I'm building a new PC and am torn between investing in a powerful CPU for the long term or saving some cash. Would it be smarter to go with the AMD 9800x3d over the 9600x? The performance difference seems minor, but I want to reduce the hassle of upgrading a CPU, which can be a pain. On the other hand, swapping a GPU is easy and quick. I'm considering pairing a 9800x3d with a 5070ti, while a 9600x might lead me to a 5080. Will the 9800x3d give me longevity, or will the 9600x suffice just as well?
7 Answers
If you already have a CPU that works for you, I'd say hold off. There's still a lot of life left in AM5. Just ride out your current setup until you can find those last-generation CPUs when support ends. You can always upgrade in a couple of years when something better is available.
Going with the 9600x could be a solid choice, especially since AM5 offers the flexibility to upgrade later. You could snag a newer chip down the line when it’s available. The performance gap isn't huge for most games, and you'll still get great results for your use case. I'd say start with the 9600x and upgrade later to a more powerful CPU like the 11800x3d when you need it.
Totally agree! Plus, the overall upgrade path you have with AM5 will keep your options open with newer CPUs coming out.
Honestly, I say just go for the 7800x3d. It offers almost the same performance as the 9800x3d but at a better price. You can get it for under $400, which is a steal! This way, you save some cash and still get great performance.
I’d lean towards getting a great CPU now, then when you feel the need for an upgrade, you can just swap out the GPU easily. CPUs typically have a longer lifespan in systems than GPUs, and you'll get better value in the long run.
That's a good point! I think having solid performance for a few years will help me a lot.
When it comes to GPUs, consider that the difference between the 5070ti and 5080 isn’t drastic in many scenarios. If you can find a 5080 at MSRP, great! If not, the 5070ti is still a good choice, plus it has enough VRAM for current titles. You can always plan for a 5080super down the line if you need more power.
The decision really hinges on what games you plan to play and how demanding they are. For high-end titles, especially if you lean towards competitive gaming, you might see better returns with the 9800x3d. However, for casual gaming at 1440p, the 9600x should hold up just fine.
Yeah, I play mostly competitive stuff, so I'm curious if the upgrade is worth it for my situation.
It's hard to predict how long your system will last since game requirements change. While the 9800x3d will outperform the 9600x, the next-gen games could have workloads that utilize more cores, making a higher-end CPU potentially beneficial. It ultimately comes down to how demanding your future gaming experiences are.
Exactly! I've been delaying my upgrade for too long, so maybe now is the perfect time.