Time for an upgrade ? CPU
Time for an upgrade ? CPU
Hello everyone, I'm considering an upgrade from my old i5 4690k because it's no longer up to the task (needs 60+FPS, 1440p, ultra settings for AAA games, plus some heavy multitasking). I aim for a reliable machine lasting about four years. The R7 3700X seems like a solid choice—it offers 8C/16T and should last long. Pairing it with a strong cooler like Dark Rock 4 (quiet and capable of keeping temps around 70°C) would work well, especially on the B450 Tomahawk Max. I'm concerned about RAM, as 3600MHz CL16 chips are pricier than 3200MHz or 3600MHz CL17 models at the moment. I'm also a bit anxious about buying now, since I can't predict future tech or know if better options will arrive soon. From what I understand, new Ryzen CPUs are expected in 2021, while Intel has been inconsistent. My question is: should I go for the R7 3700X now? Is it worth spending twice as much on better RAM, or should I wait?
The 3700x offers solid performance, it's a great choice. For Ryzen 4000 desktops, they're expected to be available by Q4 2020, though delays are common. It might not be worth waiting a full year if you're already missing the desired speed. The B450 Tomahawk Max appears to be a reputable option for Ryzen 3000 systems as well. Regarding RAM, your confidence about the 3600 CL16 being twice the price of the 3200 CL16 seems reasonable. I recently purchased 32 MB of 3600 CL16 from Newegg for around $20-$30 more than the 3200 CL16, and now the 3200 CL14 is significantly pricier. If it's truly double the cost, the performance gap between the 3600 CL6 and 3200 CL16 is likely less than three percent—so you probably don't need to rely heavily on the latter. Just remember that tech releases keep evolving; waiting isn't ideal unless you're patiently anticipating a confirmed launch. Following this cycle can lead to missing out entirely.
I am from Slovakia and always purchase computer items from Alza because I haven’t faced any issues with them. They are nearby, and when I needed to return something, they handled it smoothly without asking questions. I prefer buying cheaper elsewhere but avoid the hassle of possible rejections or limited stock. I plan to choose a 3200Mhz CL16 processor.
3200 CL16 should suffice if the price isn't too off, because that's the best option Alza offers. It remains a solid choice for Ryzen 3000. I tested a 2x4GB 2933C17 first—it performed well. The 3600C16 is slightly improved, though it won't be a dealbreaker even with an older HyperX 2933CL17 and 8GB total (as long as you use the duel channel).