Hey everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my aging setup, which currently features an Intel i9-9900KF with a 7800XT GPU. I'm interested in switching to AMD, specifically looking at the AM5 platform for my new CPU, motherboard, and RAM. My gaming is mainly at 1440p with a 144Hz monitor, so I want a system that can keep up, especially for FPS and AAA titles. I was thinking about the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, but it's pretty pricey (around 360–400€), and I'm not sure if I really need that much power. The Ryzen 5 7600X is more affordable at about 180€, and I've read it performs well for gaming. For the motherboard, I'm eyeing the MSI Mag B650 Tomahawk WIFI and the G.Skill Trident Z5 2x16GB DDR5 RAM at 6400MHz. Lastly, I found a Corsair Nautilus 360 RS cooler for 90€. Overall, I'm looking to spend around 570€, and I plan to sell my old components for roughly 300€. What do you think about my choices? Would love to hear your thoughts!
4 Answers
The 7600X sounds like a solid choice considering your gaming at 1440p and 144fps. With AAA games, you're likely to be more GPU-bound anyway, so it should serve you well.
I wouldn't recommend the 6400 CL32 DDR5 RAM for AM5, as not all CPUs can handle those speeds reliably. Instead, look for 6000 CL30, which has been the sweet spot and works great with most chips. You might also want to stick with your current cooler since it’s likely already good enough. No need to spend on a new 360mm AIO.
That's good to know! I've found some RAM that fits those specs, and I was hoping to reuse the AIO, but it only has AM4 brackets.
Going for the 7600X would give you a decent upgrade, but remember the i9-9900KF is still pretty powerful, roughly 85% of the latest CPUs. The real gains will come when you upgrade your GPU in the future. In QHD gaming, the GPU usually takes precedence over the CPU.
Would this upgrade still be worth it if I plan to get a better GPU, like a 5070 ti, in a year or two?
What country are you in? If you're in Germany, I found the Ryzen 5 9600X for a similar budget. It’s a great option and could save you some cash while still delivering good performance. Check out this part list I made for you.
I'm actually in Greece! Upgrading the motherboard sounds interesting too. Do you think the performance boost justifies the cost?
I agree! I plan to upgrade my GPU down the line, but I’m worried about bottlenecks with my current CPU. So, I’ll upgrade that first!