I'm considering an upgrade for my CPU and am looking for advice. I'd love to go for a 9800X3D, but I'm hoping to avoid the DDR5 prices during what I'm calling 'rammageddon.' So I'm focusing on the best CPU compatible with my DDR4 RAM to extend my PC's lifespan until prices settle. I've narrowed my choices down to the 5800X3D, but I'm unsure about the performance boost I'd get, considering I'm running a 9700K at 4.6GHz without plans to overclock the new one. I'm curious if a $200-$400 upgrade would be worthwhile or if I should just hold off for a newer CPU when prices are better. Any recommendations for good DDR4 CPUs would also be appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
Prices for the 5800X3D are hovering around $600 on eBay. If you’re going to spend that much, it's probably smarter to invest in a completely new AM5 system instead.
I have a 5800X (not the 3D), and I can easily run it stable at 4.6 GHz. It's paired with a 3090, and for reference, I get about 170 FPS in BF6 on high/max settings, around 90-110 FPS in Cyberpunk with high settings, and around 155 FPS in Warzone on similar settings.
If you live near a Microcenter, check out their CPU/RAM/motherboard bundles—they're great for value. A 32GB RAM combo with a 7800X3D or 9800X3D can be a good deal. If you can find a 5800X3D for around $200, that’s decent, but at their usual price, you’d be better off going for an AM5 setup instead.
I wish I could hit up Microcenter, but I'm in Canada. Seeing a 9800X3D plus motherboard and RAM for under $700 makes me think about making the drive to Seattle!
They've actually stopped offering RAM with those bundles now.