Considering a Ryzen CPU upgrade for AM4 platform
Considering a Ryzen CPU upgrade for AM4 platform
I’m using a Ryzen 5 2600 from 2020, aiming to keep it until a future upgrade. Initially, I considered a Ryzen 7 but couldn’t afford the newer models after their launch. With the upcoming AM4 updates, I’m thinking about swapping to the top option available. My setup includes a B450 motherboard, 32GB RAM, and a GTX 1080. The VRMs on my board are average. My main tasks are video editing and gaming, with internet browsing being frequent. I’ve looked at several CPUs: Ryzen 7 3700X ($190), Ryzen 9 3900XT ($270), Ryzen 7 5800X ($300), and Ryzen 9 5900X ($400). Recently, prices have risen—used deals now stand at $380 for the 7X and $440 for the 9X. The 7X 3D model isn’t worth it right now, and I can’t afford the 5950X ($600). My budget caps at around $400, but I’d prefer under that amount. Among the choices, the Ryzen 9 3900XT at $270 seems solid value, though benchmarks show the 5800X and 3700X are nearly equal. Since I’m not rushing, I might wait for better offers when the new platform arrives.
Hope you're not using an MSI first-gen B450 board, then you can opt for a 5th-gen setup. Zen 3 [5th gen] performs significantly better on single-core tasks compared to ZEN 2 [3rd gen], especially in gaming, and provides more consistent frame rates thanks to double L3 cache per core. Choose the 3900XT only if you require 12 cores for rendering speeds; otherwise, the gap between it and the 5800x isn't as pronounced as previous generations suggest. My recommendation leans toward the R7 5700x, unless you need that, then go with the 5800x. The R9 5900X is the top choice but comes with a higher price—up to $100 more for four extra cores, depending on your needs.
The 5800X is more accessible and widely chosen. The 5700X is priced at $340 new, and I haven’t located any used options. My motherboard supports a Ryzen 5000, though I’m uncertain about the VRM performance. The software stack includes Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, and occasionally 3D tools. The Ryzen 5000 on an x370 works well. Recently I came across an attractive x370 model with numerous USB ports that tempted me, but it would have been a step back for me. I own an Asus board instead of a MSI, which is fine. Noticing Zen 3 offers better speed overall. Benchmarks show similar FPS between the 3900X and 5800X, though some titles perform better with Zen 3. The programs listed are my current needs. I’m unsure if extra cores are necessary—especially since the Ryzen 5000 is more recent and ahead of the upcoming 5800X 3D. The top choice remains the 5950X, but I hope prices drop for Ryzen 5000 chips soon. Would it be worthwhile to wait for lower prices, or risk out of stock as new Ryzen CPUs replace them? Used Ryzen 3000 chips are becoming more common and affordable now.
Photoshop: V-ray rendering insights: Adobe after effects updates: Adobe Premier Pro highlights: A significant gap exists between Zen3 and Zen2. Notice only Premier Pro gains extra cores from the 3900x, yet gains just a few percent speed. In Cinebench multicore tests, the 3900x lags by just 12%, despite having 50% more cores—consider this. Spoiler: The benchmark numbers for gaming aren’t just similar; they’re transformative. On average across 11 games, the R7 5800x costs only $30 more than the R9 3900x, making it clearly the better option for your needs.
Thanks for your detailed comment. It makes sense to upgrade to newer designs rather than sticking with older setups. I've also noticed used 5800X models are becoming more affordable, as people are swapping them for the newer 5800X3D. Previously, having an i9 or Ryzen 9 was a big goal, but now the 5800X offers better long-term value. Recently I found a 5800X for $240, which is even lower than the 3900XT. I’m hoping to secure one at that price or possibly find a better offer soon. I plan to act when the opportunity arises this summer—or earlier.
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