Compare performance and upgrade potential between these processors.
Compare performance and upgrade potential between these processors.

Hello! Right now I'm using: an Intel Core i9 11900K with ASUS TUF Gaming Z590 Plus, 32GB DDR4 memory from Kingston, a RX 6700XT from Gigabyte, and a Chromax black with a dual fan. The rest of the gear isn't important right now. For a small project I did for a hardware supplier, I received an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X from ASUS ROG STRIX B550-XE, which doesn’t need WiFi. I also got a Noctua NH-D15 (original style) with two fans. After checking ASUS’s supported memory list and local stock, I added a G-Skill TridentZ 3600MT/s DDR4 from 32GB to my setup. That machine still feels like a lot of boxes on my desk. 
I plan to keep one of these systems for myself, while promising my wife to get the other one... which is definitely a tough choice. I’m a programmer and systems admin. Most of my PC’s time is spent on Linux—running multiple VMs, compiling code (those extra cores from AMD could help with parallel tasks), etc. I also boot into Windows occasionally for gaming.
On the other hand, my wife works as a graphic and web designer. She mainly uses Windows 10 and relies on Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD). She’s also a gamer. When I compared the two CPUs online, they seemed to handle single-threaded tasks pretty similarly (with a slight edge for Intel), but in multi-threaded scenarios AMD outperformed significantly. For gaming, only one video stood out—Rockstar titles like Red Dead Redemption II and GTA V showed a clear advantage for AMD, with 20+ FPS gains.
In my current setup, I run RDR2 Online at 2560x1600 on a 60Hz monitor with “ultra” settings. It’s stable at 60fps most of the time, except in crowded areas or poorly optimized spots.
1. If I switch to an AMD build while keeping the same GPU—would my RDR performance noticeably drop?
2. Which CPU would be better for my wife’s workflow? I can’t find any solid comparisons anymore.
3. Should I install the dual-fan NH-D15 on my Intel machine? Which one will run hotter? (We’re not using glass or RGB cases.)
Thanks a lot!
Thanks for your reply! To start, both units are designed for continuous operation. There isn’t much time for trial runs or changing components inside. This is especially true since Windows would likely need a full reinstall or at least a driver refresh and chipset updates to function correctly. Simply replacing the M.2 slots might not be reliable and could cause more issues. I also realized my power supply is only 8+4 PIN, while my wife’s machine has 4+4 pins. She uses a Tagan SuperRock 1kW unit, whereas I’m using a BeQuiet PurePower 1kW. *Note: Both boards require 8+4 connectors. I might need to buy a newer 1kW+ PSU soon. If possible, I’d appreciate someone with experience sharing their setup and advice—just build once and leave it alone.* Thanks again!
If they remain in packaging...you can still evaluate the 5950X system before committing or sticking with the 11900K. Limited availability means little operational time if you're holding onto a 5950X, B550-XE, NH-D15, 32GB DDR4 G-Skill Trident Z 3600MT/s CL17 unit. You'll also need a separate graphics card because the 5950X lacks an integrated GPU—likely your existing rig will be used. An 8-pin CPU is required, with an additional 4-pin for overclocking needs like LN2. Your wife might find better value in the 11900K for her Adobe Creative Suite tasks. The second fan offers a slight temperature difference between single and dual fans, so keeping it on Intel makes sense since the 11900K tends to run hotter.
You're looking for a clear update on your gaming setup changes. Your current GPU is a Gigabyte GTX 1060 with 6GB of VRAM, but you're planning to upgrade. The main concern is maintaining performance in RDR2—if it drops, you'll consider moving to a better GPU. You mentioned the need for an extra 4th pin PSU and noted Adobe's preference for Intel in certain setups. Your wife's old rig is still in use, but you're moving toward AMD now. Everything sounds like you're making thoughtful decisions. Thanks for sharing!
Gradually improving your graphics card is a smart approach compared to the GTX 1060. It seems you're enjoying the process, and maybe upgrading from a 6700XT to another version is a clever move? 😄
Hey, I'm actually looking for a side deal on two post-mining EVGA FTW3 RTX 3090s from a friend. They're well taken care of and not too hot. They might need a repaste and maybe some fan work, but it could still be worth trying. I just want to make sure the 1kW power supplies are enough—looks like I've seen some Linus videos, but that's not a certainty. LOL
They told me the BeQuiet PurePower 11 FM 1kW would be future-proof, even though I wanted a SeaSonic model. The Tagan unit in my wife's setup would definitely need an upgrade someday, especially if I acquire those 3090s. Thanks a lot for your assistance!