Iracing upgrade - CPU only?

Jony27 · 2026-03-09T16:48:56+0000

Hi folks,

I’ve noticed that I may need an upgrade to keep up with iRacing as I’ve noticed dips down to 60fps at race starts even with settings turned down.

I’m currently running an i5 12400F and 7800XT with 16GB Ddr4 at 3440x1440p.
The cpu gets pegged at 100 % while the gpu sits at 80% when racing.

I have a 14600KF in mind as I think my b660m mobo can take it with a bios update. Would this be the wisest/most efficient path to upgrade to see some improvements.

Also I do have a 49” I’m looking to use as well which will likely negate this upgrade on its own but looking to do it in phases.

TIA

Tetras · 2026-03-09T17:29:54+0000

Jony27 said:
I have a 14600KF in mind as I think my b660m mobo can take it with a bios update. Would this be the wisest/most efficient path to upgrade to see some improvements.

Yeah, raptor-core cpus are a modest upgrade on 12th gen, though I would be wary of buying a used one (especially tray), even if the 14600K/KF is believed to be the least affected.

Jony27 · 2026-03-09T17:53:15+0000

Tetras said:
Yeah, raptor-core cpus are a modest upgrade on 12th gen, though I would be wary of buying a used one (especially tray), even if the 14600K/KF is believed to be the least affected.

There are some B grade ones I see so I can send out an offer to the guys at ocuk.
I’ve accepted that I’d be losing something by sticking to ddr4, even the idea of upgrading to 32GB I’m toying with but should be the most economical while providing something.
I just wanted some reassurance that it’s not a stupid move and throwing money down the drain. Unfortunately not in a position to drop £800 on a 9800XD bundle right now.

Tetras · 2026-03-09T18:37:05+0000

Jony27 said:
I just wanted some reassurance that it’s not a stupid move and throwing money down the drain. Unfortunately not in a position to drop £800 on a 9800XD bundle right now.

It is just a mild upgrade in gaming performance between 12th and 14th gen, so with a 7800 XT you'd probably not want to bother in most cases.

But, if you're playing a game that is especially CPU demanding and want/need to keep the board/RAM, then that's the best option you have.

It is at least more worthwhile from a 12400, than it would be from a 12600K. I'd be surprised if you got more than 20-25% extra frames, even under heavy CPU load.

Jony27 said:
There are some B grade ones I see so I can send out an offer to the guys at ocuk.

I don't know if they'd still have the full warranty, maybe if they're boxed?