Choose upgrading the motherboard or just the CPU and motherboard based on your needs.
Choose upgrading the motherboard or just the CPU and motherboard based on your needs.
I'm evaluating an upgrade for my main parts. My chipset/mobo is outdated, and the new case lacks a USB C header, which limits my features. I also want more modern options like multiple M.2 slots (only one is available now). My current setup uses an MSI B450 Gaming Plus with 16GB RAM, AMD Ryzen 7 5700X and RTX 3080. I just upgraded to the CPU but am considering a new board and CPU for the upcoming platform, or perhaps just swapping the motherboard.
You could simply use a compatible adapter to connect your device to the motherboard's internal type C header. Alternatively, if you're planning a full upgrade, consider switching to a new platform instead of sticking with AM4. For missing features, add an aftermarket card to extend functionality.
Use this USB 3.0 to USB C connector. For additional M.2 options, consider an add-in card, though switching from SATA to NVMe won't significantly improve your experience when just loading games from M.2 drives.
I thought a complete upgrade would be the best move. Are there any specific options for the latest generation? Both AMD and Intel seem solid choices. I’m not sure if fixing card-related problems is worth it, but I’d prefer switching to expansion cards instead. I’m already reserving a slot for a Wi-Fi card, so I’d need M.2 and USB-C cards too.
For AMD systems built on AM4 with DDR4, the best upgrade is the 5800X3D, offering a performance boost of 5 to 10 frames per second. AM5 isn't advisable at the moment due to unresolved issues and slow startup times if you opt for an ASROCK board. You'll also need to replace your RAM, and DDR5 remains costly right now. The 13th generation Intel chips can be used with your existing DDR4, but switching to DDR5 later will require a new motherboard. If you prefer minimal expansion options, a budget B550 board works well, and you can find used 5800X3D boards on platforms like eBay for future CPU upgrades.
It seems the system is now DDR5, and I didn't consider that before. Upgrading from a Ryzen 5 3600 to the 5800X3D was mainly about cost savings and a slight performance boost. If I switch to a 13th generation CPU, I'm looking for the most powerful option that delivers good performance. For a CPU-heavy game like Squad, upgrading could potentially improve performance, depending on the specific model.
You're asking if you're satisfied with the present performance or if you'd consider spending $600 to boost your frame rate by 5-10 fps with a platform upgrade.