I'm currently using a Ryzen 5 5600X and I'm considering an upgrade, ideally to an AM5 processor. I checked out the Ryzen 7 9700X, but its reviews haven't been very great. I'm quite satisfied with my current setup, so I'm hoping to find an upgrade that's on par or better. I've also looked into the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 7 9800X3D, both of which seem to have solid reviews. The 9800X3D is a bit pricier but may offer better performance. I'm trying to figure out if the performance boost of the 9800X3D is worth the cost, especially if I'm looking for longevity (3 to 5+ years). Am I missing any other options? Also, should I be concerned about the age of the 7800X3D, given it's two years old? To give you an idea of my build, I'm upgrading from AM4 to AM5, but my GPU is still a 3070.
5 Answers
Yeah, the 9700X isn't super popular because it has similar performance to the cheaper 9600X. If you need those extra cores, cool, but otherwise save some cash and go with the 9600X. The 7800X3D and 9800X3D are both great for gaming and sometimes you can find the 7800X3D for as low as $300, which is not bad.
Just keep in mind that if you switch to AM5, you can't just change the CPU—you'll need a new motherboard and DDR5 RAM as well, which can be a hit to your wallet!
With RAM prices as they are, if you're looking for more performance, maybe consider upgrading to a Ryzen 7 5700 or 5800 before jumping to AM5. It could give you a solid performance boost without breaking the bank. Plus, maybe save your money to upgrade your GPU later if needed!
Your current combo of the 5600X and the 3070 is pretty balanced, so going for AM5 now might not yield significant benefits without a GPU upgrade. If you want to move to AM5, the 9600X could save you some cash now, and you can always plan for a better GPU later on. The 7800X3D and 9800X3D are more powerful, but they shine best with high-end GPUs, like an upcoming 5070 Ti. Just something to keep in mind!
Yeah, upgrading the GPU is on my list for later this year, but I'm wary of spending too much at once. Here, the GPU costs about the same as a CPU, motherboard, and RAM altogether!
It's definitely wise to consider DDR5 RAM prices, which can be quite high right now. Honestly, I think sticking with the 5600X for a bit longer could make sense. The gaming difference between the 7800X3D and the 9800X3D isn't massive, and both perform well. Since you're upgrading from AM4 to AM5, don't forget that you'll need a new motherboard and RAM too!
That's true! Also, there’s no downside with the 7800X3D just yet, but get it before the prices jump!
I'm aware of that, which is why I'm considering this change carefully. I need to factor in all the upgrades!