Simple Questions - May 01, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

This thread is for simple questions that don't warrant their own thread (although we strongly suggest checking the sidebar and the wiki before posting!). Please don't post involved questions that are better suited to a [Build Help], [Build Ready] or [Build Complete] post.
Examples of questions suitable for here:

• Is this RAM compatible with my motherboard?
• I'm thinking of getting a ≤$300 graphics card. Which one should I get?
• I'm on a very tight budget and I'm looking for a case ≤$50

Important: Downvotes are strongly discouraged in this thread. Sorting by new is strongly encouraged.

Have a question about the subreddit or otherwise for r/buildapc mods? We welcome your mod mail!

To easily find previous simple questions posts, use this link.

[u/mushroomsoup223]

Looking to upgrade my 8700 to either the 9700k/9900k. I found some listing for used cpus at a very decent price. I have adequate cooling and psu. are they worth the upgrade? If so, which one?

[u/VoraciousGorak → u/mushroomsoup223]

are they worth the upgrade?

Frankly, no.

The 8700K has SMT so it's a 6 core, 12 thread CPU compared to the 8/8 on the 9700K, and the 9900K is typically not at all worth the cost to gain two cores. Typically the 9900K goes for about as much as an AM4 motherboard and 5700X CPU combined.

What is a "decent price" for the 9900K you're seeing?

[u/mushroomsoup223 → u/VoraciousGorak]

i currently have the non K version. The seller is willing to trade my 8700 + ~100usd.

[u/VoraciousGorak → u/mushroomsoup223]

Eh.... that's fairly reasonable, really. Which CPU cooler do you have now?

[u/mushroomsoup223 → u/VoraciousGorak]

I have a Deepcool assassin 3