I'm considering upgrading my current gaming PC because my Core i5-8600 is frequently hitting full CPU usage while the RTX 2080 Super still has plenty of headroom. The system has 16GB of DDR4-3200, but my ASUS Prime H310M-K motherboard limits the memory to 2666MHz.
I can buy a Ryzen 5 5500 for around $150 NZD, but I'm wondering whether it's worth spending roughly $100 NZD more on a Ryzen 5 5600, 5600X, or Intel Core i5-12400F. I'm already leaning toward replacing the motherboard so I can run the memory at 3200MHz, rather than staying on the current platform unless a cheap used upgrade makes more sense.
The games I play most are Apex Legends, Rocket League, Fortnite, Overwatch, and Deadlock. Which CPU and platform would offer the best value for smoother performance and better upgrade potential?
4 Answers
For value, I’d compare benchmarks for the 5500, Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 5600X, and 12400F in the games you actually play. The 5500 is broadly similar to a Ryzen 5 3600 and is noticeably behind the 5600 in some CPU-limited situations. The 5600X is only a little faster than the 5600, so it usually isn’t worth paying a large premium. Also compare your current 8600 with faster memory, since the 2666MHz limit may be contributing to the lower performance. Overall, the Ryzen 5 5600 or i5-12400F looks like a better long-term purchase than the 5500 if the extra cost fits your budget.
The main limitation with the i5-8600 is probably its six threads. In games like Apex and Deadlock, the CPU can become fully loaded while the 2080 Super is underused. A Ryzen 5 5500 would be a noticeable step up in thread count, but its smaller 16MB L3 cache makes it less attractive than the Ryzen 5 5600 for CPU-heavy or simulation-heavy games. If the price difference is reasonable, the 5600 is the better AM4 choice.
The Ryzen 5 5500 and Core i5-12400F would both be good improvements, but they belong to different platforms. AM4 can be appealing if you find inexpensive used processors and boards, while the 12400F offers stronger per-core performance and gives you access to a newer platform. Whichever route you choose, avoid the very cheapest motherboard if you might eventually install a higher-end CPU; weak power delivery can limit future upgrades.
Before buying anything, check CPU and GPU usage while gaming. If the CPU is consistently near 100% and the GPU has significant headroom, the processor is definitely the bottleneck. A used i7-8700 or 8700K could be a cost-effective drop-in upgrade if you found one cheaply, although you would still be limited by the older motherboard and slower memory. Since you already want a new board, a newer platform may make more sense.
The CPU is usually maxed out in the games I play, while the GPU has plenty of room left. I’ll keep watching for an affordable 8700 or 8700K, but availability is pretty poor in my region.
I’m using an ASUS Prime H310M-K, so I was hoping to replace the motherboard and finally run the memory at 3200MHz. I’ll consider a used same-socket CPU if one appears, but they’re difficult to find here.