I'm looking to upgrade the CPU in my older gaming PC, which currently has an i5 3330 and an RTX 2070. It's mostly used for gaming at 60fps in 1080p and some light video editing on software like Premiere Pro and CapCut. The i5 3330 has been handling video editing surprisingly well, so I know a modern CPU can easily manage my needs. I'm leaning towards the AM5 platform with the Ryzen 5 7600, mainly because I've heard AMD keeps the same socket design across multiple generations, while Intel tends to change their sockets every couple of generations. This could give me a better upgrade path in the future. Is there anything else I should consider when choosing between the latest Intel and AMD CPUs?
5 Answers
Intel does have its perks, like quicksync for video encoding, but overall, they fall behind AMD in gaming performance and efficiency lately. It really seems like AMD is dominating the market, which is causing a stir at Intel, including layoffs. Unless your preferred apps are heavily optimized for Intel, I'd lean toward AMD for your needs. It's just a smarter choice right now.
If you're aiming for just 60fps, you could get away with a Ryzen 9700X on the AM4 platform – it's always there and cost-effective. However, I've been hearing that the newer X3D Ryzen CPUs, like the 9800X3D, might provide better performance for gaming, despite being similarly priced to other models. Maybe consider those if you’re looking to squeeze some extra frames.
If you don't need integrated graphics, the 7500F is just a 7600 without the iGPU, and it's usually cheaper. This could be a solid option for your build while saving some bucks!
Here's the deal with both AMD and Intel: currently, Intel has some issues regarding performance in gaming, while AMD is gaining ground with impressive CPUs, especially the new 9000 series. If you're mostly gaming and doing light editing, I recommend sticking with AMD – they've just taken the lead in performance and efficiency. Plus, their platform seems to offer more upgrade flexibility going forward!
Honestly, if you haven't upgraded in 13 years, now's the time to go all out! I just transitioned from my decade-old i7 6700K to a powerful 9800X3D with 64GB RAM, alongside my existing 6750XT. For 1080p gaming, I believe you’ll love what AMD offers right now. I say go for the latest, and it should keep you set for another long while!
You're right; the 9800x3D seems to be designed specifically for gaming performance. It's an excellent choice for a balance of power and price, especially if you're looking to future-proof your setup.