IMHO, even if you do go with the 8700, if you pair it with the 970 you will not be satisfied. The GPU will be your issue not the CPU. Test the 6700 and if it's working look at going to at least a 1070.

Vic

Yup, p3dv4 is GPU-hungry, when compared with it's predecessors, with things such as dynamic lighting. Plus 64-bit you will no longer be limited by VAS. But usually by VRAM especially when loading with add-on airports or high res textures.

As @vgbaron said, atleast a gtx 1070 or above will be a good upgrade.

So thanks to everyone who chimed in here - I really appreciate the feedback.

In the end, I've decided to kind of take everyone's advice: I'm going to grab a 8700k, and then later this year I'll upgrade the GPU as well.  Looks like the GTX1070 is a significant upgrade on my GTX970 from what I can tell.  Not sure how much better a 1080 is, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$?  

Cheers,

Daniel

The difference between the 1070 and 1080 is not really worth the price difference. The 10080TI however IS worth the difference. If watching the budget - go 1070, it's worth it.

Vic