5900x or 5800x3D running on low memory.
5900x or 5800x3D running on low memory.
Hey, thinking about a CPU upgrade. I mainly play games but also code a lot for Uni. My setup has 64GB of slow RAM, which makes overclocking nearly impossible. I got it for 150£ a year ago. Right now, the only choices are these two options. Usually I’d pick the 5900X, but with my RAM constraints and the lower performance hit from the 5800X3D compared to other Zen 3 models, I’m leaning toward the 5900X at 355£.
Current PC specs: 3700X (cooled by Freezer II 280mm) B550i Pro Ax 64GB, 3200MHz (two 32GB modules: CL16-20-20-40). I also have an Evga 3080 FTW3 with Corsair 600W Platinum in a compact NR200. My screen is 1440p at 144Hz.
Intel is out of the question right now because of DDR5 costs, and I don’t plan to switch to Windows 11. The same goes for waiting about six months before the AM5 release, unless prices drop a lot for DDR5.
For tasks needing more cores or threads, choose the 5900X. Otherwise, opt for the 5800X3D.
For serious gaming and programming, the 5900X is a solid choice. The 3200 CL16 isn’t considered sluggish RAM, and pairing it with a Ryzen CPU works well. Compilation speed may change slightly based on project needs, but in most cases you won’t see a big difference compared to 3800 CL15. If you’re playing at high resolutions or primarily run CPU-intensive shooters, the performance gap won’t be noticeable.