Happy Holidays everyone! I'm contemplating doing some upgrades to my PC but I'm not too keen on jumping to AM5 due to the high prices. Nowadays, I don't game as much as before, so I'm not looking for a huge upgrade. Currently, my specs are: CPU: Ryzen 9 3900X, GPU: GTX 1070 Ti, RAM: 32GB, and I have a dual boot setup with Windows and Linux (using Windows for gaming).
I'm mainly interested in upgrading my GPU, but I'm also curious about potential CPU upgrades. Is there a significantly better CPU for AM4 that I should consider? And what GPU would pair well with it for the best affordable combo? I'm thinking of keeping the total cost for the CPU and GPU under 1000€, preferably less. I've noticed some bottlenecking, especially when trying to game at 144Hz. I mostly play indie games and occasionally some AAA titles like Avatar: FoP, and I enjoy using mods whenever possible. I don't need ultra settings, as medium to high will suffice for good FPS. Any tips?
5 Answers
For a well-rounded upgrade, check out options like the 5900X for heavy lifting in both gaming and content creation. Pair it with a 9700 XT for solid gaming without overspending. You can often find used parts that won’t cost an arm and a leg!
If you still want strong multitasking performance, go for the 5900X; if gaming is all that matters, the 5700X might be enough. Pair it with a 9070 XT for excellent performance without totally breaking the bank—this combo should fit nicely under your 1000€ cap depending on where you live.
Definitely look at upgrading your GPU sooner rather than later! Prices are starting to rise on GPUs, making it less ideal to wait. A solid option right now could be a pre-owned RTX 3060 or something like the 5700X paired with a 3060 would keep you under budget and give you a decent boost.
I think you should prioritize upgrading the GPU first! If you're focused on gaming, a 5800X is a good choice for your CPU. But honestly, if you can snag a 5800X3D at a reasonable price, that’s going to give you the best gaming performance—although that can be tricky right now with inflated second-hand prices.
Totally agree! The 5800X3D is the best option for gaming, if you find it at a good price.
For a solid gaming experience on AM4, consider upgrading to a Ryzen 5600X3D, 5700X3D, or 5800X3D if you can find them at reasonable prices. They’re great for performance, but good luck finding them without a steep markup! For GPUs, something like a 6600 XT or a 5060 Ti would pair well—just keep an eye out for deals!
Exactly! The GPU market shifts so quickly, it's a good idea to act fast.