I'm in the process of building a PC for a family member, and originally ordered a 3600 CPU, but that order was canceled. Now, the only AM4 CPU I can find nearby is a 5600X for about $50 more than what the 3600 would have cost. I have a 3900X that I could use in their computer, but I'm wondering if I should upgrade to the 5600X for myself. I mainly game, and my relative doesn't need a powerful machine, just something that can run Windows 11. Should I keep the 3900X or pay the extra for the 5600X?
5 Answers
The 5600X will give you better frame rates depending on your GPU. But if your current games are running fine, maybe hold off on the upgrade and save that $50 for a future build. I'm personally waiting to upgrade to the next platform after AM4.
The IPC improvement on the 5600X is worth the $50, especially for gaming performance. It will feel snappier.
If you care about gaming performance, the 5600X is definitely the better option. It provides improved frame rates, especially if you're playing on higher settings.
Consider your GPU and gaming habits. If you're looking at high-resolution settings and demanding titles, you might benefit from the upgrade. Still, it’s a balancing act between power and cost!
Honestly, you might want to just keep the 3900X. The performance difference isn't huge for gaming, plus you'll save on thermal paste and hassle. Just stick with what you’ve got for now.

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