Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice as I consider upgrading my aging PC, which is about five years old. My main concern is that I'm experiencing CPU throttling when playing some of the games I love, and I want to make sure I upgrade before prices rise even further. Here's my current setup:
- **CPU:** Ryzen 7 3700X
- **GPU:** MSI GeForce RTX 3080 10GB Ventus 3X (I'm keeping this)
- **Motherboard:** ROG Strix B550X
- **RAM:** Corsair DDR4 3200 32GB
- **PSU:** Corsair HX750i
- **Cooler:** Corsair ~240mm AIO
I play titles like WoW and ARPGs (Path of Exile, Last Epoch, D4) primarily at a 3440x1440 resolution. While I'm pleased with the performance in most single-player games, I run into significant frame drops and stuttering in WoW and POE, especially during raids and big crowds.
I've been eyeing the new X3D CPUs and was thinking about going for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D for future upgrade potential and better performance. I'm also considering a new motherboard and maybe a case and storage too since SSD prices have changed a lot lately. I'm recording videos for work/hobby, and I'm looking to keep a balance between good performance and quieter cooling options, possibly sticking with the AIO unless there's a better fan setup. Any recommendations?
3 Answers
I recommend grabbing an X670 board for better PCI-E Gen 5 support, which will extend your system's longevity. AMD is supporting AM5 until 2027, so with a 9800X3D, you could potentially upgrade in a few years and still have a solid setup. For SSDs, PCI-E Gen 4 drives like the WD SN5000 or Hynix P41 will give you a great price/performance balance nowadays. And about cooling, your current AIO is good, but if noise is a concern, a quality air cooler can be quieter under low loads. Check out some options!
If you're looking for a more immediate upgrade, consider the Ryzen 7 5700X3D. It could hold you over until you're ready for a larger system change. But if you're committed to a brand new platform, stick with AM5 and grab that 9800X3D alongside some fast 6000 CL30 RAM and a B850 motherboard.
A 5700X3D paired with a GPU that has more VRAM could really improve your experience in those demanding games. It’s worth considering if you're facing issues as you described!
B650-E mobos are a great budget-friendly option and also come with PCI-E Gen 5 support!