I'm not exactly a tech expert, but I can assemble a PC just fine. I built my setup when the AMD 6000 series GPUs came out, but lately it seems like my performance is suffering. My CPU usage often spikes to 80-90% and sometimes even hits 100%, while my GPU stays around 50-60% usage. I game at 1440P without any upscaling. I found a bundle that includes a Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, a new motherboard, and RAM. Would this be a smart upgrade, or could it lead to other issues? Is there anything else I should consider?
For reference, my current CPU is a Ryzen 7 5800X paired with an RX 6800XT Gaming X Trio.
4 Answers
What games are you seeing that 100% CPU usage with just 50% GPU usage? It sounds like you were doing this while aiming for higher FPS, which can definitely show the limitations. Just from my experience, targeting 60fps should be the lower limit, but most players want at least 144 these days!
Yeah, I remember with Battlefield, the CPU was always maxed out while my GPU was fine. It’s usually CPU-heavy titles that push that limit.
If your CPU is consistently hitting 100% usage, then yes, your CPU is likely the bottleneck. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is an excellent choice and is considered the best gaming CPU out there right now. If you’re worried about it causing new issues, don’t stress too much; it should significantly improve your gaming experience!
I get it, tech stuff can be confusing! Upgrading to a top-tier CPU like the 9800X3D shouldn’t cause problems with your GPU, but just keep an eye on balance. There’s always a concern about bottlenecking, but that should be minimal with your setup.
I’ve noticed my CPU thrashing in games too, especially in titles like Battlefield where it would stick in the 70-90% range, causing frame drops. Upgrading sounds like a solid plan!
Definitely, a 9800X3D would be a great upgrade! But remember to check what RAM and motherboard are included because you want them to match well with the CPU. Your current RX 6800XT is a strong card, but it might not perform its best unless you update other components too. Consider future-proofing your GPU if you want to hit higher FPS.
In your post, you mentioned the 6800XT, and it's still pretty powerful. Just make sure that new RAM and the motherboard support high speeds to complement the CPU.
Good RAM is crucial, and going DDR5 will definitely help with future performance down the line. Remember to check those specs!
Before investing heavily in a CPU bundle, consider if you might be better off upgrading the GPU instead. Your setup is still relatively recent, and the 6800XT could hold you back. A combo of an upgraded GPU and something like a Ryzen 5800/5700X3D could be even better. Also, you can get some good sales; your current GPU could still fetch a decent price!
That’s smart advice! A good GPU like the 7900 XT will offer a big boost for higher resolutions, and those CPU packages can be pricier than necessary.
Totally agree! Let your CPU and GPU work efficiently with each other—getting them balanced can sometimes prove more beneficial than going for the latest CPU without considering the GPU.
I've been testing games like Battlefield 6 Beta and saw some pretty significant dips in FPS compared to what my GPU could handle. The CPU seems to hold back performance—it's frustrating!