I'm looking to upgrade my CPU since my current Ryzen 5 1600 is causing a bottleneck. My main use is playing 1080p shooters like CS:GO and Rainbow Six, and occasionally games like Risk of Rain 2. Right now, I'm getting about 100fps in CS2, which isn't ideal, especially since my monitor has a 165hz refresh rate. I'm aiming for around 170-180fps at 1080p. I'm considering the Ryzen 5 3600, which is priced around $70-80, or the Ryzen 5 5600, which costs between $140-160 and may need a BIOS update. Is the 5600 worth the extra cash, or would the 3600 meet my needs? My other specs include an RX5700XT, 24GB DDR4 RAM, and an AsRock Killer SLI X370 AM4 motherboard.
4 Answers
The Ryzen 5 5600 is definitely faster than the 3600, so if you're looking for performance improvement, it’s the better choice. But if money is tight, the 3600 will still give you a nice upgrade from the 1600, especially for the games you play. Just make sure to check local marketplaces for used options to save some bucks.
Keep in mind that anything you buy will definitely need a BIOS update for it to work correctly, and it's essential to run the latest firmware. Otherwise, you might run into issues with new games. For what you're playing, a faster CPU can make a noticeable difference.
If you're on a tight budget, the 3600 is a solid choice and will be a big step up. You can often find it used for pretty cheap. I'd recommend checking if you can grab a good deal. Just remember both CPUs will need a BIOS update, so be prepared for that.
For games like CS2, you really want the best CPU you can get. The 5600 should push your fps up to around 160, while the 3600 might only get you to about 130 or so. If you want to hit that sweet spot of 170-180fps, the 5600 is probably worth the investment.
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