Hey everyone! I'm new to the AMD scene and recently purchased an RX 9070. Now, I'm looking to upgrade my CPU to go along with it. Currently, I have an Intel i5-12600, which seems to perform fine for most tasks, but struggles with CPU-intensive games like Tarkov in PvE mode. I have some extra cash after taxes—around $500, maybe more if I can convince my wife. My current setup includes the RX 9070, Intel i5-12600, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 850W PSU, and an NVMe hard drive. I'm really hoping to get some suggestions on a new CPU and motherboard that would work well together. Thanks in advance for any help!
3 Answers
In your case, pairing a Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE with a Ryzen 7 9700X would be a solid choice. Just be aware that AORUS boards can get pricey, so if your budget is tight, you might want to consider alternatives!
Honestly, if your i5-12600 is working okay, you could stick with your current setup for a bit longer. The chip is still quite good for gaming. But if you're determined to upgrade, the Ryzen 7800X3D is a great option without breaking the bank, especially if you can find a decent motherboard to pair with it.
Thanks for the advice! I'm really leaning toward that 7800X3D, it seems like a popular choice.
Have you checked if you're near a Micro Center? They usually have great deals on CPUs and motherboards. If not, consider the Intel i5-12400 or the 12600K as they provide solid performance. However, for your specific needs in Tarkov, you might want to look into AMD's X3D chips, like the 7800X3D or 7600X3D—they're known for their gaming performance!
I'm not close to one, but my brother is! What’s the difference with those X3D chips?
Yeah, I'd love to understand more about those X3D models too!

Yeah, I heard AORUS can be a bit expensive. Might have to look at other options!