Top choice for an AMD Ryzen 7 2700 upgrade.
Top choice for an AMD Ryzen 7 2700 upgrade.
I'm testing a Ryzen 7 2700 with an RX 6700 XT on a MSI B450 A Pro Mobo. I'm considering a CPU upgrade and have two options: the Ryzen 7 5800X3D or the Ryzen 7 7700X. Most people say it's better to stick with the 5800X3D if you don't want to change your motherboard or RAM, but I'd appreciate some advice on what you think is the best path. Since you usually replace these components every 4-5 years, would the newer platform from the 7700X offer better long-term value? Thanks!
You might not outperform a 5600 or 5600X on that board. For a 5800X3D, it's better to opt for a solid B550 with a strong VRM configuration.
If AMD commits to backing the platform for five years like they did with AM4, this becomes the clearest option at the moment. It seems a Ryzen 7 7700 without the X variant would be better, or even the 7600 without the X, which should significantly outperform the 2700—even with only 25% fewer cores.
I switched from 3700x to 5800x3d without any hesitation, if you’re starting from a lower tier it’ll feel completely different—it all comes down to how often you upgrade. If you aim to maintain this model for more than three years and just want it to stay current, adding the 5800x3d should give you most of the performance you’re used to. The existing 7000s are already showing strong results, so you might skip the AM5 entirely and wait until the next update when AMD actually promises AM5 starting in 2025. That means if you only upgrade every few months, by the time you need a new platform again you’ll have to switch anyway.
I recently upgraded from a similar setup like yours—b450 with an R7 2700 and an RTX 2080. I chose the 5800X for around 249 in my region, as the X3D is about 380. My frame rates doubled during the games I play, though I don’t usually run the latest titles; mostly, it’s a solid squad experience. Considering the non-7000 series looks strong, you might want to explore them, but that would require a new motherboard and DDR5. Compared to the 2700, the 5800X offers a solid CPU with a boost of 4.9GHz, though it does get quite hot on my compact air cooler.
Non X chips consume less power than X models, which helps them stay cooler and use less energy. My setup works well, though it’s a bit limited on the VRM side. As long as your board can handle the heat and looks similar to yours, you should be fine running an X chip. All the advice applies here—5800X3D is the top choice without needing a full system overhaul. Make sure your board actually supports it before purchasing, so you’re not left with a chip that won’t fit. You might want to verify compatibility first; if unsure, update the BIOS and then proceed.