I'm planning to build a desktop computer next year and I'm torn between the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X and the Intel Core i5-11600K. My laptop currently has an Intel Core i7-11800H, which doesn't utilize its full potential due to tuning issues. It scores around 560 on single-core and over 4700 on multi-core tests in CPU-Z, and while its multi-core performance is similar to the 11600K, its single-core score is about 10% lower. Given that my laptop performs fine for my needs, I'm okay with slightly less performance than it offers.
I don't require PCIe 3.0 since I already have an SN7100, and the newer i7 CPUs are priced too high for my budget. The 3800X plus an X570 motherboard and the 11600K with a Z590 motherboard are both within my price range.
I'm wondering whether a 6-core CPU will be good enough for streaming or screen sharing while gaming. Do I really need an 8-core CPU to avoid performance drops? I'll be using a 3060 12G GPU. Also, how will the performance of the Zen 2 and Sunny Cove architectures hold up in the next couple of years?
3 Answers
If you're not pushing high-performance gaming, a 6-core CPU like the 11600K should be fine for casual streaming and screen sharing. Most of the workload for streaming actually goes to the GPU, so you shouldn't see major performance issues unless you're running really demanding games alongside.
Honestly, both options you’re looking at are getting a bit outdated, so I'd recommend considering a more recent setup. An AM5 build with something like a Ryzen 5 7600 would offer better value long-term with upgrades. But if budgeting is tight, the 3800X or 11600K could still serve you well.
I hear you on budget constraints! Sometimes sticking with what works for you now makes more sense than overspending, especially if you’re okay with slightly older tech.
For your streaming needs, a 6-core is generally sufficient, especially if you're not gaming at ultra settings. As for how well these architectures hold up, they should be alright for a few years, but don’t expect them to last as long as newer tech. Check reviews regularly to stay informed!
Yeah, I've seen folks streaming on 6-core CPUs without much trouble. Just make sure you have a good GPU like the 3060 to handle the load.