AMD Ryzen 5 7600X or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Most people aren't up to date on this topic anymore. I already have a 6800, and the PS is what CPU would work best with? I'm targeting about $300, and the 7600x seems marginally cheaper than the 5800x. The build plan was linked here: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/fRtRwg
If prices align, the 7600X offers strong daily performance. It excels in gaming and productivity tasks, matching the 5800X closely in most scenarios. The 5800X makes sense only if it's more affordable or you already have an AM4 board. The 5700X stands out here, closely matching the 5800X and currently $80 cheaper. That savings could be better used elsewhere, so a slight trade-off on CPU gaming might be worthwhile.
The 5800x remains a solid choice for productivity tasks thanks to its extra cores and threads. The 7600/x offers the best value among Ryzen 7000 CPUs. However, the 7600/x delivers strong performance at a lower price. I’ll share two images from Hardware Unboxed showing the 7600/x in a 10-game average at 1080p and 1440p with an RTX 4090. The 7600/x clearly outperforms the 5800x in gaming. If you find the 7600/x more affordable than the 5800x, it’s the better pick for gamers.
Yeah, but not a lot. Costs have dropped a bit on the AM5 side, so comparing the 5800X to the 7600 would save you around $40 in a typical case, and I’d go for the 7600 then. The 5800X: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/B78VyK 7600: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/MYML9c It gets more interesting with the 5700X, which is essentially the same chip as the 5800X but for $80 less. Saving $120 makes a big difference and could be used for something better, though since you already have the GPU and can’t upgrade to higher-end CPUs like the XT, 7800, or 4070, it might make more sense to prioritize a faster CPU with better upgrade potential. 5700X: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/GRhNxs
The main advice I follow when choosing motherboards is to pick the most affordable option that meets all four criteria: can it support the highest-end CPU you plan to install? Does it include the necessary features for your intended use? Sufficient USB and SATA ports, debugging tools, etc. Are there any significant quality issues or BIOS problems? Can you accept its appearance? The VRM aspect is the most challenging because only reviews that test VRM performance can confirm it properly. HWUnboxed tends to be reliable here, though TechPowerUp and Buildzoid also provide useful analyses (especially for VRM). With experience, you can usually judge which boards will work and which won’t by studying their specs and matching them to your CPU’s power needs. On the AM5 platform, it’s straightforward—most boards handle a 7950X easily, with only a few exceptions struggling. The B650M Pro RS fits perfectly for that model. Yes, it would work. A few adjustments would be wise: the 7600 and 7600X are very similar, so you might save on the $6 for a 6000 CL30 kit instead of going for the 7500 series. They’re also slightly more versatile. You likely won’t need an ultra-fast SSD, but if budget allowed, opting for a quicker one could help. Since you can’t spend much else, it’s reasonable to prioritize a bit less on the motherboard and invest in games or other priorities.
The motherboard appears reasonably solid, the Ryzen model consumes minimal power so the VRM should perform adequately. If it offers all the necessary connections and features you require, that’s essentially all you’d need to consider. However, if you opt for the Focus G and this micro-ATX board, I’d also choose the Micro-ATX variant of the Focus for a more appealing appearance.