Ryzen or Intel?
Ryzen or Intel?
I'm at a decision point between Ryzen and Intel. I'm unsure if it's the best moment to upgrade my setup, so I'm seeking some guidance to help me choose wisely. A bit of context: my current system includes an i5-4690K CPU, a Gigabyte GA B85 with 3GB RAM, an A-Tech 2x 8GB DDR3 memory at 1333MHz, a H60 AIO GPU from 2018, and a Coolermaster Masterbox MB500 case. The PSU is a Coolermaster RS-700 (700W), and I'm using a BenQ GW2270 monitor. It runs Windows 10 version 1903.
The issues I'm facing are occasional stuttering during games like Battlefield V, Outer Worlds, and Far Cry 5, especially during cutscenes. The audio also suffers in those moments. I suspect the CPU might be outdated or the GPU is underpowered for modern titles. Another concern is that after overclocking to 5.8GHz with a voltage of 1.41V, the system has been unstable—now it crashes frequently and needs to revert to stock speeds. The build feels worn out possibly due to high voltage stress.
I really miss this setup, though it was solid for four years. I've heard positive things about Ryzen but less so about Intel. Should I go with Ryzen?
It varies based on your financial situation. For a recent i7 processor, consider Ryzen's 3600 or 3700X models.
Looking at the price-to-performance balance, this setup stands out above all others. The combination of the 3600& MSI B450 Gaming Plus MAX with a 3200Mhz CL16 and 2x8GB RAM (Micron-E or Hynix CJR) offers exceptional value. A modest cooler upgrade like the Gammaxx400 or CM Hyper212 BE will make a noticeable difference. Even Snowman would be impressed!
I'm really struck by how quickly everyone responds. Thanks so much! I learned that all Ryzens are unlocked, so with a 3600 it could definitely be boosted to 5.8GHz like the 4690K. For such high speeds, you'll want a cooler that can handle the heat.
They come with strong performance right away. You might be able to reach 4.2 GHz across all processors if conditions are favorable.
Ryzen is unlocked yet 5.8 is impressive. You might get lucky and reach 4.6, which should match the performance of a 5+ghz 9900k chip.
The boost clock speed isn't a priority for Ryzen. Four and two gigahertz should suffice. We're discussing six times four and a half gigahertz during loading, which is more than enough. If things don't go perfectly, I'd expect around three point nine gigahertz at the worst case.
Consistently around 3.9 GHz across all cores, and reliably at 4.2 GHz with minimal single-core components. Note that Ryzen at 1 GHz runs faster than Intel at 1.5 GHz, but reaching 8.5 GHz without extreme cooling is not feasible on any processor currently available.