Hey everyone! My friend gifted me his old Ryzen 5 3600 after he upgraded to a newer CPU. I'm thinking about using it as the foundation for a mini-ITX build, maybe pairing it with a 9060 16GB GPU. Does it still make sense to go this route in 2025, or should I just consider starting fresh with a new setup? Thanks for any advice you can share!
4 Answers
It really depends. If you got just the CPU without a motherboard or RAM, I'd recommend starting fresh. There's no sense in investing in a new AM4 build when there are better options out there now. But if you got a full package, like the CPU and a compatible motherboard, you could make a decent budget setup with it.
If you're looking to build a budget mini-ITX for casual use, especially for 1080p gaming and some streaming, the Ryzen 5 3600 can work just fine. If you have a budget of around 900€ and want to keep costs low by sticking with the provided RAM, it seems feasible!
What’s your budget looking like and what’ll be your main use? If it’s for gaming, it would help to know your desired resolution and frame rate. Personally, I wouldn't go for it unless you already have a compatible motherboard. Everything seems to get pricier in older smaller form factors.
The Ryzen 5 3600 is still a decent processor, so you might as well use it! Just make sure you have the rest of the components sorted out. If you’re not pushing for high-end gaming, it could do just fine for your needs.

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