Choose R5 3600 for better performance and lower latency.
Choose R5 3600 for better performance and lower latency.
I'm preparing a PC for my brother who plans to use it for gaming and streaming. I'm wondering if investing more in a better CPU is worthwhile. He intends to overclock either of the CPUs using an aftermarket cooler like the Arctic Freezer 34 for optimal performance. The GPU will likely be an RTX 2060, and I want to avoid spending extra money solely on upgrading the GPU—this should cover smooth 144Hz gaming.
It relies on the cost variation, but if the price gap exceeds several dollars, the 3600x remains only marginally faster.
Running mine at full stock performance, I’m using 2060 Super which handles the CPU well thanks to its 256-bit VRAM and 8 GB RAM. It’s similar to the 2070 in storage capacity but doesn’t push for newer specs unless you’re willing to upgrade. If you’re not aiming for a newer model, consider saving your Ryzen budget on better games or treats instead.
Using the identical cooler, both the 3600 and 3600X deliver similar performance, but the 3600X matches the 3600X closely in speed. The key distinction lies in the accompanying cooler—while the 3600X offers better results when paired with a 3600, the 3600 itself experiences throttling under that setup.
The 3600 throttles come with its own cooler, though it might not perform as well as an aftermarket unit. The stock cooler works just fine. If you're looking for reliability, the original model is acceptable. OP, consider getting the 3600X for a better price and confidence.
3600, unless the number is just one and I emphasize that it’s not worth much extra, around 15 dollars more.