Switching from a 4790k to Ryzen 2700x or 3700x offers improved performance and efficiency.
Switching from a 4790k to Ryzen 2700x or 3700x offers improved performance and efficiency.
You're considering an upgrade to improve performance for CPU-heavy games. The 2700x offers a good balance between cost and potential gains, especially if you can secure the RAM and cooler before the 4700x arrives. The 3700x is a solid choice but might be pricier and less flexible if you decide to wait. It's worth weighing the benefits of smoother gameplay in titles like Battlefield 1 against the cost difference.
I’d suggest opting for 3700X. People often treat Ryzen like a divine gift, but it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. I’m not claiming it’s extraordinary; it’s decent but a jump from 4970k to 2700X won’t bring much gain in games. In fact, most titles drop performance noticeably—sometimes just a few frames per second change—and that’s usually negligible. With the Ryzen 3700X you’ll notice a small boost, though I’d say it’s not huge either. Personally, I’d view the difference as modest, around 10-20%, and increasing from 100 to 110 frames isn’t as impactful as it seems. But if you’re after something fresh, that’s a different approach altogether. I tend to buy hardware because I “want” it rather than “need” it. If you’re serious about upgrades, consider going for 2700X, sell it, and invest in something like the 4700X later—assuming AM4 support remains.
BFV is experiencing optimization challenges currently, particularly with high CPU usage when DX12 is active at frame rates above 120. Even with eight cores, performance drops significantly, unlike previous runs where it handled smoothly. The issue persists across 4, 6, or 8 core processors—no specific model fails. Using DX11 improves things somewhat. To mitigate this, choose a solid motherboard such as the B450m Pro4 or an affordable X570 (Asus Prime X570-P or Asrock X570 Pro4 are good options under $200). The most budget-friendly choice is likely the B450m Pro4, though upgrading to something with $20 savings can help modernize it for 8 cores. For Ryzen 2000 users, a compatible 3200MHz RAM kit is essential due to compatibility constraints. If you opt for a Ryzen 3000 processor, consider purchasing a 3600C16 Ripjaws board priced around $70 and labeled "Ryzen 3000 Ready." Running on a 2700X may not boost frame rates noticeably, but it can help with streaming or light productivity tasks. It offers strong performance for gaming at lower prices, especially on the AM4 platform, though it may lag behind higher-end options in productivity workloads and hyperthreading advantages. For those primarily gaming at $120–3500, a 2700X could be a solid starter CPU if you're willing to explore alternatives elsewhere.
It was only the $170 figure that made me wonder why it wasn’t worth more even if it were a bit better. I could sell the 4790k, motherboard, RAM, and recoup half the cost, then sell the 2700x later.
I believe it's smart to sell Intel components while they still retain significant value. In about a year, I think the used market will likely drop in price for these parts. It's been quite inflated for a while, and I'm unsure how long people will be willing to pay over 200 dollars for old CPUs when newer models perform better at similar costs. If you end up with a 3700x return, you might wonder if you'll regret it later.
Aim for what you can afford or invest in a card. Act fast. I sold my 4790k a while back for $200. My motherboard and RAM fetched more than $250. Good for building a new setup.
The 4790k Stock versus OC offers only an 8-15% boost in gameplay compared to a 15% OC. BFV can achieve up to 120-144fps, but it quickly drops to the 80-90 range during intense city scenes or heavy loads, often falling back to 110-120 and sometimes worse. These significant fluctuations mean large frame rate losses—around 30-40fps under higher CPU usage. While many games perform adequately, more titles are struggling with increased CPU demands and dropped frames on fast GPUs. Sure, FAST CORES exist, but there aren’t enough of them. It’s not worth the price tag. Consider upgrading to a platform. Sell the 4770 setup to someone just starting out.