makes me happy on MSFS as long as I don’t have dips in the 20’s at busy airports. Will probably upgrade to a 4K monitor or VR in 1-2 years.
Yeah, for a 3050 it wouldn’t make sense, but if you got the budget for a 4090 then I would def. get a 13900K to make full use of it. The Fenix also loves CPU.
To be perfectly honest, I would wait 2 days to see what the ryzen 7 3d versions are like, they are expected to be the new gaming kings, overall, and double more so in MSFS. Even if you don’t want to switch motherboard etc. they may bring Intel prices down.
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Yeah. Intel is on sale now but waiting to see what happens post AMD announcement for sure. Others have suggested I need a new motherboard for a 13900K with better power phases and VRM heat sinks but I’m a noob and don’t know what those do.
What does the cache do in MSFS? Is that the only thing that MSFS really needs a lot of when it comes to the CPU?
Basically what these people are saying that your current motherboard, while it may work with the 13900k, is perhaps not designed for such a top tier CPU that draws as much power as the i9. The components on the motherboard may overheat, causing stability problems or causing the CPU to throttle. I cannot tell you if they are right, but I do know that the 13th gen CPUs are pretty power hungry. If you do have to change the motherboard, then that opens up the option to look at an AMD x3d CPU for you.
And no, it’s not just cache, it’s always a combination of things.
Architecture, frequency, core count (but anything more than 8 is overkill for just games, but it doesn’t hurt either) and cache, plus memory latency. MSFS is a game that benefits much more from cache than other games. Eg. the 5800X3d outperforms not only the 5800 non 3d despite having lower frequency, but also 13900k in MSFS, whereas in most other games the i9 will win. And all indicates are that the 7xx3d variants will repeat that and then some.
Disclosure, I have my eye on these too, so I may be a bit over excited for them lol
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