What CPU and RAM upgrade makes sense from an i5-13400F and RX 7700 XT?
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MellowCedar42
I'm currently using an Intel Core i5-13400F, an RX 7700 XT, and 32GB of DDR4 memory. I have some work money available to put toward my PC and I'm considering moving to a new platform with DDR5 for easier future upgrades. My main idea is switching to AM5 with a Ryzen 7 9700X, but I'm not sure whether that's the best choice for my system. Should I consider another CPU or platform, and is upgrading from my current setup worthwhile?
Answers
If gaming is the main goal, the Ryzen 7 9700X may not be the best value for this build. An AM5 gaming-focused chip such as the Ryzen 5 7500X3D or, if you want more performance, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D could make more sense. Just remember that you’d also need a new AM5 motherboard and DDR5 memory.
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You don’t really need DDR5 just because it’s newer. Your 32GB DDR4 kit is still perfectly usable, and the 13400F should pair reasonably well with an RX 7700 XT. If you want a less expensive upgrade, updating the BIOS and moving to an i5-14600K could be worth considering, then putting the remaining budget toward a stronger graphics card.
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Moving from the 13400F to a new AM5 platform is a fairly large expense for what may be a modest gaming improvement with an RX 7700 XT. Unless you’re targeting very high refresh rates or doing CPU-heavy productivity work, keeping your current platform—or upgrading to a 14600K—could offer better value. A GPU upgrade may produce a more noticeable increase in FPS, and it may also be worth waiting if you’re not in a hurry for the next generation of CPUs.
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MellowCedar42: I don’t strictly need DDR5, but I have money from work to spend on the PC. I was considering it mainly so future CPU upgrades would be easier.