I'm currently using an Intel Core i5-12400 with an RTX 3060 and am considering moving to AM5 with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB. For gaming, especially at 1440p, would the GPU hold back the system, or is this a sensible combination? I'm also considering an RX 9070 XT, but it costs about $170 more. Would the extra performance justify the price?
4 Answers
The 7800X3D won’t hold back either of those graphics cards in a typical gaming build. Choose the GPU based on the games you play and whether you’re targeting 1080p, 1440p, or higher refresh rates. For AAA gaming, having the GPU near full usage is normal and preferable to a CPU bottleneck.
If the price difference is manageable, the 9070 XT is likely the stronger long-term choice and offers better value than the GRE model. However, whether it’s worth $170 depends on your resolution and frame-rate target. It may also be worth waiting if you’re not in a hurry, since newer Zen processors are expected later this year.
You probably don’t need to replace the CPU platform just to support a stronger GPU. Updating the BIOS and pairing your current motherboard with a 14600KF and 9070 XT could be cheaper, assuming your board supports it. That said, moving to AM5 gives you a newer upgrade path if avoiding LGA1700 is important to you.
I considered that, but I’d rather move to a newer platform and avoid dealing with the drawbacks of Intel’s 14th-generation chips. I’m hoping the AM5 system will last longer before needing another upgrade.
In most AAA games, the GPU will be the limiting component, which is generally what you want. There isn’t one universally perfect CPU/GPU balance because it depends on the game, resolution, graphics settings, and target frame rate. If the GPU isn’t being fully utilized at 1080p, moving to 1440p can make better use of it.
The 9070 XT is about $170 more where I’m shopping, so I’m unsure whether the additional performance is worth that premium.
Do we know how expensive the upcoming Zen 6 processors are expected to be?