Looking for guidance on selecting a CPU?
Looking for guidance on selecting a CPU?
This MSI B550 Tomahawk Ryzen 7 3800X features a 3600 MHz CPU, 16GB RGB memory, and an 8-core RTX 3070 graphics card. It comes with a 1 TB M.2 SSD, a 750W gold PSU, and NZXT 240mm AIO cooler. The glass case includes six RGB fans plus two AIO fans for total eight fans. I’m considering upgrading to a higher-end CPU like the i9-10900K since my experience with Intel has been confusing compared to Ryzen.
Ryzen stands out in the premium range due to AMD's unique products that Intel lacks. The main Ryzen rivals to the i9-10900K are the Ryzen 9 3900X, Ryzen 9 3950X, and Threadripper models like 9 3995WX, 9 3975WX, 9 3970X, 3980X, and 3960X. Intel mainly offers the 10920X and 10980XE, which are costly and underperform against AMD's lineup. A solid step up from the 3800X is the 3900X or 3950X. Alternatively, a strong upgrade comes with the Ryzen 5000 series, such as the 5800X or 5900X.
The budget isn't important, so go ahead and share your bold suggestions.
I suggest the R9 3900x. It doesn’t seem excessive, isn’t expensive, yet delivers a great CPU performance. In fact, a 12-core processor for gaming is still quite demanding! If you feel it’s not enough, I opt for a 16-core Xeon with a top boost clock of 3.8 GHz (still an older model), which rarely exceeds 20% in games. I purchased it for CAD work but also play games on it from time to time.
If funds are a concern, aim for the 5900x/5950x and add an arctic liquid freezer to it.
I wouldn't consider another Ryzen 3000, it won't stand out. A 10850k model is probably more affordable than a 10900k, though its clock speed is about 100mhz lower. If the 10850k is available at a lower price, opt for something above the 10900k—those 10850k/10900k units perform better than older models like the 5800x or 3900x. A 10850k from Microcenter costs around $319. The 5900x and 5950x offer higher speeds compared to the 10850k/10900k. The only sensible upgrade over a 3800x is either the Intel 10850k/10900k or Ryzen 9 5900x/5950x. Anything less wouldn't provide much improvement. I suggest going with the 5900x—it's faster than a 10900k and should fit your B550 board. If budget isn't an issue, the 5950x is the top choice.