Is the i5 9400F Suitable for an RTX 2060 Super? An In-Depth Analysis

The i5 9400F and the RTX 2060 Super are both powerful components in their respective domains. While the i5 9400F offers a solid benchmark in terms of performance and price, the RTX 2060 Super is a top-tier graphics card known for its impressive visual quality and smooth gameplay. Combining these two, though, can be a bit of a decision.

Is the i5 9400F Compatible with the RTX 2060 Super?

Yes, the i5 9400F will work with the RTX 2060 Super. While the i5 9400F is a reliable choice, it might not be the most optimal CPU for this graphics card. For example, the i5 9400F is a mid-range CPU with 6 cores and a base clock of 2.9 GHz, and it can handle light to medium gaming tasks efficiently. The RTX 2060 Super, however, is a high-end GPU that demands a capable CPU to fully leverage its power.

Why Opt for the i7-8750K Instead?

If you want a more robust and overclockable CPU, I highly recommend considering the i7-8750K. This CPU offers better overall performance and can handle the increased load of the RTX 2060 Super. The i7-8750K has 6 cores and a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, which means it is better suited for more intensive gaming and tasks. Additionally, the i7-8750K can be overclocked, which can provide significant performance boosts if needed. While the i5 9400F is 30 dollars cheaper, the i7-8750K offers better performance and flexibility, making it a worthwhile investment.

Real-World Performance: i5 9400F with RTX 2060 Super in PUBG

The video demo clearly shows that the i5 9400F and RTX 2060 Super combination can deliver outstanding performance. In this PUBG gameplay at 1080p and ultra settings, the CPU and GPU work in harmony to achieve an average FPS of 100. This combination proves to be one of the best setups for achieving 120 FPS gaming without breaking the bank.

Bottleneck Evaluation

Based on the bottleneck calculator, the i5 9400F does a commendable job in supporting the RTX 2060 Super. While modern GPUs like the RTX 2060 Super can handle a wide range of tasks, they are optimized for specific functions. However, for deep learning tasks, the processor might be a minor bottleneck due to its reliance on certain cores and Tensor cores.

The RTX 2060 Super has some extra cores, a higher clock speed, and 2GB of VRAM compared to the regular RTX 2060. This means that the bottleneck effect is slightly mitigated, but the i5 9400F may still be a limiting factor for very intensive workloads.

For those interested in detailed comparisons, you can find more information on the differences here.

Conclusion

While the i5 9400F can work with the RTX 2060 Super, it is not the most optimal choice. The i7-8750K provides better performance and is more flexible for future upgrades. However, if you are on a tight budget and want a solid performing setup, the i5 9400F with an RTX 2060 Super can still offer great results, particularly for demanding games like PUBG at ultra settings.