I'm currently using a Ryzen 5 3600 and thinking about upgrading my CPU, mainly for gaming, in 2025. My build is performing decently, but I'd like some advice on what would be a good step up. Additionally, do I need to upgrade my B450 motherboard, or will it handle upgrades for a while longer?
5 Answers
The 5700X3D is the best upgrade option without overhauling your entire setup. However, you might want to keep an eye out for a GPU upgrade in the future—definitely consider it if you're going for higher performance. If you're weighing your options, ask yourself if the upgrade is a necessity or just for better visuals and performance.
Just made the jump to a 5700X3D from my 3600, and it's a game changer. I paid a bit more than I wanted, but with the increase in performance, I think it was worth it. Good luck finding yours!
For a smooth upgrade, consider going for a Ryzen 5 5600, 5600X, or even the 5700X and 5800X, as they offer great performance. You might need an aftermarket cooler if you don’t already have one. Your B450 mobo should work fine with these upgrades; it's reliable for now. If you're looking for the best of the best, the 5700X3D is the way to go, though pricing can be tricky lately.
I saw the Ryzen 7 5800X going for just $150 on Amazon right now! Is that a steal or what?
For price-to-performance, the Ryzen 5 5600 or 5700X would be ideal for gaming, especially if you play CPU-intensive games like strategy titles. The 5700X offers more cores, which can be beneficial for simulations. Just steer clear of the Ryzen 5500 and the non-X 5700 models. Remember, the GPU upgrade could have a bigger impact on performance overall, so that's worth considering too!
Amazon's got the 5800XT on sale for $125 right now! Might be worth checking out.
I had a 3600 paired with a strong GPU and still got decent results, but yeah, watch out for power requirements when upgrading!
I have the same B450 mobo with a Ryzen 7 5800X3D, and it's doing well. If you can find the 5700X3D, that would be a solid pick. Upgrading the GPU within the future would give you more performance headroom as newer games come out!
Stock of the 5700X3D has been spotty, but I grabbed mine for $190 when I could. Definitely check around!