Top budget-friendly processor for a mid-range setup
Top budget-friendly processor for a mid-range setup
Hey! I'm trying to decide on a new CPU upgrade for my mid-range setup. I've got an older AMD FX-6300 and mostly modern components, so I want something that offers good value. The Ryzen 5 3600 was a solid choice a few years ago, but I'm curious if it's still worth considering now. I'm leaning toward an AMD processor and something like the RX 6700XT or similar GPU level. I don't plan to use DDR5 memory, so I won't be going for AM5 either. The stock coolers should handle things fine without overclocking, right? Let me know if you have any advice!
What's your budget? An R5 3600 could be a great option to try. If you have a different case, the matching motherboard version would work well. Prices include shipping and taxes where available. This list was generated by PCPartPicker on October 31, 2023.
Needs a financial plan. I’d cover anything except spending more than four years on a 3600 in about 2024. Minimum Ryzen 5 5600. Regarding DDR5, using @filpo’s setup with the $130 motherboard gives a solid DDR5-6000 build around $85, up from $50 for the DDR4 version. Overall, it’s not a huge concern unless you’re planning to upgrade soon—this setup can expand in 2 to 5 years. A good AM5 board costs about $125. Keep this in mind, since many still think DDR5 is too expensive compared to a year ago. If you’re near a Microcenter, it’s even better.
You're aiming for a budget under $400 for CPU, motherboard, RAM, and PSU. The CoolerMaster MWE Gold - V2 fits that range nicely. It's ideal for gaming titles such as Dirt Rally 2.0, the latest WRC games, and other racing simulations that require high performance.
You won't find that price for an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 with a PSU on this PCPartPicker list. Try the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-core model from Amazon. The motherboard and CPU are priced separately, along with memory, power supply, and other components. All costs listed cover shipping, taxes, and any available discounts. This summary was created by PCPartPicker on October 31, 2023 at 15:42 EDT.
It’s definitely the better option in the long run, though it doesn’t really matter much to me right now. Sure, it’s more suitable over time, but even my FX-6300 was only about three years old when I first set up the PC and only recently did an upgrade become necessary. This model is built for extended use, mainly for sim racing, and will likely stay mostly untouched except for occasional cleaning. There are no plans for the latest triple A titles or similar updates, and I think hardware and game demands haven’t grown as much in recent years as they did a decade ago when a new generation arrived (feel free to adjust if you have a different perspective). Third-gen Ryzen could stay competitive with newer systems for longer than previous generations. Also, since I’m based in Europe, prices here are a bit higher.