Choose between Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 7 5800 X to ensure long-term performance.
Choose between Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 7 5800 X to ensure long-term performance.
I'm building my first PC as an upgrade from an ancient gaming laptop - it's the 1440p, 6700 XT build here: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/kmRBnL A 6700 XT build will be a massive step up from my current setup (RTX 950m), but it's a pretty unexciting card compared to the competition and I'm really buying it as a placeholder for when the supply situation isn't so dire. With that in mind, I want to orientate my build so it's relatively easy to upgrade in a year or two; I've upgraded my PSU from a 650W to a 750W, gone with marginally better RAM than was recommended for me, and am wondering if I should also go with a CPU that will stand the test of time a bit better? I wonder if the Ryzen 5 5600x will be able to tackle graphics cards in a generation or two, especially as I would go with a higher tier model ( RTX xx80 or xx90, for example). Perhaps a Ryzen 7 5800x would be more appropriate? I'd also be curious to hear what else people think I should change with futureproofing in mind; I imagine I'd need a better cooling unit to go with a better CPU? Thanks in advance.
Building this way is really a gamble, especially now. DDR5 is definitely here for the next step, and they’re switching to entirely new motherboards—effectively making older boards, RAM, and CPUs obsolete (and possibly even your power supply too, depending on whether Intel’s Alder Lake actually works). It’s less about long-term protection and more about maximizing current performance.
With a 1440p setup, you’ll be fine with 5600x. Your GPU will always be the limiting factor, so upgrading it won’t help much. Even then, 5600X can handle a 3080—though it may struggle at lower resolutions. Better cooling and solid aftermarket support are key. If you’re after a future-proof cooler, Noctua’s service should work well. Just send them the shipping cost, your receipt, and the board receipt, and they’ll send you mounting brackets.
Yeah but that takes time to catch on really, if he'd get a 5800x, it'd would still be fine in 4 years. There's always that "cross-over" that happens between gens. Then the massive cost of "new adopters fee". OP: You've really got 2 choices later down the line. Either sell at the release when the new AMD socket/DDR5 comes around or just use it for 4-5 years and then just use it for something else like a media server or even a still semi-decent gaming pc. Hell I've seen minimal spec "gaming" pc with ddr3 ram sell for $1k on Facebook.
PCPartPicker list includes CPU, cooler, motherboard, memory, storage, graphics card, case, power supply, monitor. Prices reflect current rates with shipping and taxes applied. All items are sourced from reputable retailers. Total amount sums to £2229.02. Information was compiled on May 25, 2021 at 14:08 BST.
Upgrading infrequently means I’ll likely suggest the 5800x If you refresh every couple of years, go for the 5600x