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.
You're not going to get crashes or anything like that, it's just usually a waste of money if you're optimizing for gaming (though it might be different if you catch a good sale). Also, upgrading your CPU is usually harder - you often need to buy a new mainboard and RAM as well, and you'll have an easier time selling a GPU than a CPU on the secondhand market.
I mean, what's the point of getting a worse GPU (for example 5060 Ti or 3070 Ti) for the same price? 3080 seems to be of good value here and not too much of an unnecessary waste like 3080 Ti.
As I said, "it might be different if you catch a good sale". Also, I assumed you were buying a new CPU instead of using the one you already have, but that seems to have been a misunderstanding.