Consider upgrading your 3600 to a 5600XT based on your needs and budget.
Consider upgrading your 3600 to a 5600XT based on your needs and budget.
Hello, I need some guidance. I have a basic AM4 build and don’t expect to upgrade until after 2029 thanks to the AI boom and better RAM. Right now I’m using a Ryzen AM4 3600 CPU with 32GB RAM and an RX 9600 XT. I don’t play much online, let alone a profession needing over 200 FPS. Should I think about upgrading to an AMD 5600X for the long term? AMD seems to be moving toward higher-end CPUs like 5800X3D and 5700X3D, while the 5600X is now in limited stock in my country. I’m not interested in used parts due to price and risk factors, so I’d prefer new with a warranty...
What video quality do you use? This content features a 3600 and 5600 resolution, available in 1080p and 1440p formats. It supports both low-end and high-end GPUs. There are reports suggesting AMD might be revisiting AM4 CPU designs because of the high cost of DDR5 memory, though this remains unconfirmed.
Currently stuck at 120mhz. Had to slow down the monitor because of a known Samsung VA panel problem soon, when newer tech becomes more affordable in my country. Eventually, if I get the right display for 1440p, it will likely be 180+ IPS (not OLED since it's needed for work with static images).
Have you noticed DDR 5 prices, its value!!! In my country it's more than the CPU plus motherboard on some upgrade sets. That’s why there’s no announcement yet from CES 2026 about AM4 becoming even more popular and staying around for at least three years more before it gets phased out.
It's a tricky situation. The 5600 might run about 15% quicker at 1080p, but often not much at 1440p if the GPU is limited. Whether it's worth buying depends on the price you get—it's roughly $200—and you could sell your 3600 for around $65.
Gaming discounts are tough, but keeping a spare CPU is smart—just like I did with my 2060.