Consider the options carefully: 14600k, 7600, 5800x3d, and 5600.
Consider the options carefully: 14600k, 7600, 5800x3d, and 5600.
I currently use an i3 8350k paired with a GTX 1060 6GB setup. This combination has worked well for the last six years. I think it’s time to upgrade. At first, I intended to add a mid-range card with the latest technology to hit 60+ frames per second in modern titles. But because of the aging i3 8350k, it will probably limit performance and cause stutters in most current games. That’s why I’m planning a full system refresh. For my new PC, I want it to last about five to six years. My budget for the graphics card is between €350 and €500. The main issue is picking the right motherboard and CPU. I made an error with my current CPU choice—going for the 8350K instead of the 8600K, which makes a smooth GPU upgrade difficult. To prevent a repeat mistake, I need a CPU that can last five to six years and still leave room for future GPU upgrades. Here are some choices within my budget: i5-14600k with a DDR4 3200MHz motherboard (~€480), Ryzen 5-7600 with a DDR5 board (~€540), Ryzen 5 5600 with a DDR4 3200MHz board (~€260-€300), or Ryzen 7 5800x3d with a DDR4 3200MHz board (~€490). The Ryzen 5600 looks promising for the GPU I plan to use, but I’m unsure about its future compatibility. Should I invest roughly €200 extra to ensure my hardware stays functional longer, or is this kind of “futureproofing” unnecessary and should I go with the best available option now? Also, buying used parts locally is difficult, and affordable 8th or 9th generation Intel CPUs aren’t readily available.
5000 series is already last ge, I won't buy that now for the next 5-6 years; would have made sense (but still short lived) if you already had an AM4 board A 7600 (I suppose you mean "Ryzen 5" not i5 ) would be my pick as you can upgarde it in say 4 years for only the price of the CPU minus resale value (even if $100, it counts) 14600K may be the best atm (esp. in non gaming with the lotta e cores) but no upgrade path, plus will need a beefier cooler (+$40 minimum, TR PA120), 7600 will run with stock cooler or a $20ish one
5800x3d are priced between 200-250€ used, while b3/450 models cost around 50€. You might be getting a poor deal if you buy new am4—assuming a price of 13,700k. This option seems best among the choices. If your games use caching, consider swapping it for a 7800x3d and a budget b650 board such as the hdv.
I meant the Ryzen 5 7600, not the "i7 7600". I searched for used 5800x3d processors in my area. The top options were priced at 300€ or more, plus shipping would add around 290€ plus 20€. The 13700k wasn't within my budget, so I'm considering the 14600k instead. I already have a decent air cooler for it, which means I won't need to upgrade the CPU or motherboard for a long time. Also, thinking about upgrading later with an AM5 platform feels less certain because by then AM6, DDR6, etc., might be available. Plus, the 14600k delivers similar gaming performance to the 7600 while offering better productivity.
Consider a 14600k setup only. You should use a z690/790 board since you'll need strong VRMs and better B boards aren't cheap. Boards under 200€ work well—like the ASRock PG Riptide/Extreme or MSI-A-P. For refurbished models, check the FB marketplace or local classifieds; prices around 5800x3d are typical. The ~50€ B3/450 boards are available too, and eBay usually offers decent deals.