Hey everyone! I'm putting together my first PC build and I'm considering using the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X paired with a 9060XT GPU. I'm based in Australia, so prices here are around $370 AUD for the 9600X and about $590 AUD for the 9060XT. My main focus will be on competitive gaming at either 1440p or 1080p. I've seen a lot of discussions suggesting that I should invest more in the GPU, but I'm a bit worried about whether this CPU is overkill for my needs since I won't be playing graphically intensive games. I'm aiming for around 180 fps in Overwatch 2 to match my monitor's refresh rate. Can anyone suggest a better CPU option in a similar price range? Also, I'd appreciate any additional suggestions for my build! You can check out my part list here: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/3JDwsp. Thanks!
3 Answers
The 9600X and 9060XT are a solid combo! The common advice is to invest more in the GPU, but having a strong CPU helps prevent bottlenecks, especially if you're gaming at 1080p. If you're concerned about performance, don’t sweat it; this pair should meet your needs just fine!
Definitely not overkill! For competitive gaming, you'll benefit from a stronger CPU at lower graphical settings to maintain those high framerates. If you're looking for alternatives, the 7800X3D is a great option if it fits your budget, but your current setup is also great for hitting those high fps.
The 7600X is more than enough for your needs! But honestly, the 9600X is still a solid choice. Just make sure your other components are well-aligned with your performance goals, you might not need to upgrade your CPU immediately.
Thanks for the tip! I'm happy to hear the 9600X will work out.