Recently I asked about a new PC build. I got helpful responses about the topic but also a suggestion of just upgrading my GPU to a 3080 (from 3050). I looked deeper into it and it looks like I can do it easily even right now. Then I saw a 3080 FE for sale and I've always been a fan of how they look so now I want one.
However I also discovered that my CPU (i5-11400F) will be a severe bottleneck in that configuration. I don't really mind decreased GPU utilization and I'm pretty sure my CPU cooler will keep up just fine (tested in benchmarks and UE5) but will it give me any serious issues such as freezes or full on crashes? My resolution is 1080p btw (with the monitor itself actually being 768p but I increase resolution in games beyond that for better quality) but I might as well upgrade it to a 1440p one soon if necessary and use it for the new build when I undoubtedly waste my money on it.
As always it depends on the price you pay for your upgrade. Why the 3080 specifically? What kind of performance uplift are you expecting? A 3080 is probably gonna fall asleep at 1080p.
A CPU bottleneck won't give you crashes by itself, unless there's something else wrong with your system. It just means that as you reach higher framerates (whatever the cause, better GPU, lower settings or resolution etc.) your CPU will be the limiting factor. For most games that might still be comfortably within your expectations, even if your GPU isn't being fully utilized. The main outliers are mostly esports games on lower settings and resolutions. If you play graphically demanding games on high settings or want to upgrade to a higher resolution at some point, then knock yourself out I guess. I find it kinda hard to guesstimate how "efficient" a GPU upgrade will be, since it depends on so many factors. If you can, then you may as well just give it a try, see how you like it and send it back if you're disappointed (assuming that's easy to do where you live).
That's just about what I thought. Thank you for confirmation.