Looking for guidance on selecting a new CPU? Options range from Intel to AMD.
Looking for guidance on selecting a new CPU? Options range from Intel to AMD.
I'm looking at upgrading from an i7-6700K and considering AMD options. I'm open to spending more than usual, especially since I haven't focused much on new tech lately. The only recent updates I've noticed are about the upcoming R9 3950X, which has a 16-core CPU—probably too much for gaming. I'm not sure anymore about what's best for gaming these days. Generally, what's considered the top Ryzen CPU for gaming right now? I'm also unsure about budget, but a 3950X priced around 750 USD seems like the best value. My GPU is a 2080 Ti, so that's also a factor. Any advice would be appreciated.
In gaming, more cores aren't the only factor—higher clock speeds matter too. For top performance, an i7 is ideal. If you need extra processing power, Ryzen 9 3900X or 7 3700X work well. Just remember, you might need to swap out your motherboard regardless of whether you choose Intel or AMD.
Typically the 3700x provides the best value for money in terms of core count and single-thread performance. Lower-end options like the 3600 at a reduced budget, such as 3900x and 3950x, feature higher CPUs that handle more threads well and perform efficiently with CPU-intensive tasks.
Hello, The 3600 or 3700x paired with a B450 MSI MAX board make strong selections, offering some 16GB RAM at 3000/3600MHz speeds.
Your budget is the main factor here. The 9900k is highly regarded, but it comes with a cost. Gamers typically spend around 3600 dollars for better value due to performance efficiency, while the 3700X offers a solid upgrade but at a higher price. New games now require significantly more threads than they did five years ago. However, you shouldn't invest in a 700 dollar chip just to future-proof your setup—over time, cheaper and more efficient CPUs will become available. So, spending on expensive components today might not be necessary if you're planning to upgrade later.
The differences between 3700X, 3800X and 3900X are minimal. The 3900X is generally considered the top performer among these models. Regarding Intel processors, they can still be quite powerful but may have some thermal limitations depending on the specific model. Be mindful of common issues like overheating, dust buildup, and ensuring proper cooling solutions.
The 3800x offers a stronger boost and higher base clock, though you might be able to match those specs on the 3700x if you're lucky. Keep in mind you'll likely need to invest in a new motherboard, so factor that into your budget.
AMD The different is only clockspeed on 3800x. 3800x has 300mhz more base clock than 3700x and 100mhz more on boost clock. 3800x to me is a scam and no point of going to 3800x when you have 3700x. The performance between 3700x and 3800x are not that huge to justify the $30 more.
the 3800X is a top-tier CPU, I wouldn't even think about it for my collection. 3600 suits gamers, 3700X for serious gamers and enthusiasts, and 3900X for streaming or rendering. I don't have any idea about Intel, I haven't purchased an Intel CPU, I'm completely into AMD and appreciate the value for performance since Zen+. Being on the cutting edge isn't a problem for me, just ensure a decent cooler and it should perform well.
No, the 3800x isn't worth it compared to the 3700x when you flip a switch in Bios. You don't need advanced CCX overclocking to get more than PBO; just turn on PBO in Bios. Outside of cooling, it's not a big deal. Maybe a bit less IO than AM4, but that's just nitpicking.