Hey everyone! I built my gaming PC about 5 years ago right before the lockdown, which turned out to be a great choice! I've got an R5 3600 CPU, an Asus TUF Gaming X570 Plus motherboard, 16GB of RAM, and a Corsair CX650 power supply. A couple of years back, I added an Nvidia 3060 for gaming. I mainly play games like CS2 and Hogwarts Legacy, and also edit videos for my motovlogging channel. My monitor is a 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G5.
Now, I always planned on upgrading to an R7 CPU when prices dropped and if I felt the performance was lacking. Unfortunately, my motherboard just quit on me, and I couldn't find an X570 in stock. Rather than going for a whole new AM5 setup (which would mean buying a new CPU and RAM), I opted for a Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite AX V2 motherboard. It's a bit pricey and not as good as the X570, but it has a USB-C port and WiFi, so at least I can get my PC running again.
With this new motherboard, I can't help but wonder if I should upgrade to the R7 5800X. I found it for $160 on Amazon, and I'm contemplating whether it'd last me another 5 years and allow me to avoid upgrading to AM5. I'm curious how the specs of the 5800X stack up against the AM5 chips. Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
If your main usage is gaming with the 3060, sticking with the 3600 should be fine for now. An upgrade to the R7 may not provide a substantial boost for your current needs. You could also think about swapping the CPU later when you feel it's lacking. It seems like a smart move to keep your setup with the current motherboard setup since you just bought a B550.
I’m using a 5800X and plan to skip the AM5 transition too. Upgrading from the 3600 to the 5800X might not present a massive performance jump for you. Also, check the price for the 5700X3D; it could be a better deal if you’re looking for a more substantial upgrade. But definitely don’t use the stock cooler with it—it runs pretty hot!
Just a heads up, the stock Wraith cooler with the 5800X doesn’t do a great job at keeping temperatures down. If you go for the upgrade, consider investing in a better cooler to avoid overheating issues.
I'm in a similar boat with pricing. If you're getting a friend to bring the CPU from the US, that's awesome! Just make sure to check prices since the 5700X3D is pricier in certain places.