Consider upgrading now or wait for AM6?
Consider upgrading now or wait for AM6?
Hi, here are some thoughts on tech decisions for your current setup.
You're using an i59600k with MSI z390m, 16GB Patriot viper 3200 C16, GTX 1070 8gb.
Upgrading the GPU might be worth considering after independent benchmarks, possibly moving to a 9000 or 5000 series after that.
Should you stick with AM5 or wait for AM6 and overclock until then?
I’m curious if a new GPU and extra RAM can still extend the life of this system, even if the CPU might be a bottleneck. Also, note that newer Intel cards won’t work well with an older 9600k CPU.
AMD have stated that the AM5 platform will be as long as, if not longer than, the AM4platform in terms of support.
I'd invest on the AM5 platform with the 9000 series processors but invest with a B850 chipset board. Out of curiosity, why do you need to upgrade?
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
AM5 is planned to be supported until 2027. Even if you chose a cheaper option like a B650 board with a 7000 series CPU, you’d still benefit from an improved setup and the chance to upgrade the BIOS later for a faster processor. I own a 7600x3d, which was somewhat limited in availability, but it works well as a current configuration.
Start by playing your games at lower settings. This helps the graphics card perform better. If your FPS improves, it shows your CPU can handle a better graphics setup. If it doesn’t change much, your CPU might be the bottleneck. If the CPU is limiting performance, upgrading your motherboard won’t help much. If you need to upgrade now and have funds available, go ahead. Waiting means missing out on better options. At any price, AMD and Intel products are similar. The AMD X3D line works well for gaming but isn’t as strong in other areas. Do you have a budget?
Here are some additional details you provided:
Current system specs:
- CPU: Intel i5 9600k
- Cooler: Artic Alpine cooler, similar to an old stock Intel cooler; looking for a tower cooler when it becomes available again, as even at stock speed there are temperature concerns in benchmarks and games when turboing to +4.x GHz
- Motherboard: MSI Z390M gaming edge AC
- RAM: 16GB 2x8 Patriot Viper (potential upgrade to 32GB, but not essential)
- Storage: Corsair MP600 NVME 2TB (limited to PCIe Gen 3 speeds due to motherboard)
- GPU: Zotak Nvidia GTX 1070 8GB (planning an upgrade once new benchmarks for AMD and NVIDIA are released)
- Power Supply: Likely a 10-year-old OCZ PSU, possibly needs upgrade for newer GPUs
- Chassis: Maltech Take Level 20 VT
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Monitor: Dell 60Hz 1920x1200 (possibly upgradable to a modern display with higher refresh rate)
- Upgrade plan: Prioritize CPU cooler, GPU, and PSU; save for a future 9000 series 9800X3D (AM5) or delay until late 2026/2027 for an AM6 build if possible, aiming to squeeze performance via overclocking the current 9600k while managing bottlenecks)
- Previous upgrade: Switched from i7 950 first gen to i5 9600k with GTX 1070
- Main motivation: Can’t play certain games at desired graphics quality (e.g., Kingdom Come Deliverance, Red Dead Redemption 2) without frame rate or overheating issues
- Desire: Be able to try more demanding titles later
There is no impact from the CPU speed for that MB in gaming unless you completely rebuild the system. Unless you upgrade everything, you're limited to MB and RAM. You might be able to stretch it a bit with an OC, but you'll likely need a better cooler. The best you can do is upgrade to a new GPU and monitor with high resolution, which will make the GPU work more and reduce CPU usage. This also means you'll need a suitable PSU for your new GPU. If you choose to do CPU overclocking, you should select a very strong one so it fits well with the new setup.
Your current setup isn’t meeting the expectations in the games you mentioned. A modest overclock might offer a small boost but won’t make a big difference. If you’re willing to accept lower settings, save some money and stick with what you have.
AM5 is expected to last a while longer. A decent B650 board or a budget x670(e) isn’t too costly; the 6 and 8 core boards, whether 7x00 or 9x00, are priced appropriately for the market. x3d is a useful upgrade that will help you play longer.
The GPU model 1070 is outdated now and may struggle with newer AAA titles.
It seems you’re likely considering a new system.
Your question about AM5 versus AM6 is relevant—AM6 hasn’t been released yet, so it can’t be recommended at this time.
Check the benchmarks for AM5 against your needs. Does it meet or surpass your expectations? If yes, feel free to specify a system and many people will gladly offer advice!
There are whispers about Zen 6 supporting AM5! It’s worth noting that this could shift, but AM5 will likely remain supported as suggested for AM6, similar to what has been done for AM4.
Any issues still exist with older Intel or AMD CPUs, especially those from the previous generation.
Depending on your budget, a B650e with an 7700 should work well into Zen 6 if the board is capable. I believe the 7700 is a solid, affordable CPU that’s easy to cool and offers strong performance compared to the 9700X, making extra spending unnecessary.
Alternatively, opt for a 7800X3D or 9800X3D, but I’d recommend a B650 or X670E for better VRM and chipset options.
I’m unsure about recommending an 870 board since we’re already in the second generation of Zen; we probably won’t reach Zen 6 until AM6, so a B650 is a smart choice until then.
If we’d started with Zen 4 and AM5, it would have been obvious to upgrade to a solid X670E.
That’s why I invested around $900 on my Rog Crosshair Gene board from the start, with the clear goal of upgrading CPUs to AM6.
I believe we’ll definitely see Zen 6 on AM5. You seem to have about two more years left on AM5. I think they’ll launch Zen 6 and then transition to Zen 7 with the AM6 socket, and maybe introduce updated CPUs on AM5 in the future, similar to how they handled the AM4 socket recently to boost sales for those looking to upgrade without a full rebuild.
You might find a 9900k chip for roughly $225 to $250 on Ebay, adding extra cores or threads to extend your current configuration's lifespan—6 cores/6 threads versus 8 cores/16 threads. For around $300, you could upgrade to a faster 12600k and a DDR4 motherboard to support AM6 technology, depending on your goals.