Hey folks! I'm looking to give my AM4 build a bit of a refresh with Black Friday deals coming up, and I'd love some advice on which components I should swap out for another five years of good performance. My setup is mainly for gaming and browsing, but I've been struggling with newer titles like BF6 now and then.
I built my rig back in 2017, and here are the specs:
- Motherboard: Asrock B350 Pro4 ATX
- PSU: EVGA 500 BQ W 80+ Bronze
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212
- GPU: Asus DUAL GTX 1070 8GB
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 (4x8)
I'm eyeing an upgrade to one of the last AM4 CPUs, like the Ryzen 7 5800XT, especially since it's around $180 now (might drop to $150 soon!). People mention going for the 5700X3D or 5800X3D instead, but their price tags of $400+ have me wondering if it's worth it compared to upgrading from my R5 1600. Also, will my B350 Pro4 support these upgrades with a BIOS update, or should I consider jumping to a B550 motherboard? I'd really appreciate any insights you have. Thanks!
6 Answers
If you're looking for value, definitely go for the 5800XT or even check used markets for something like a 5600, which you might snag for $70-80. A new GPU down the line will really elevate your gaming experience too! Just keep an eye on your PSU, as you may want to upgrade it eventually for better stability with new hardware.
Updating your B350's BIOS for a 5000 series CPU should be straightforward. Just avoid those lower-end options like the 5500 and non-x variants. Stick with the 5800X or the 5800XT for the best performance. That should keep your build from aging too quickly while you save for future upgrades!
What’s your main reason for upgrading? If gaming’s giving you the most trouble, consider a GPU upgrade first. It sometimes offers more immediate benefits depending on what titles you’re running into issues with!
I'd recommend the 5800XT for sure! Just make sure you have a proper cooler if you're still using the stock with the 1600. You might want to check cooler options that won’t break the bank. Also, keep in mind the 5700X has lower power consumption if you want to save on electricity without sacrificing much performance.
Just remember that keeping your motherboard might be a good plan for now. You've been set on AM4 for a while; updating the BIOS and getting a Ryzen 5800XT should buy you some good time before needing a full system overhaul.
If you're looking for a solid upgrade, the Ryzen 5800XT sounds perfect for your needs. The X3D chips are pretty pricey these days, and for that amount, you might want to look into AM5 instead. But honestly, any mid-range 5000 series chip will give you a noticeable boost over the R5 1600. Plus, you can stick with your B350 motherboard for now, just update the BIOS!
Yeah, it seems like DDR5 has inflated a lot. Used X3D CPUs were a steal before but now... not so much. You're probably better off with the 5800XT, then consider GPU upgrades later.
The Wraith Prism that usually comes with the 5800XT should work well, but it's always a good idea to test the stock cooler first before upgrading.