Compare the two processors: Ryzen 7 2700 and Ryzen 5 3600.
Compare the two processors: Ryzen 7 2700 and Ryzen 5 3600.
Hey there. I’m considering swapping my current 2400G for a new chip. I’m weighing a 2700 priced at $169 versus a 3600 at $195. I understand the 3600 might be slower in single-threaded tasks like gaming, while the 2700 could offer a 15% boost in multithreaded scenarios. I’m not focused on top gaming stats or high frame rates—my setup is a 1080p monitor at 144Hz. I appreciate the extra cores and threads, but my main goals are video editing and rendering, so I don’t plan a big upgrade right now. If I go with the 2700, I intend to boost all cores to around 4.0-4.1GHz with a solid chip. The 3600 usually reaches 4.1-4.3GHz, but I’m unsure if it’ll meet my needs. What do you think based on what’s available today?
What storage setup are you using? Did you include the GPU in your calculations? Which video editing program are you planning to use?
This plan will take a long time to unfold. Usually, those who intend to act never follow through. I’m thinking about a 3600-year horizon and the possibilities that come with it.
You're likely upgrading your gear for video editing soon—TridentZ 3200MHz 2X8, possibly adding more dimmers for a 32GB drive. You might consider RX 580 or RX 5500 if the price drops. Adobe Premiere or Sony Vegas could work well. If you find good options, free editing tools might also be worth exploring.
I concur with @jstudrawa that the R5 3600 remains a solid choice for two to four years. Most users find single-threaded performance more satisfying, and you can still enjoy gaming at 144Hz while working on projects. In Premiere Pro and Vegas Pro, the editing features tend to be single-threaded, making faster CPU cores more valuable in practice. The performance benefits from multi-threading during rendering or exporting aren't as significant to me. The 3600 still offers solid 6 cores and 12 threads, which many creators continue to use with Intel processors. Keep in mind that GPU acceleration is important—Premiere Pro relies heavily on CUDA, so you'll need an NVIDIA GPU. If you opt for DaVinci Resolve or Vegas Pro, OpenCL support is available on the RX580. Overall, you shouldn't worry much about memory soon; your 16GB should be more than enough to get started.
Thank you for the input. I’m thinking about setting aside some money for the 3700X. It seems like a better long-term choice for my rigs, though I’m not sure if I should invest the $130 now or wait. Alternatively, I could splurge on a stronger card like an RX 5700 or a used Vega 56/64.
Take care of yourself, grab a 3600 and a 5700, then stop. I just received my 3600 today—it's powerful. Runs at 4.2ghz locked in. Thinks it's similar to what you had with the 2700x. You won't regret skipping the extra cores. Hold off on buying until prices drop to 3700x and consider a 3600. A 240mm AIO or a Noctua will get you going.
You're mistaken about that investment idea. If you're not going to edit videos in four years or more, why invest now? New developments will arrive before you even start. Thinking about building a project over the next two to four years is reckless and shows poor judgment, especially given today's unpredictable market. AMD is pushing hard, Intel is nearing a new nanometer shift, and Intel is launching a GPU soon.
You're right, let me clarify. Video editing, looking to within the next 6 months if not as soon as I get a new CPU/GPU. And I know the market is volatile. If now isn't the right time; when is? It's definitely hard to gauge the future of the market and what you should or shouldn't buy with AMD and Intel right now on the verge of pushing out some really good stuff in the next 1-3 years. Should I just wait and wait and wait till the market settles and we are in another "intel like" lull in the CPU space where whoever is ahead just coasts for 5+ years like Intel did and that I know nothing exciting and much better is right around the corner? Also, when I say 2-4 Years. I should be more clear on that position. I'm planning on having the CPU for 4 Years at least and the GPU closer to the 2-3 mark. Wouldn't you say a 4 maybe 5 year cycle to upgrade CPUs is a reasonable time to hold onto a processor before it feels sluggish? What would you do if you were in my position?