I'm looking to upgrade my CPU and motherboard as I'm currently using an Intel i3-7100 with a GTX 1660 Super and 16GB of RAM. My current setup runs pretty well on games like Forza Horizon 5, Farming Sim 22, Hearts of Iron 4, Crusader Kings 3, and Manor Lords. In the near future, I'm interested in playing Forza Horizon 6 and Farming Sim 25. I'm considering the Ryzen 5 5500 because I can get the CPU and motherboard combo for around 200-250 euros where I live. Is this a good choice? Would a more powerful CPU help with the aging GPU? How far can I push it before the GPU starts to bottleneck? As a 30-year-old parent, my gaming time will likely be limited in a few years, so I don't foresee upgrading my GPU anytime soon.
1 Answer
The Ryzen 5 5500 is a decent option, but if you can, I'd recommend considering the Ryzen 5 5600 or 5600X. They offer better performance, especially for the games you mentioned. Since you have a GTX 1660 Super, you'll want a CPU that can keep up without holding back your GPU too much. Also, keep in mind that for gaming as a parent, it’s not just about speed but having enough VRAM. Your current card has 6GB, so ideally, you'd want to upgrade to something around 12GB down the line when it becomes the standard. For what you're playing now, the Ryzen 5 5600X would last you a long time and should handle those simulation-heavy games well.
Thanks for the advice! I can get a 5600X with a B550 motherboard for about 290 euros right now, which sounds tempting. But if I wait for Black Friday, and I have a max budget of about 400 euros, do you think the 5600X will still be my best option, or should I look for something a bit better if I'm planning to upgrade to a 12GB GPU down the line?