Switching to a newer processor like the Ryzen 5 2600 can boost performance.
Switching to a newer processor like the Ryzen 5 2600 can boost performance.
So I have had my Ryzen 5 2600 for only 3 months now and I want to upgrade later on when the prices are back to normal. At the end of 2020 I chose this processor just to upgrade to the Ryzen platform only. I'm glad I didn't get a $125 Threadripper 1920X, it would be a nightmare to upgrade. Later this year or in 2022 I want to upgrade. I preferably need more cores for my editing work, but I will be gaming mostly on it. My budget is $200-$250. Used it also an option, I even consider buying cheaper from Aliexpress. They are real CPU's, just harder on the warranty. My choices so far are: Ryzen 7 1700, 1800X, 2700, 2700X, 3700, 3700X, 3800X. Maybe even Ryzen 5 5600X, but a bit too expensive. Which would benefit me most? Which are the easiest to find for their MSRP or good deals on the secondhand market? And how much would a 5600X make a difference and in what instances?
Probably around 3700x, it maintains solid gaming performance despite potential limitations from the graphics card or display resolution. It offers more processing power for editing tasks. If the 3700x price isn’t within your budget, you might want to look at a 2700x or wait for the next generation.
I've been using the Ryzen 7 1700 regularly for some time now. Recently, I switched to a Ryzen 5 3600, which in rendering works just like the stock R7 1700 (roughly). However, I've overclocked the 1700 and it outperforms the 3600 in rendering. Personally, I wouldn't upgrade from a Ryzen 5 2600 to a Ryzen 7 1700, or vice versa. The improvements are minimal—just like the 2600 if you're lucky—and it still matches at least the stock 3600. Stick with the 5 series, or explore how far you can push your overclock. Even though my 3600 is well-configured for Photoshop and Premiere Pro, I still run the 1700 at home because overclocking per core doesn't change much for single-core performance, and multicore is more efficient.
It's not worthwhile to pay extra for a sidegrade. It's wiser to wait until you reach that stage. Spending hundreds on something that improves in some areas but not others doesn't seem logical.
A solid OC for your 2600 would be really useful. I’d hold off a few months and then upgrade to a Zen 3 chip once you’ve saved enough or prices drop slightly.
It's a solid decision overall. I would have chosen it at $210 secondhand, but the MSRP still feels a bit high. The 2700 and 2700X are right up there on my must-have list for the next upgrade. I’m also thinking about a Ryzen 9 3900/3900X if I can find one near $300, though it’s tough right now. That looks decent for a first-gen Ryzen 7. I’d have picked it if I didn’t have my Ryzen 5 2600 at the time. You’re right—it’s not worth jumping to a 1700 or 3600, as they won’t offer much extra. It feels like an upgrade and a downgrade at the same time. Would you consider moving to the 5th generation? But I’d prefer the 7th series for more cores and threads. I could try overclocking the 2600, but I think waiting is better. Since it’s likely I’ll need to sell it again, previously overclocked CPUs aren’t in demand. If I upgraded to a 5600X, where would the improvement mainly come from?
Single threaded tasks such as gaming are handled efficiently. With 6 fast cores, it's the most costly consumer CPU with 6 cores launched last year.