Should I upgrade the Cpu?
Should I upgrade the Cpu?
Hi, I was wondering if upgrading my CPU is the right choice. I’m considering just adding more RAM, but if it’s better to upgrade the CPU and keep it for a few years, I’d prefer that over just adding RAM. Upgrading will require changing the motherboard and RAM, which might be worth it if I want reliable performance for years. I’m open to either Intel or AMD CPUs, specifically the i5-8400 2.8GHz Coffee Lake model. My current setup includes a B360-A-PRO motherboard, DDR4 16GB RAM, a GTX 1060 graphics card, and I’m using it for video editing, gaming (GEAR 5, City Skylines), and other tasks.
Upgrade the CPU definitely. It seems the motherboard might also need a refresh, using an AM4 socket would give the best overall performance.
It seems to hinge on your goals. For enhanced video editing, more cores are beneficial, but staying within your current setup might require moving to a 9700 or 9900, which are expensive upgrades. Alternatively, you could upgrade to a Ryzen 7 3700X and a B450 board for comparable performance. If editing is your main focus, aim for a 3900X with an X570 board—it will meet your timeline needs. You likely won’t see major changes in gaming, but editing speed will improve noticeably. For better gaming performance, prioritize a stronger graphics card. For 1080p games, consider a 2060 or 5600Xt; for 1440p, go with a 2060 Super, 5700 XT or 2070 Super based on your budget. Think about CPU upgrades if you’re still unsatisfied.