I'm currently using an older system with a Ryzen 7 2700X and a GTX 1080. Lately, I've been struggling a bit with newer games like Path of Exile 2 and Rust. They're not completely unplayable, but it's definitely getting tougher. I primarily use my PC for both productivity and gaming, so it's about a 60/40 split. I've been considering a new build since my current setup has served me well for around 7-8 years.
I know AM4 is nearing the end of its support, and while I'm hesitant to jump into AM5 because of the costs involved, I'm concerned that just upgrading my GPU could feel like a waste if the CPU holds me back. Given the craziness of the GPU market, I see prices around $700 or more, which makes me think I might as well upgrade everything. However, spending $1600 for a new machine with a faster CPU and GPU seems extreme.
Should I invest in an AM5 setup with a 50 series GPU, or is it better to find older parts for my AM4 system? If there are any recommendations for a good GPU/CPU combo that would let me hold off until AM6, that would also be appreciated! I primarily game on a 1080p monitor but do my production work on a 4K monitor, with plans to upgrade to 1440p in the future, though that's not an immediate concern.
3 Answers
Finding a 5700X3D is tough right now; prices are way up. I'd suggest looking at the 5800 or even a 5800XT for a decent upgrade. Pair it with 32GB of fast RAM, and that should be solid for your needs. As for GPUs, a used 3070 could be a great budget option for 1080p gaming. Just be cautious about how much faster you go with the GPU since your CPU might limit performance.
A 5800X3D can hit 120 fps in most games, but the 2700X is still pretty decent. Honestly, you might want to look at your GPU; it could be holding you back more than the CPU. I recommend checking your usage stats—my CPU was maxed out while my GPU wasn't breaking a sweat, so that could be your issue too.
Honestly, I'd say go for the AM5 upgrade! The Ryzen 5 7600 with a decent B650 motherboard isn't much more expensive than the 5700X3D in my area, plus if you grab a couple of sticks of DDR5 RAM, it’s only a bit pricier overall. It’s worth it for the performance boost you'll get.
Yeah, I’m seeing similar patterns in my performance stats; it looks like my CPU is definitely the bottleneck when gaming.