I've been using an i5-8600K coupled with a 1050 Ti for about 8 years now. Recently, I've encountered some instability in games, experiencing crashes and flickering, which I initially thought was a GPU issue. I took the plunge and bought a 3070 on sale for approximately 250 CAD on Marketplace, and while it runs well, I'm still facing crashes, especially with games freezing or displaying models poorly. I suspect this might be linked to my motherboard, which has suffered some damage from liquid exposure in the past. Given the age of my CPU, I'm considering upgrading both the CPU and motherboard instead of just replacing the motherboard. I'm trying to keep my total budget under 300 CAD, but I could potentially stretch it to 450 CAD. I've heard that AMD CPUs offer better value right now, and that the AM5 socket supports upcoming generations up to 2027. However, I'm somewhat lost on the current market, especially with terms like Ryzen 7 X3D and G-series chips. Any advice on what I should look for?
2 Answers
First things first, I’d suggest checking your CPU temperatures because an older CPU can slow down, but it shouldn’t just crash. It might be a motherboard issue, especially if it got damaged. Also, note that AMD's AM5 builds are getting pricey due to RAM costs. If you want to save money, you could look at an AM4 build with a Ryzen 5600X or 5700X. Just make sure you keep your DDR4 RAM.
You could try a clean Windows install and run some stress tests to rule out hardware issues. If you’re set on upgrading, an AM4 system can be built affordably if you can keep your RAM. But don't forget, Intel’s 12th gen chips are around too, but they may be pricier with potential future upgrade options. Just be mindful of heat if you're thinking about those.
Good to know! I had no idea AM5 only works with DDR5. I’ve already reinstalled Windows, but stress testing sounds like a solid plan before pulling the trigger.
Totally, I might just wait for the right deal on something used. I’ve seen a bunch of Intel chips around, but I’m worried about heat issues.
Yeah, I checked my temps, and they seem fine. It happens especially when I'm alt-tabbing, so maybe it’s a setting issue in-game too.