Consider upgrading your CPU and/or RAM for better performance.
Consider upgrading your CPU and/or RAM for better performance.
Hey! A few weeks back I set up a system with an RX 560 and a 3200G, which performed well enough for light gaming and everyday tasks. But soon I’ll be diving into computer science studies, and my university suggested upgrading to a laptop with these specs: an i7 or better processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD drive. Right now I’m using a Surface 3 13-inch i5 model, and I’m not planning to upgrade it further—anything above an i5 in a laptop is pretty pricey. To ensure I have a solid machine, I’m seriously thinking about swapping the CPU in my desktop. I’m considering replacing the 3200G with a 3600, 3600X, or 3700X. Another factor to think about is the memory—my current setup is just one 16GB stick at 2400MHz. Should I upgrade that too? If yes, should I prioritize a faster CPU or more RAM? I’m trying to stay within budget, so I want to find the optimal balance. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks ahead of time.
3700x works adequately. A slightly improved GPU could help, though it may not be essential.
The Ryzen 3600 offers excellent value for its price, currently priced at $158.99 on Amazon. For gaming, it performs comparably to the 3700X and, with minor tweaks, matches the 3600X.
I've seen that the 3600 offers limited value because you can easily overclock it to reach closer to its maximum performance, and the cost savings aren't significant. I'm questioning whether it's worth spending more on my bank account and going all-in on a CPU with a 3700x or saving around $150 by choosing the 3600 instead. Also, I'm thinking about purchasing a good webcam, but they're quite pricey too.