Hey everyone! I'm upgrading from my old 2600X CPU and I'm considering a 5000 series processor since it's compatible with my existing hardware. I'm torn between a few options: the Ryzen 5500, which is only $100 CAD, or the mid-range 5600 and 5700X models that come with a bigger cache but are priced at $160+. I've heard a lot about the benefits of the larger cache for future-proofing, so here's my situation:
1) I'm not planning to upgrade my graphics card anytime soon, as I don't see much point in it right now. If I do decide to upgrade, it'll be a major overhaul, so future-proofing isn't my top priority.
2) My 2600X handles most games just fine, and I'm mainly playing non-competitive titles, so crazy high FPS isn't crucial for me. I do have some issues with games like Insurgency Sandstorm and PS3 emulation, especially with NHL 14 being a hassle.
Given that I'm leaning towards the 5500 for its lower cost, will I be sacrificing too much by skipping the 5600 or 5700X? Also, with the money saved from going for the 5500, I could invest in upgrading to 32GB of RAM since my current 16GB is maxing out with PS3 emulation. Any candid suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I'm a bit out of touch with the latest in PC parts.
3 Answers
Honestly, if you're looking for something budget-friendly, the 5500 would still be a solid choice for your needs. You're coming from a 2600X, so the performance boost won't be negligible. Just make sure to enable Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) for better performance!
You might want to look into used options as well. I recently picked up a 5800X for a decent price, and it's been a huge upgrade over my old setup. But I get that prices can vary locally, so make sure to shop around!
Yeah, the 5800X does seem like a popular choice nowadays, but I’ve noticed used ones still selling for around $300 CAD, which is a bit high for my budget.
I’d caution about the 5500 though. It’s got some drawbacks, which is why it’s cheaper. It should be okay with your current GPU, but if you decide to upgrade later, it might bottleneck your performance. You could consider the 3600 or 5600 alternatives if you're looking for something a little more robust!
That’s good to hear! Even if it ends up being a bottleneck in some scenarios, it should still handle 1440p at 60fps for most games, right?