Pointless to upgrade CPU for 4k gaming rig? (also thermal paste question)

[4k4uNuNu]

Just under two and a half years ago, I wanted a 4k gaming rig. The advice was clear... go big on the graphics card and budget on the cpu. Get a 2080ti (for a ludicrous price) and a ryzen 5 2600 (with it's 12 threads over 6 cores) and it would yield much better fps than a 1080ti and a more expensive cpu.

Which I did, and apart from the usual tweaks you have to do in pc games, I've been enjoying 4k gaming on my pc and big screen tv since. But now i'm upgrading my gfx to an nvidia 30 series and while i'm waiting for stock like most others, I've been wondering if my current cpu cuts the mustard.

Every review I see, in 4k results, the cpu makes very little difference. Like 1-2 fps even when comparing my lowly r5 2600 to the fastest cpus money can (theoretically) buy. Is this the reality or some oddity when it comes to recording fps? I keep hearing ubisoft games tend to need higher single core cpus but then the graphs aren't showing that in 4k. Something to do with the low fps being sent to the cpu from the gpu.

And also, it occurred to me I haven't changed the thermal paste in that time, is that a problem? I'm not noticing any issues but i'm not pushing the pc right now due to the temporary graphics card downgrade.

(as an aside, I also like how windows 7 is an option with the r5 2600, something i'd have to forgo if upgrading)

 

[Tykey]

I've upgraded my graphics card over Xmas but left my 4 year old i7 7700k oc'd in place for the reasons you state. Cpus don't matter so much when gaming, within reason. Its the reality afaik. Not many games even today make full use of all cores AFAIK, speed is important though and the common limit of about 5ghz has been that way for years now. My old and now dead i5 2500k bought from oc was oc'd to 5ghz back in 2011, it lasted 6 years.

Sorry I'm not sure about how long thermal paste lasts. My current pc is 2017 from oc and still on the original thermal paste. Had no idea it has a shelf life tbh.

 

[TT158]

If you're playing at 60fps then I don't think your CPU matters much at all, in most cases. I did feel that my 6700k was struggling to hold 60 fps in AC Odyssey using a 2080ti at times though.

If you're turning a few settings down on a 3080 / 3090 and playing near 120 fps, then I think that a better CPU can give better lows in many games and smooth out the experience.

 

[Joxeon]

Get your card first and see how it goes then you can always grab a CPU at that point if you need too which I doubt you will.

 

[turbot1984]

I've been wondering if my current cpu cuts the mustard.

Yes is the answer at 4K! My 4 core 6700k was holding back 3080, but still not by a massive amount, more noticeable in FS2020 but not older games.