Budget for CPU/Motherboard/Ram Upgrade around $800
Budget for CPU/Motherboard/Ram Upgrade around $800
Approximate Purchase Date:
This month (November 2024)
Budget Range:
around $800
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Unreal Engine, coding, 3d rendering, some gaming
Are you buying a monitor:
No
Parts to Upgrade:
CPU/Motherboard/Ram
Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
Amazon, NewEgg, MicroCenter
Location:
Michigan
Parts Preferences:
No preference
Overclocking:
Maybe
SLI or Crossfire:
No
Additional Comments:
I’m thinking about getting air cooling. I own a Peerless Assassin that I haven’t used yet. I also have a 750w PSU, case, fans, etc.
And most importantly, why am I upgrading:
Switching from an older Ryzen 3600 build that isn’t really optimized for my current needs.
I’ve been developing in Unreal Engine for a while and handling CPU-heavy tasks like 3d rendering. Gaming is a secondary priority.
My current setup includes:
Ryzen 3600
B550 motherboard
1660 Super
32 GB RAM
I’m evaluating two paths, aiming to reach the AM4 limit or move to AM5.
Staying on AM4 would let me upgrade to 5950x, 64 GB RAM, and a solid GPU. But I’m certain I’ll need an update sooner than planned.
Switching to AM5 options looked at:
7950x or 9900x or something else. The 9900x is about $110 cheaper than the 7950x, while the 9950x is roughly $100 more expensive.
64 GB RAM
Motherboard
I’ll keep the 1660 Super until the next year’s GPU releases.
Long-term, moving to AM5 seems better, but I’ll wait for a GPU.
Which CPU matters most depends on me; the 12 and 16 core models would definitely help over the 5950x.
As I write this, more factors are coming into play—there’s a 7950x3D bundle at MicroCenter for $739 with only 32 GB RAM, which fits my price target.
I’m aiming for the best value for money rather than the absolute top-end unless it makes sense financially.
For clarity only:
Choosing AM4 allows for an upgrade path to 5950x, 64 GB RAM, and a solid GPU. If this direction is taken, I expect I’ll need to update sooner than I prefer.
+
B550 motherboard
B550 refers to the chipset; could you share the brand and model of your motherboard?
+
Could you also tell me about your case, PSU, and its age?
+
If you opt for AM5, ensuring your case is compatible with ATX boards and your PSU is of good quality, then this setup would be suitable;
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D 4.4 GHz 12-Core Processor
($569.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($34.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
($188.78 @ Amazon)
Memory:
G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($96.99 @ Newegg)
Overall cost: $890.66
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-11-04 16:35 EST-0500
The PSU is a CORSAIR RM750x Fully Modular ATX Power Supply rated 80 PLUS Gold. The motherboard is an MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries. I don't remember the case model, but it seems to be a Micro ATX case, likely from CoolerMaster.
Montech AIR 903 BASE, ATX Mid Tower Case priced at $59.90 with estimated delivery on 11/8/2024 is listed. PCPartPicker has compiled the following component list: CPU options, cooling solutions, motherboard, memory, and a total cost of $766.80. All prices account for shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts. Selected parts meet the specified parametric requirements. Created by PCPartPicker on 2024-11-05.