Keep the 1600 configuration stable during the upgrade.
Keep the 1600 configuration stable during the upgrade.
Thanks for your assistance. With about £100 available, I was considering a motherboard to prepare for larger upgrades later.
Your current motherboard can handle a Ryzen 3rd generation if you replace your 1600 with a hexa core or a 3400G, especially if you don’t have a graphics card. A 4th generation Ryzen might arrive around 2021, but prices won’t be low and compatibility isn’t guaranteed. So unless you’re on a tight budget, it’s smarter to upgrade the CPU now rather than spending on a new motherboard or cooler. Do you have a GPU? If so, which one?
Purchasing a new motherboard just to "upgrade" is a waste of money. Upgrades should only happen when you're facing problems or missing specific capabilities your current board lacks. The MSI Tomahawk B450 doesn’t add much beyond improved power delivery, and it’s not worth it unless you plan to overclock—which you probably shouldn’t. Also, getting a new board before upgrading your CPU isn’t smart; it’s better to buy them together so you’re ready for future changes without extra costs later.
Also true that way, but if you're itching to upgrade, skip the new cooler or motherboard and get a fresh CPU instead.