Consider 12th Gen Intel CPUs or hold off for AMD AM5 socket models?
Consider 12th Gen Intel CPUs or hold off for AMD AM5 socket models?
You're thinking about expanding your setup with a second rig and possibly upgrading to a new GPU. You're considering Intel or AMD, weighing the pros and cons of each. While both are viable options, you're curious about timing—whether to wait for AMD's upcoming releases or opt for an Intel system now. You mentioned enjoying your current AMD build and appreciate its performance, especially with the strong 12th Gen CPUs. Your goal is to gather more insights before making a decision.
I attempted to purchase a GPU at its listed price and assemble the system once available. If you secure one today, plan for a 12th generation build. If acquiring it takes eight months, switch to a new setup featuring an AMD 7000 series chip. Keep in mind, eight months represents a substantial wait for the next CPU generation. If you already possess a reasonably powerful CPU and avoid extremely high-end GPUs (3080/6800XT and above), an upgrade isn't essential. For older systems like a 2700x or earlier paired with a strong GPU, a 12th generation is advisable. Over the past six years, switching between Intel and AMD systems has shown minimal impact; most variations lie in BIOS settings and overclocking capabilities, with installation processes remaining largely consistent.
I own a 3800X CPU that I've been using for several years and won't be replacing soon. The system I'm building will include two PCs, with this unit handling encoding and rendering tasks for streaming or other work. The upcoming machine will serve as a stronger power source if that aligns with your needs.
It depends on the budget. Choosing AMD might mean using DDR5, which isn't ready yet, while Intel offers the full range of DDR4 memory you can buy now. I’d pick Intel for now since DDR5 isn’t fully developed yet. The differences you see won’t matter much in practice. Everyone’s doing the same thing, just in different spots.
Consider getting a GPU first. 5800x3d or Zen 4 might be unavailable then. I’d wait until September/October to try for an RTX 4000 (if you’re aiming for over $800). It really depends on whether you can actually obtain a GPU. The first release will sell out quickly unless there are major updates, so restocks become important. If you can use your PC during the week, it might be worth waiting. This also depends on whether Newegg is selling GPUs or trying to mislead buyers. Luckily, you’ll likely need a motherboard, so at least some bundles won’t hurt. Ideally, visit a local microcenter if you’re nearby.
You're thinking about getting an RTX 3080 soon and have a friend buying it for you. You're considering Intel now or AMD later when the Ryzen 7000 series launches.