Hey everyone! My MSI B450 Tomahawk just died, and I'm stuck deciding whether to just replace it with an inexpensive AM4 motherboard or go all out and upgrade my CPU, motherboard, and RAM. Currently, I'm running a Ryzen 5 3600X with 32GB of 3000Mhz DDR4, and I recently upgraded my GPU to an Aorus Master RTX 5070 Ti.
I want to get my PC running again, but I'm also considering what will serve me best in terms of gaming. I'm aiming to play Crimson Desert at 1440p on the highest settings and looking forward to GTA 6 when it releases. Ideally, I want a smooth 60–100 FPS experience at that resolution. I'm also worried about future-proofing – I don't want to invest in a motherboard now only to feel the need to upgrade again in a couple of years.
The upgrade plan I'm considering includes a Ryzen 7 9700X (Zen 5), an MSI X870E Gaming Plus motherboard, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. I'd keep my current Gigabyte 1000W power supply, which should be more than enough.
So, do you think the jump from a 3600X to a 9700X is worth it for 1440p gaming, or should I just find a cheap replacement board and keep my current setup? Should I upgrade to AM5 and DDR5 now or wait? Any better suggestions for a CPU and motherboard combo? My budget is flexible based on what I need, and I'm located in India.
5 Answers
Honestly, just get another AM4 ATX motherboard. Everything else in your setup is still working fine, and it’s better to maximize your current components for now. You can always upgrade later when you actually need to.
I faced a similar choice and went for AM5. If you’re going to spend money, invest in something that will last. Upgrading now could prevent needing another update in a couple of years, especially since your GPU is a powerhouse. Just think about the longevity of your build.
I’d just grab a new motherboard, like the MSI B550M PRO VDH WIFI. You don’t need to upgrade your CPU right now because at 1440p, the GPU does most of the heavy lifting, and your current 3000Mhz RAM isn't really bottlenecking your performance. Just swap out the motherboard and you’ll be good to go.
AM5 won’t solve your GPU mounting issue. If that’s the problem, it’s probably not related to the motherboard model. If you need to use a support bracket or anything, that’s more of an installation issue. Gigabyte B450M boards have their quirks but shouldn’t be causing major issues.
If it’s within your budget, I’d recommend upgrading to AM5. The 3600 has become a bit dated. I experienced stuttering with a 3700X, and my wife had a 3600X until she upgraded to a 7800X3D, which made a huge difference for her. You might get a decent amount by selling your 3600 and DDR4 RAM. Keep an eye out for good bundles!
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