F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Consider building AdviceHelp to assist with your upgrade decision.

Consider building AdviceHelp to assist with your upgrade decision.

Consider building AdviceHelp to assist with your upgrade decision.

K
Kai4Christ
Member
177
09-25-2021, 03:43 PM
#1
Hello everyone,
I’m testing at 4K 144Hz.
Current configuration:
Mobo: Asus Tuf Gaming X570-Plus
CPU: Ryzen 9 3950X
GPU: 3080
RAM: 64GB DDR3
PSU: Rog Thor 850w (~6 years)

What I’m planning to upgrade to:
CPU: Ryzen 9 9950X3D
GPU: 5080
RAM: 128GB DDR5 (some options outside gaming)
PSU: Rog Thor 1200-1600w

Regarding the motherboard, I have no idea about VRM or those extra specs. I saw somewhere that a solid board for a 9950X3D should have at least 22+2+1+1. But even the more expensive x870-e boards from Asus tend to be around 18+something. I don’t really understand if it matters much and I’m not into manual overclocking. Could you suggest a good motherboard for this build?

I also heard that new AMD CPUs will be released in early 2027. If they stick to the AM5 platform, I’d probably switch to a completely new AM5 board now and only replace the CPU later. But what about AM6? If that’s the case, I’d just upgrade the GPU now and see how it goes.

Thanks!
K
Kai4Christ
09-25-2021, 03:43 PM #1

Hello everyone,
I’m testing at 4K 144Hz.
Current configuration:
Mobo: Asus Tuf Gaming X570-Plus
CPU: Ryzen 9 3950X
GPU: 3080
RAM: 64GB DDR3
PSU: Rog Thor 850w (~6 years)

What I’m planning to upgrade to:
CPU: Ryzen 9 9950X3D
GPU: 5080
RAM: 128GB DDR5 (some options outside gaming)
PSU: Rog Thor 1200-1600w

Regarding the motherboard, I have no idea about VRM or those extra specs. I saw somewhere that a solid board for a 9950X3D should have at least 22+2+1+1. But even the more expensive x870-e boards from Asus tend to be around 18+something. I don’t really understand if it matters much and I’m not into manual overclocking. Could you suggest a good motherboard for this build?

I also heard that new AMD CPUs will be released in early 2027. If they stick to the AM5 platform, I’d probably switch to a completely new AM5 board now and only replace the CPU later. But what about AM6? If that’s the case, I’d just upgrade the GPU now and see how it goes.

Thanks!

A
Adabelle
Senior Member
724
09-27-2021, 04:32 PM
#2
128GB of DDR5 memory will set you back nearly 900 pounds
A
Adabelle
09-27-2021, 04:32 PM #2

128GB of DDR5 memory will set you back nearly 900 pounds

A
ADIR_4444
Senior Member
417
09-27-2021, 05:21 PM
#3
You don't require a top-tier motherboard, an MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi would suffice. A 14 +2 +1 VRM setup is more than adequate for the 9950x3D.
A
ADIR_4444
09-27-2021, 05:21 PM #3

You don't require a top-tier motherboard, an MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi would suffice. A 14 +2 +1 VRM setup is more than adequate for the 9950x3D.

N
nonrnonr
Member
241
09-27-2021, 11:25 PM
#4
PCPartPicker Part List
Motherboard:
- Asus TUF GAMING X870E-PLUS WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard
($259.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply:
- ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1300G 1300 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($179.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $439.98
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-12-02 05:21 EST-0500
N
nonrnonr
09-27-2021, 11:25 PM #4

PCPartPicker Part List
Motherboard:
- Asus TUF GAMING X870E-PLUS WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard
($259.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply:
- ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1300G 1300 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($179.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $439.98
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-12-02 05:21 EST-0500

N
NullYourVPN
Junior Member
6
09-27-2021, 11:33 PM
#5
Keep in mind that the years 2026 to 2027 will bring significant technological improvements, including DDR6 which offers double the speed of DDR5. AM5 won't be compatible with DDR6.
N
NullYourVPN
09-27-2021, 11:33 PM #5

Keep in mind that the years 2026 to 2027 will bring significant technological improvements, including DDR6 which offers double the speed of DDR5. AM5 won't be compatible with DDR6.

A
Apple_pofin
Junior Member
14
09-28-2021, 01:56 PM
#6
If they decide to produce anything for the consumer market
😛
A
Apple_pofin
09-28-2021, 01:56 PM #6

If they decide to produce anything for the consumer market
😛

P
PiggiePotato
Junior Member
19
09-28-2021, 04:32 PM
#7
In my opinion, "22+2+1+1" resembles a W16 engine. It’s nice but not crucial.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W16_engine
You can function well with fewer VRM stages, similar to a V12 or V8 setup.
Avoid a basic motherboard with the least VRM stages, like a simple 3-cylinder engine. That might suit a less powerful CPU, but not the 9950X3D.
Increasing VRM stages provides smoother power delivery, reduces voltage ripple, and can boost current for high-performance CPUs and overclocking.
The 9950X3D can deliver up to 230W in certain cases, so you need a solid number of VRM stages for consistent power.
https://www.techreviewer.com/tech-specs/...50x3d-tdp/
As @Flayed notes, timing is right to purchase 128GB RAM. Prices have risen sharply over the past three months. For 4K video editing or demanding CPU tasks, 128GB is ideal, though you may need to opt for 64GB unless you have ample funds.
It’s better to buy all your RAM together, such as a bundle of four 32GB modules (not two pairs of 2x32GB), to maintain uniform memory timings. Using mixed kits can lead to compatibility issues.
P
PiggiePotato
09-28-2021, 04:32 PM #7

In my opinion, "22+2+1+1" resembles a W16 engine. It’s nice but not crucial.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W16_engine
You can function well with fewer VRM stages, similar to a V12 or V8 setup.
Avoid a basic motherboard with the least VRM stages, like a simple 3-cylinder engine. That might suit a less powerful CPU, but not the 9950X3D.
Increasing VRM stages provides smoother power delivery, reduces voltage ripple, and can boost current for high-performance CPUs and overclocking.
The 9950X3D can deliver up to 230W in certain cases, so you need a solid number of VRM stages for consistent power.
https://www.techreviewer.com/tech-specs/...50x3d-tdp/
As @Flayed notes, timing is right to purchase 128GB RAM. Prices have risen sharply over the past three months. For 4K video editing or demanding CPU tasks, 128GB is ideal, though you may need to opt for 64GB unless you have ample funds.
It’s better to buy all your RAM together, such as a bundle of four 32GB modules (not two pairs of 2x32GB), to maintain uniform memory timings. Using mixed kits can lead to compatibility issues.