Evaluating the upgrade costs versus benefits. The price difference is modest, but the value gain depends on your needs.
Evaluating the upgrade costs versus benefits. The price difference is modest, but the value gain depends on your needs.
Hey, I own two PCs. One is my main system for everything—gaming (1440P now, planning a 4K upgrade), video editing with DaVinci Resolve, HandBrake for compressing rips, Photoshop (especially Affinity Serif), web development, and working with WordPress as a freelancer. I might even try freelance video editing someday. My setup is powered by a Ryzen 3950X.
The other is in the living room—a HTPC/Gaming rig. It handles 4K gaming since my TV supports it, not 1440P. For local couch gaming (like fighting games or ePES), it runs smoothly at 60fps, which is fine for me. I don’t aim for 100Hz, just a solid frame rate. I also use it for switching emulation with Yuzu and streaming via MPC-BE and MadVR.
I’m thinking about upgrading my CPUs in the future—from 3950X to 5950X and from 3900X to 5900X. I’ve been considering a upgrade but worried about selling my current CPU. My estimates were around 650€ for the 3950X, aiming for 150€ more for the 5950X, and 350€ or less for the 3900X. But in my country, used CPUs are usually priced between 450-500€, while new ones seem to cost 300-320€.
What do you think? Should I aim to spend a lot more than that to justify the performance boost, especially if it means extra effort and time? Or is there another angle I should consider?
I'm focusing solely on whether the cost difference between resale prices and the new CPU justifies the added performance for my needs. The budget isn't the main concern—what matters is if the upgrade truly adds value based on how I use it. If you had a large sum available, would you upgrade your car to something like a Ferrari just because you could afford it? Personally, I wouldn’t unless it made a real difference for my situation.
Yeah but your opinion doesn't sell cars. And computer is a commodity. You should always assume you're going to loose money when selling it if you're using it. If you value a 20% performance increase for the price. than go for it. with the hardware shortage. You may even be able to sell the old parts at a profit. But you're comparing a ferrari spider to a gts. Do you want a new paint job and a slightly faster car? What's wise for me, may not be wise for you. And vice versa. There are so many variables, that no Stanger on the internet should be educated enough on your life to answer. My opinion is no. But I didn't grow up with money. And 20% performance isn't noticeable in most situations on a computer. If you're using it for work though, then it might make more sense. As rendering videos takes time. and 20% off your renders might save you days in the long run. I just upgraded my Threadripper 1950x to a 5950x in November. And got a whopping 40% speed boost in single core performance which is really where the TR needed it for gaming. But I'm right back to where I started. If you want it. Do it. If you are hesitant. Then no. Because your gut feeling, is based on everything you already understand about yourself.
If I possessed five million dollars, I'd buy a used Subaru and bet it would grow to five point five million next year. Right now I'm earning about 17% on my investments over the past year, which is after a tough week for the market overall.
I’d choose the Ferrari Testarossa—it’s more affordable and performs better than the Audi R8. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the Nissan GTR either, and honestly, it doesn’t seem worth the investment unless we’re comparing a Testarossa to something else!