Choosing a new CPU involves evaluating performance needs and compatibility.
Choosing a new CPU involves evaluating performance needs and compatibility.
I am going to be upgrading my CPU along with mobo and Ram. I currently have an i5 4690k with a gtx 1070 and 16 gb 1600mhz ddr3 RAM. I play 1080p, so a new processor is definitely needed. I was going to wait for the 10th gen intel CPUs to roll out and get myself a i5 10600k. However, i checked the used market and noticed a lot of i7 8700s (non K). Should I just go from lga 1150 to 1151 and go with the i7? Or should I wait and go for a lga 1200 mobo and get a new i5? Thank you for looking!
You usually find a Ryzen 3600 paired with a solid B450 board (or possibly a B550 soon) at a lower price than buying a used 7700K and its components. If the 8700K is even pricier, it makes sense to skip that. The 3600 delivers most of the 8700K's speed and supports future upgrades, whereas Z370/Z390 don't offer the same flexibility.
Do you oppose AMD? The Ryzen 3000 lineup offers the top value for performance, the Ryzen 5 3600 matches or exceeds the 8700K at $175 (and even cheaper in some stores), and a B450 board will cost less than the Z390. For anyone assembling a system right now, the Ryzen 3000 is the clear choice—Intel simply doesn’t justify itself.
I don’t have strong feelings about AMD, but I understand concerns about Intel’s past gaming performance. My main concern is whether the 3600 remains future-proof. I’d like to see it last at least four years with regular GPU upgrades. As for the AM4 socket, I think it will likely be phased out soon.
Consider a board designed for multiple CPU upgrades—opt for an X570 or hold off until the B550 arrives. As mentioned, the 3600 matches the 8700k spec. It should remain functional for several years. The X570 or B550 will likely work with the upcoming Ryzen 3000 series and 5xx boards, giving you a solid upgrade route.