I've had my computer for a couple of years without any major upgrades, but I've started playing more games that need a better CPU. I'm finally considering an upgrade but I'm unsure which CPU would work well with my current setup. Right now, my PC handles some games smoothly, but titles like Helldivers 2, Warhammer Darktide, and Escape from Tarkov give me around 40 FPS, which can drop during intense moments. My budget for this upgrade is between £200 and £300. Here are my current specs: Ryzen 5 5500, Nvidia 3060, 32GB DDR4 RAM, and an ASUS PRIME B450M A-II Motherboard. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
For your setup, I’d recommend aiming for either a Ryzen 5600X or a 5700X3D, depending on what's available within your budget.
Games like Tarkov really benefit from a strong CPU and plenty of RAM. I run a 9800X3D with an RTX 4080 and 64GB of RAM and get great performance—around 100 FPS at 4K in the Streets map. So, any decent modern CPU should work well, but pricing will depend on your local market.
Keep in mind that upgrading your GPU could give you a bigger FPS boost than just swapping out your CPU, especially for most games. Consider that option too!
For your best bet, consider getting a Ryzen 5700X3D if you can find it used; it's a solid upgrade. If not, the 5700X is an option, but it won't match the X3D's performance.
If you're on a tight budget but still want a good upgrade, I'd say go for the Ryzen 5600X—it’s around 100 euros. Alternatively, maybe consider boosting your GPU first; something like a 4060 Ti or a 7700 XT could be good options at that price, then think about a stronger CPU later, like the Ryzen 7 5700X.
Totally agree on that approach!
If you're looking to save some cash, the 5600X might fit your budget just fine and still provide a decent bump in performance.