For gaming, the Ryzen 5 2600 offers better performance and efficiency compared to the Intel Core i7-9400F.
For gaming, the Ryzen 5 2600 offers better performance and efficiency compared to the Intel Core i7-9400F.
Hello, I'm setting up my first gaming PC. I'm deciding between Intel and AMD since both have pros. Because of current restrictions, I can only choose from the ones listed soon. The costs for motherboards and processors are similar. Could you assist in choosing the best option for gaming over the next eight months? I can overclock and adjust RAM timing if needed.
My needs:
- Primarily play modern AAA games from 2018 to 2020
- When not gaming, handle up to 20 tabs in Chrome alongside Photoshop, Skype, and a few light apps (I'm a web developer)
- Future upgrades: unlikely to upgrade before 8 months, except the graphics card
My AMD choice:
Processor: Ryzen AMD 5 2600 MOBO
Motherboard: MSI BAZOOKA B450
RAM: 8x2GB DDR4 at 3000mhz
My Intel choice:
Processor: Intel Core i5 9400F MOBO
Motherboard: B365M DS3H (rev. 1.0)
RAM: 8x2GB DDR4 at 2666mhz
These selections are final. I have a Sata Seagate Beracuda 2TB with 256GB, a Gigabyte 256GB SATA SSD, and a 550W 80+ Gold power supply. The graphics card is a GTX 1660 Super.
Considering the delay, it's best to evaluate your options carefully. Which one aligns better with your needs now?
You're basically focused on gaming only. Turning on your PC and playing games is what you do, right? Intel isn't the best choice here—especially with an i7 8th gen. Most options under that spec are poor value and don't offer much. The only solid pick for performance would be an AMD setup, especially if you're looking to upgrade or multitask well. If you're on a budget for the GPU or motherboard, go for an AMD instead. Unless you're using a 2080ti and really want extra frames, AMD is the way to go.
I’m considering purchasing an AMD 2600 right now. The 1600 AF isn’t available locally, but I’ll ensure a smooth upgrade route for future Ryzen 3 and 4 models. The 10 FPS won’t be worth the hassle for me. Intel will keep dominating the processor market here, from low to high-end. The Pakistani market remains stuck with Intel.
I'm happy to assist. That's why I brought up the purchasing method, since 1600AF is mainly found on certain online sellers. Locally, the situation is different. I've observed a pattern of Intel's strong presence beyond Western markets like EU, OCE, and NA, which feels somewhat uneven given AMD's competitive pricing at the entry level. I’m not very familiar with OS hardware markets, but when shopping for a motherboard, make sure you opt for the 'MAX' version if you're purchasing from MSI or similar certified brands that support Ryzen 3000. There are many boards lacking the larger BIOS chips for Ryzen 3000, but developers often reduce the BIOS to its essential components. This should help you avoid any issues later. Good luck! I recently switched to AMD last year, planning to upgrade to a 3900X or similar in the near future. It's impressive to see how you can now enjoy a powerful 6c/12t CPU and later add a 16c/32t chip on the same board.