Top affordable AMD CPUs under $150 for an upgrade.
Top affordable AMD CPUs under $150 for an upgrade.
R at bottom I've been looking to upgrade my Ryzen 3 2200G to something with a bit more power, as I've recently been seeing some drawbacks of only having 4 cores 4 threads and integrated graphics when I already have a GPU. So, I looked into upgrading my CPU and landed on the Ryzen 5 1600 AF, which sells for the same price as my current processor but has 6 cores 12 threads. I was then told by someone else that microcenter is having a sale for the Ryzen 5 2600X for $100 (only $15 more than the 1600 af) and I would be getting a higher clocked CPU. When I told another person about me planning to get a 2600X, they responded that if I was looking at a 2600X, I should just save up a bit more and get a 2700X, with 8 cores 16 threads. These are on sale at microcenter for $140. So I've come to an impasse. I honestly need to upgrade a lot in my build (Asrock b450m-hdv to an Asrock b450m-pro4, gigabyte rx570 4g to gigabyte rx5500xt 8g, and 2200g to whatever I decide on) but I decided to tackle the CPU first since it's the only thing I'm not dead set on, and to me is the most important. I am looking for whatever will last me the longest and perform the best for the money I have ($150) and am having a hard time deciding. Thank you. I have $150 and need to decide between the Ryzen 5 1600 AF, Ryzen 5 2600X, or Ryzen 7 2700X. Thanks.
TLR at bottom I've been looking to upgrade my Ryzen 3 2200G to something with a bit more power, as I've recently been seeing some drawbacks of only having 4 cores 4 threads and integrated graphics when I already have a GPU. So, I looked into upgrading my CPU and landed on the Ryzen 5 1600 AF, which sells for the same price as my current processor but has 6 cores 12 threads. I was then told by someone else that microcenter is having a sale for the Ryzen 5 2600X for $100 (only $15 more than the 1600 af) and I would be getting a higher clocked CPU. When I told another person about me planning to get a 2600X, they responded that if I was looking at a 2600X, I should just save up a bit more and get a 2700X, with 8 cores 16 threads. These are on sale at microcenter for $140. So I've come to an impasse. I honestly need to upgrade a lot in my build (Asrock b450m-hdv to an Asrock b450m-pro4, gigabyte rx570 4g to gigabyte rx5500xt 8g, and 2200g to whatever I decide on) but I decided to tackle the CPU first since it's the only thing I'm not dead set on, and to me is the most important. I am looking for whatever will last me the longest and perform the best for the money I have ($150) and am having a hard time deciding. Thank you. I have $150 and need to decide between the Ryzen 5 1600 AF, Ryzen 5 2600X, or Ryzen 7 2700X. Thanks.
opticgunship
03-12-2018, 10:25 AM #2For extended use on the PC, opt for the 2700x model—it includes a top-tier stock cooler.
goldenfetus
03-12-2018, 04:28 PM #3This Ryzen 5 1600af is an excellent 6c/12t processor that performs well when overclocked with a better cooler. I've seen it reach around 4.1ghz when paired with an RX 5700, and it handles nearly any game on 1080 Ultra or 1440p.
I recommend adding another $24 for a 3600 model. The performance gain is more apparent and worth it, especially with more cores and threads. Switching from 2200G to 1600AF/2600/2700 gives extra cores but the IPC improvement is minimal beyond multi-threaded applications. The 3600 will noticeably boost performance across most tasks.
I understand, adding a bit more value helps you obtain a better CPU. Some aspects you shouldn't compromise on, and the CPU is one of them. Mobo stands out as the top choice for avoiding cheap options, since you can always upgrade later, but it's wise to save money and get the CPU you need.
You only need the 1600AF if that matches your configuration. Going overboard doesn’t add value. Will you require additional cores later? Maybe, but then you’d likely benefit more from the latest models or even a generation upgrade, giving you noticeably better performance compared to a 2700x. People often focus on video rendering quality, but that doesn’t diminish the potential of the 6/12 chip—it just means you’ll have to wait a bit longer. No. As mentioned before, with this configuration he won’t gain much from swapping to a 3600 versus a 1600AF. It’s more than double the cost.
Noobkid234
03-22-2018, 03:06 AM #73600 stands out as a superior CPU compared to the others, especially with your future upgrades making it an excellent choice for both present and future games.
Wazzup_Kimly
03-22-2018, 03:54 AM #8I've been using this system for more than a year and it's only started lagging lately. Once I got a VR headset, playback stopped completely, so I knew it was time to upgrade. I wasn't sure how much to change, but upgrading my CPU, motherboard, and GPU makes sense for VR performance. I didn't feel the need for the extra clock speed of the 2600x or the additional cores in the 2700x, but I just needed someone else to confirm it. Thank you.
ChainChompz
03-28-2018, 03:12 PM #9You can use your system for more than just VR; there are many other applications and tasks to explore.
jamesmader1993
04-06-2018, 02:02 PM #10Recently, I've been working with Openshot for video editing when I discover new project ideas. I've started using Blender for 3D projects such as basic animations and model posters. Mostly, I stick to browser-based tools like spreadsheets or videos, or play single-player games occasionally. It feels like a versatile mix of different skills—almost like a jack-of-all-trades (or Jack of all five). What's your interest?