Hey folks! I'm getting back into gaming after some time away, especially with the release of games like BF6. My current setup isn't cutting it anymore, here's what I have: an Intel i5 9600KF, RTX 3070, MSI Z390M Mortar, and 32GB of DDR4 RAM.
I've been considering an upgrade and did some research. Here's what I'm thinking:
- Upgrade to an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
- Get an ASRock B850M-X motherboard
- Switch to 32GB DDR5 (Corsair 6000 CL30)
- Include a Corsair Link h100i cooler.
I'm not too familiar with AMD chips since I've always gone with Intel, but I've heard that AMD offers great performance for the price nowadays. My old CPU is outdated, so I need a new motherboard anyway—perfect time for a switch!
I've been told that AMD CPUs benefit from high RAM speeds, but I read that with the AM5, 6000MT/s will suffice. Regarding the cooler, my current AIO is too old for the AM5 socket, so I need a new one. I thought about going with a B650 motherboard, but the price difference to the B850 wasn't much. Any thoughts on my choices or suggestions for better options?
2 Answers
I've also heard that ASRock has been having quite a few problems with their newer models. You might want to consider forking over a bit more for a more reliable brand. For cooling, while the Corsair AIO looks great, a simpler air cooler can be effective and good enough for an AMD CPU. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a solid choice that won't break the bank. Just a thought!
It sounds like you're on the right track with your upgrades! The 6000 CL30 RAM is ideal; if that breaks the bank, CL36 isn't a bad compromise given the current memory prices. However, I recommend steering clear of ASRock motherboards for the AMD generation—they’ve had some issues lately. Brands like MSI, Gigabyte, or Asus would be better alternatives. As for the CPU and cooler, you should be fine, but just keep in mind that an AIO isn’t strictly necessary for the 9700X unless you really want that aesthetic look.

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