What's the minimum CPU that will 'not' hold back a Titan X (Pascal)?

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 14:40

Hi guys,

Trying to decide on what CPU to get for a new build and will be using it alongside the Titan X Pascal GPU, but I don't want it to hold back the GPU, so any experience on what's the minimum I need?

I'll be using it with a 1440p/144Hz screen if that helps?

Thanks

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 14:46

Forgot to mention in using a Z370 motherboard

darket · 11 Nov 2018 at 14:58

8600k would be my minimum on that board.

easyrider · 11 Nov 2018 at 15:05

Space Monkey said:
Forgot to mention in using a Z370 motherboard

8700k

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 15:05

darket said:
8600k would be my minimum on that board.

So that would allow the GPU to fully stretch it's legs?

Lokken86 · 11 Nov 2018 at 16:24

Space Monkey said:
So that would allow the GPU to fully stretch it's legs?

Yes.

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 16:32

Lokken86 said:
Yes.

Thanks, so if I get the 8600K and overclock all cores to 5GHz (lottery permitting) it should be more than enough for modern games at 1440p/144Hz?

Panos · 11 Nov 2018 at 16:42

Space Monkey said:
Thanks, so if I get the 8600K and overclock all cores to 5GHz (lottery permitting) it should be more than enough for modern games at 1440p/144Hz?

You should be OK as I have a 8600K

However my vote could have gone to 2700X or 2600X. Because they are much better package.

Please bear in mind that 3200C14 ram is the absolute minimum even for 8600K. Otherwise it cuts performance.

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 16:43

Panos said:
You should be OK. However my vote could have gone to 2700X or 2600X. Because they are much better package.

Sadly I've already got the motherboard, so it's a hassle to sort out now

Lokken86 · 11 Nov 2018 at 17:59

Space Monkey said:
Sadly I've already got the motherboard, so it's a hassle to sort out now

Don't worry 8600k with good memory will be perfect.

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 18:19

Lokken86 said:
Don't worry 8600k with good memory will be perfect.

I can pick up the 9600K at the same price, a little faster out of the gate, or could push to the 9700K OEM without stretching the budget (though there's a £150 difference)?

My inner geek wants the 9900K but my wallet doesn't

Lokken86 · 11 Nov 2018 at 19:59

Space Monkey said:
I can pick up the 9600K at the same price, a little faster out of the gate, or could push to the 9700K OEM without stretching the budget (though there's a £150 difference)?

My inner geek wants the 9900K but my wallet doesn't

If you are planning on sticking with the processor for a few years the 9700k will offer you that little bit more future proofing as it has the 2 extra cores. Does the motherboard support 9 series CPUs? I'm not familiar with the backward compatibility of Intel's newest stuff.

Space Monkey · 11 Nov 2018 at 20:02

Lokken86 said:
If you are planning on sticking with the processor for a few years the 9700k will offer you that little bit more future proofing as it has the 2 extra cores. Does the motherboard support 9 series CPUs? I'm not familiar with the backward compatibility of Intel's newest stuff.

My motherboard does support the new 9 series CPUs but only after a BIOS update.

Lokken86 · 11 Nov 2018 at 22:48

Space Monkey said:
My motherboard does support the new 9 series CPUs but only after a BIOS update.

I'd probably get the 8 core if it was me but the 8600k does a perfect job for now anyway.

z10m · 12 Nov 2018 at 21:34

9700K is the fastest gaming CPU currently available even faster than 9900K when both overclocked.

Space Monkey · 12 Nov 2018 at 22:14

So, thinking on this, I would really love the 9700K or 9900K but looking at reviews etc.. (correct me if I'm wrong) that the 9600K overclocked to say 5GHz all cores is just as fast in games/OS (I don't video edit or stream), as long as I pair it with very fast RAM?

If that's the case then I could use the £150 savings on other parts of my build, if I'm wrong then I may just have to suck it up and get the 9700K?

deuse · 13 Nov 2018 at 09:28

I have the same gpu, I am running a 8700K@5Ghz and all is fine.

Spend your extra money on a Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro Nvidia Geforce GTX TITAN X Pascal M02
to keep the heat down to 60C when overclocked.

The air blower it comes with will hold it back, as it goes to 84C!

Space Monkey · 13 Nov 2018 at 09:31

deuse said:
I have the same gpu, I am running a 8700K@5Ghz and all is fine.

Spend your extra money on a Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro Nvidia Geforce GTX TITAN X Pascal M02
to keep the heat down to 60C when overclocked.

The air blower it comes with will hold it back, as it goes to 84C!

Thanks, I'm under custom water so it's all blocked up with an EK water block and 840mm of rads

Radox-0 · 13 Nov 2018 at 09:33

Space Monkey said:
So, thinking on this, I would really love the 9700K or 9900K but looking at reviews etc.. (correct me if I'm wrong) that the 9600K overclocked to say 5GHz all cores is just as fast in games/OS (I don't video edit or stream), as long as I pair it with very fast RAM?

If that's the case then I could use the £150 savings on other parts of my build, if I'm wrong then I may just have to suck it up and get the 9700K?

No need to suck it up and spend more. The 8700k / 8600k overclocked will have no real issues in games at 144hz. Performance will be broadly similar to the 9th Gen stuff which out the box appears slightly quicker as it Turbo's higher out the box. Easily negated by manually overclocking and more so as your under a custom loop. More often then not, in more graphical games, it will be your Titan XP which will be the overall limit in the system, not the CPU (bar few very heavy CPU games)

deuse · 13 Nov 2018 at 09:33

Space Monkey said:
Thanks, I'm under custom water so it's all blocked up with an EK water block and 840mm of rads

Nice one.

I looked at videos for gaming between the 9900k and the 8700K. Not much in it.