i5-11600k versus i5-14600K

[Steel Jaw]

Running DCS the CPU maxes out between 40-60 %, while the GPU is usually hovering around 100%, in VR and 2d.

But in the game, the in game resource indicator keeps bouncing between CPU and GPU bottleknecked.

So, how would I know if a CPU upgrade would improve FPS?

Or is it more likely I need a GPU upgrade.

The key issue for me is there is occasional stuttering in VR.

Upgrading to a AMD platform is not an option due to cost.

Thanks for any input.

[Aapje]

You can't upgrade just the CPU because you would need to replace the platform anyway. 12-14 gen Intel uses a different socket.

[Steel Jaw]

1 hour ago, Aapje said:

You can't upgrade just the CPU because you would need to replace the platform anyway. 12-14 gen Intel uses a different socket.

oh i realize that…but an intel upgrade would cost half of a amd upgrade

Edited October 26 by Steel Jaw

[scommander2]

Hope the following helps!!

 

[LucShep]

13 hours ago, Steel Jaw said:

Running DCS the CPU maxes out between 40-60 %, while the GPU is usually hovering around 100%, in VR and 2d.

But in the game, the in game resource indicator keeps bouncing between CPU and GPU bottleknecked.

So, how would I know if a CPU upgrade would improve FPS?

Or is it more likely I need a GPU upgrade.

The key issue for me is there is occasional stuttering in VR.

Upgrading to a AMD platform is not an option due to cost.

Thanks for any input.

Depends on the cost, and your expectations.

The i5 14600K is, overall, a noticeable upgrade over the i5 11600K (over 30% performance increase). But you'll also need a new motherboard.
If it's a Z790 DDR4 motherboard model, then you can reuse that 64GB memory kit I see in your signature, and everything else you already have.
If looking for a "good and affordable" Z790 DDR4 motherboard for the i5 14600K, there are good picks from MSI, Asus and Gigabyte going around $300 CAD.

Now, be aware - a better CPU will make a noticeable difference on the min FPS (aka 1% lows) but probably not so much for the maximum FPS.
The CPU will give benefits to FPS performance in that they won't flutuate as much. 

But then you mention VR.
And for DCS, VR with an RX 7800XT, that's going to be complicated regardless of CPU upgrade. You need a better GPU for DCS VR, and preferentially an Nvidia model.
But then a better GPU may be bottlenecked by that ageing i5 11600K - kind of back to square zero, and probably better to look for a total system upgrade. 
 

Edited October 27 by LucShep

[Steel Jaw]

With my GPU running at 100% load in VR but the CPU maxing 60%, I'm thinking I should instead be looking at a GPU upgrade...

[Dragon1-1]

Start with the GPU, then look at CPU. VR has a voracious appetite for VRAM and AMD drivers aren't that great for it, so you stand to make gains there. However, since you're also going to be upgrading the mobo, I'd recommend you go with an X3D series Ryzen. The 14 series Intel CPUs had longevity issues, 12 series is fine, but it's also blown out of the water by more recent Ryzens. In VR, you'll benefit a lot from the expanded cache on X3D. 

[Steel Jaw]

On 11/8/2025 at 11:52 AM, Dragon1-1 said:

Start with the GPU, then look at CPU. VR has a voracious appetite for VRAM and AMD drivers aren't that great for it, so you stand to make gains there. However, since you're also going to be upgrading the mobo, I'd recommend you go with an X3D series Ryzen. The 14 series Intel CPUs had longevity issues, 12 series is fine, but it's also blown out of the water by more recent Ryzens. In VR, you'll benefit a lot from the expanded cache 

Budget says EITHER GPU upgrading OR CPU upgrading. 

[Dragon1-1]

I meant you should get a GPU now and start saving up for a CPU+mobo immediately afterwards.  Getting VR to run smoothly takes a very powerful rig.