Which CPU for 2160p and VR?

[yfn_ratchet]

For general gaming and VR, I'd say just stick with a 7600. Barring some niche scenarios like other commenters have mentioned, the 7600 should be able to keep up with a 4070Ti, especially on higher graphics presets/resolutions. Gotta consider the blow to your wallet switching to a new platform in times like these.

If you don't care all that much about upgradability and just want another CPU that'll last as long as your 6600K for cheap, I would slide back to AM4 and get a 5700X3D. Should edge out the 7600 just barely in gaming scenarios, and you can carry over your memory sticks—well, assuming you went for a DDR4 board.

 

[DaemonForce]

There's definitely something to be said about VR performance (depending on each game) and then there's how CPU performance contributes.
If you have an absolute SLOG of a game like VRChat that has no optimizations and throws whatever graphical and networking packages at you, go big.
For context I made the jump from AM3+ to AM4 and there wasn't any real improvement as I am simply that much GPU bound.
Today I'm still on the entry level 3600 and decided the move to AM5 is not worth investment. Looking at current options, I am spoiled for choice but good.

I have not chosen a capstone and will need to do that at some point even though there's really no pressure.
A 5800X3D keeps up with the 7600X, the outstanding part of the 7600 series.
It's an interesting compare. I tend to pick the best entry chip then max out much later at a fractional price.
They all have really good clocks but the 7600X is exceptionally good for its base speed and price.
I would probably go with that over the 7600 or even the 7600X3D. I won't look at 9000 series for AM5 entry.

 

[Hankieroseman]

dgianstefani: Laugh all you want if you doubt me buy a copy of City Skylines 2 and run it at 4K. Let me know what happens when your population reaches over 800,000 and tell me what 90% CPU usage looks like between 8 cores and 12 cores. That is why people that play Strategy Games and RPGs love using chips like the 5900X. You already know that there are a maximum of 50-60 Games that all reviewers use. You used to include TWWH3, remember? When the Community said that TWWH performance is best realized in a 4X4 Battle where your CPU matters it fell off. I know you are part of the narrative but it is the truth that 4k native is highly taxing on the CPU and GPU. I am not even going to get into how SAM and Rebar also aid when Gaming at 4K. You have (the Tech media) have established the narrative that no CPU matters at 4K but I have more than 50 Games in my library and most of them are Strategy or Racing Games. How many of those are reviewed by the tech media?

Flight Sims. Sometimes MSFS2020 is included but NEVER DCS.