I have an Intel i7 8700 (non-K), with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and a GTX 1080. I don't game much, mostly just iRacing at 1080p, so I'm not too concerned about any potential GPU bottlenecks right now. Recently, I found a tempting bundle deal at Microcenter for $250, which includes a Ryzen 7600x CPU, a B650M-A motherboard, and 16 GB of DDR5 6000 RAM. I'm considering this since it offers good upgradability, and I plan to add another 16 GB stick later. In total, I'll spend about $300, and I think it's a decent deal. However, it's been a while since I've kept up with the PC market, so I'd love some advice! Also, there's an option for a Ryzen 9600x bundle for $20 more, but I've heard their performance is quite similar – is that true?
5 Answers
Honestly, it’s a good deal! If you’re okay with both options, I'd say go for the 9600x for just $20 more. It’s newer and has a lower TDP compared to the 7600x, which is a bonus.
The 7600x is a solid choice, but instead of grabbing 4 sticks of RAM, consider getting 2x16 GB sticks later. DDR5 performs better with fewer sticks due to bandwidth restrictions.
Just out of curiosity, what motherboard are you looking at for the upgrade? It might help in deciding which CPU to pick.
Before you decide, ask yourself if you’re unhappy with how your PC runs now. If you don’t have a clear issue you want to fix, you might end up thinking the upgrade wasn’t worth it. It’s best to upgrade when you find your current setup lacking.
If you’re only seeing 1-4% extra performance from the 9600x, it might not be worth the extra cash for you, unless you really need that minute bump in performance.
I've been using two identical sets from a Microcenter bundle with DDR5 6000 and it's been working great!