Hey folks! I haven't really kept up with the PC scene since 2020 and I'm planning a major upgrade for my rig. I'm gaming at 1440p and I also dabble in productivity tasks like Solidworks and Premiere Pro.
For the CPU, I have an i7 10700K overclocked at 5.1 MHz. I heard that AMD has become a better option for overclocking and performance lately. I've been eyeing the Ryzen 7 9700X and the 7800X3D in the $250-$350 range. Can anyone explain the difference between X and X3D, and what the deal is with AM4 vs AM5?
As for my motherboard, I'm currently stuck with a z490 (not z270, my mistake). I know I'll need a new one for AMD. What should I look for? I need something that will allow future CPU upgrades over the next few years, has multiple M.2 slots, 1GB Ethernet capability, and is ATX. I'm looking at the B850, X870, and X870E. How do they differ, and what's the story with PCIE Gen 5?
Regarding RAM, I've got 32GB of 3200MHz DDR4 CL16. I've seen that 6000MHz speeds are now common. Should I stick with 32GB or go up to 64GB of 6000MHz DDR5? What's the deal with CL numbers these days?
For the GPU, I own an RTX 3080 12GB since 2021. I'm considering a maximum budget of ~$800 for a new one and I'm eyeing the 5070 Ti but might check used options. I know AMD's 7900XT is competitive, but how is its ray tracing compared to NVIDIA's?
I've got an 850W Gold PSU, which should be enough, right? And lastly, do I need a new AIO cooler when switching from Intel to AMD? I have a NZXT Kraken Z73 240mm, and I'm not sure about the compatibility.
Any other tips or things I should know before pulling the trigger on these upgrades? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
1. The X3D CPUs are fantastic for gaming—they're some of the best out there! And going with AM5 is smart, as it gives you a solid upgrade path moving forward.
2. A B650 board is decent, but for future-proofing, B850 or X870 boards are better bets with PCIE 5.0 support—look into MSI or Gigabyte's options.
3. For RAM, 32GB is fine and 6000MT/s CL30 is kind of the sweet spot. Lower CL is better, but CL30 is pretty common today.
4. The 5070 Ti is solid, but don’t overlook the RX 7900 XT. It’s a bit cheaper and close in performance for both rasterization and ray tracing.
5. Your 850W PSU should be enough for your needs.
6. As for your AIO cooler, check the box it came in; it might include AM5 brackets, otherwise, you might need to get a compatible one. A good aftermarket air cooler could also be an option for AMD CPUs!
Overclocking isn't always a must-have. Even a non-overclocked Ryzen 5000 can beat your 10700K in some cases. While AMD has really good gaming performance, the X3D chips aren't particularly strong in overclocking compared to Intel. If overclocking is your main focus, you might want to reconsider that aspect.
I get that! I just wanted to overclock mainly for the thrill and a bit of performance boost for some apps. But if AMD is giving better performance at a lower cost these days, I’ll definitely check out other options.
Thanks for the tips! I remember the hype with PCIE updates in the past—it’s good to know I can take my time. Is this AMD FSR Redstone update a software thing? I’ve heard they’re catching up to Nvidia, and I'd like to explore that!