Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my PC. I've been using it throughout the pandemic, but I'm starting to feel like it's not keeping up anymore. Here's my current setup: Ryzen 5600G, MSI B550 Gaming Plus, 16GB CL16 3200MHz RAM, and an RX 6600 XT. I mainly use my PC for productivity and gaming, like playing Dota 2 while streaming Netflix, and I also virtualize environments with VMware. I'm gearing up for games like GTA 6 and Spider-Man 2.
I'm considering a few upgrade options:
1. The budget option: getting more RAM and upgrading to a 5700X, though I'm uncertain how long it will last or its resale value.
2. Going all out for a 12700KF, but that means investing in a new motherboard and RAM. I'm unsure about its heat issues.
3. Or switching to a 7600X, which also needs new motherboard and RAM.
What do you think is the best option for durability and productivity, especially for gaming at 1080p or 1440p? I've considered selling my current PC, but I'm hesitating until I find a buyer. One more thing: I like the X3D series, but I've heard they have issues with VMware and running multiple virtual machines leads to blue screens.
6 Answers
Upgrading to a 5700X or 5800XT along with 32GB of RAM could be a perfect combo for under $200. You can check out PCPartPicker for the best deals. Here's a sample list I came up with:
- Ryzen 7 5800XT 3.8 GHz for about $154
- 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 RAM for around $42
Totally doable and will give you a substantial performance increase! Plus, the RAM is fairly inexpensive right now, so that's a win!
If you're looking for a solid upgrade, I highly recommend going for the 5700X3D. It provides a fantastic performance boost, especially with its increased L3 cache, compared to the 5600G. I upgraded from the 5600G myself and noticed a significant difference. Just make sure to also upgrade to 32GB RAM since you're likely running into capacity issues right now. DDR4 RAM is quite affordable these days, so it's a great time to get more!
For gaming, you might want to look closely at the 5700X3D since it won't require you to change your motherboard. It’ll be a noticeable upgrade from your current setup with its added cores and cache. But if you're looking for more future-proofing, a 7600X is also a great option depending on how much you want to spend on the new AM5 setup.
Honestly, if it were me, I'd take the budget route, at least for now. Upgrade your RAM and go for the 5700X. You can always sell the parts later when you're ready for a more comprehensive new build. The 12700KF is a good option too, but it might not give you enough of a performance leap to justify the expense and hassle of a new motherboard.
Exactly! Plus, your current components will likely depreciate in value if you wait too long.
What's your budget looking like? The options you've listed vary significantly in price. Something like a 14400 could be an excellent pick if you prioritize productivity. It outperforms the 5800 and 5700X when it comes to single-core tasks, plus it’ll fit well into a budget-friendly DDR4 motherboard. But keep in mind that your GPU will hold you back in gaming at 1080p or 1440p on most titles.
That makes sense! Then definitely weigh your options based on both gaming and productivity needs!
I'm trying to keep it reasonable, probably around the mid-range. I want good performance without breaking the bank!
Thanks for these detailed suggestions, everyone! I really appreciate your insights. It looks like I have some solid options to consider!
That sounds like a solid plan! I like the idea of stretching my current setup while saving for a more significant upgrade later.