I'm looking to upgrade my PC, and here's what I currently have: a Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, Radeon RX 580 4GB GPU, ASRock B450 motherboard, 16GB of Corsair DDR4 RAM, a 1TB HDD, and a 256GB SSD. I just replaced my PSU with a Be Quiet 750W after my old one failed. I'm thinking about upgrading to either a Ryzen 5 5600X or 5700X3D for the CPU, and for the GPU, I'm considering the RX 6600 or 6700 XT. I have a budget of $500 for the CPU, RAM, and motherboard, and $300 for the GPU. What do you think I should prioritize or upgrade in my setup?
4 Answers
Here's a part list you might want to check out. If you're looking new, consider this: 5600 CPU for about $150, a solid 16GB DDR4 RAM around $95, and a RX 9070 GPU at $530. Total comes to around $775, but going second-hand for the CPU could save you a lot. The 5800X or even the 5600 series should work fine for gaming, but if you can find a 5700X3D or 5800X3D cheaper than $200, that's a steal! Also, adding more RAM could help, as AM4 handles 4 sticks well.
Good news—you don’t really need a new motherboard for the CPU! Just make sure to save enough for a new GPU since that’s where most of your performance will come from. Are you looking at new or used parts? That could shift your budget.
Your motherboard and RAM are still solid, so that's a plus! If you're going for a CPU upgrade, the Ryzen 5600 is a great value right now—check online for used ones around $70-$80. The 5700X3D is awesome but can be pricey at around $300. On the GPU side, the RX 6600 is a fantastic choice, often found for $135-$150 used. If you want something more powerful, consider the RX 6700 XT. Just a tip: be sure to update your motherboard's BIOS before switching to a 5000 series CPU!
That's good to know! Do you think moving to AM5 is worth it, or should I stick with AM4? I've heard mixed things about DDR5 compatibility.
Absolutely, be cautious with AM5. Prices for DDR5 RAM are high, and there have been reports of issues with mixing sticks. AM4 should still serve you well for now!
Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate the breakdown.