I'm currently using a Ryzen 5 5500 while playing Valorant and I'm aiming to boost my FPS closer to 240 to match my 240 Hz monitor. I often run OBS, Discord, and Chrome at the same time and typically get around 140-190 FPS. I've heard that the Ryzen 5 5500X3D might offer an advantage due to its larger cache, but I'm unsure whether I should prioritize cache or cores. I'm also considering the Ryzen 7 5700X as an alternative, but it's hard to find in my area. I'd love to hear your thoughts on which CPU would better suit my needs!
2 Answers
I'd recommend going for the Ryzen 7 5700X. Even though the 5500X3D has more cache, with all the applications you run in the background, the extra cores in the 5700X could really help you manage everything without dropping frames.
The 5500X3D does give a boost in FPS for games thanks to its cache, but if you're hitting around 90-99% GPU usage in Valorant, it might not make a huge difference. You should also monitor your GPU performance; if it's underutilized, a new CPU might not solve your FPS issue. Focus on your system's overall balance!

Thanks for the tip! I have an RTX 4060, and with everything running, my GPU usage in Valorant hovers around 40-60%. Do you think that means I should still consider the CPU upgrade?