Consider your needs and research thoroughly before deciding.
Consider your needs and research thoroughly before deciding.
The Ryzen 3000 was once suggested mainly because it was more affordable, and it was okay to accept its performance was lower. After Zen3 was introduced, the cost increased and it became less appealing for a slower processor.
The i7-10700 costs $100 more than the previous model, and an air cooling system would add $50 to $60. A 3600 with an air cooler offers better value. OP might prefer an 8-core CPU if needed. The i5-10400F is my preferred Intel option. While the 10400F is faster, it tends to overheat and is currently difficult to locate.
It offers 33% more cores and improved performance per core for gaming. The 10700f also provides better longevity, while the 3600 will need an upgrade sooner. At comparable prices, choosing the 3600 with an AIO doesn’t seem worthwhile. A 50% difference really matters.
AMD is my preference. All my past builds have been from AMD.
Consider getting a white cooler in the future. It’s hard to upgrade your whole setup, but adding a cooler later is simple. Both options will look great based on where you’re headed, though the 10700f with 50% more performance will definitely shine more in the long run.
Right now, budget builds seem to favor Intel more than ever. The i5-10400F costs less than the Ryzen 5 3600 and performs better overall except for heat. It's surprising to hear this, but Intel dominates the sub-$200 CPU space, especially since AMD hasn't released strong options in that range since Zen 2. Buying a Ryzen 5 3600 now feels risky when AM4 is set to change and cheaper, superior choices exist. The appeal of a brand name isn't enough to justify a lower-quality processor. I'm not an Intel advocate, just making decisions based on value. There was a time for AMD, there was a time for Intel.