I'm looking to buy an RX 9070XT, but my CPU and motherboard are pretty outdated. Currently, I have a Ryzen 5 5500, 16GB of RAM (2x8GB at 3200MHz), an ASROCK B450M Steel Legend motherboard, and a Corsair 750W PSU. I'm mostly playing AAA games, and even though I also dabble in competitive games like Valorant and League, I'm noticing some struggles to hit a steady 60fps at 1080p, especially with new games using UE5. I'm tempted to upgrade to the RX 9070XT, but I'm questioning if that's the right upgrade when my CPU and mobo might be holding me back. I'd love some budget-friendly AM5 upgrade suggestions. I keep thinking about getting the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, but considering I mainly game and don't do much productivity work, I'd appreciate any advice on the best path forward. Thanks!
4 Answers
I wouldn't pair the 9070XT with a Ryzen 5 5500. You might want to get a 9600X as a stop-gap or go all in with the 9800X3D if you're feeling ambitious.
Honestly, getting the 9800X3D might not be worth it with your current setup if you're using anything below a 5090. You'd be throwing money away since your CPU might not let the GPU shine. Check this video out for more insights: https://youtu.be/gpN4nyftQ3M
I have the RX 9070XT paired with a Ryzen 5 9600X and 32GB of DDR5, and it runs awesome for both gaming and casual video editing. I plan on upgrading my CPU in a few years, but for now, it’s perfect!
Your CPU and RAM are still decent! I’d recommend going for the 9070XT for now. Most AAA titles don’t require the latest CPU unless you're aiming for those high competitive FPS.
Okay, I’ll go for the 9070XT and sell my 6700XT once I get it. If I still notice issues, I can upgrade my CPU later on. Thanks!

Damn, you saved me from unnecessary expense! Thank you!