Choose a processor that matches the 3070's capabilities for optimal performance.
Choose a processor that matches the 3070's capabilities for optimal performance.
You have an i7-4790k paired with a Zotac 3070. You're considering upgrades mainly for gaming performance. For future gaming needs, a Ryzen 5600X could work well without breaking the bank. If you're planning to stay focused on gaming, a RAM amount of 16GB would be ideal. The Ryzen 5600X should fit comfortably within your current setup, and you won't need to upgrade the 3070 for another generation anytime soon.
$300 and 5600x paired with $50 air cooler fits 1080p or mostly MMO games. For 1440p or mainly AAA titles, the 10600k offers similar performance at around $100 less and still makes sense. Popular $50 air coolers include Arctic Freezer 34 Esports Duo and Scythe Fuma 2 (slightly higher at $59).
A few hours ago I started testing a 3070 with a 10600k and am preparing to add notes to the user reviews. I was planning more details here, but with the 240 Hz need, the 5600X seems to be a stronger option. Make sure to see if others have compared these CPUs in the games you care about, and clarify what the differences mean. I’m leaning toward a different setting now—4k at 120fps—but it feels more about quality than speed.
Thanks for the support! I just got the 5600x with the B550 and Corsair Vengeance 16GB RAM. It should arrive tomorrow. I also have a Kraken X62 with the right AMD adapter, which looks perfect for it.