Upgrade path for Ryzen 5 3600 to higher models 5600/5600G/5600X recommendations
Upgrade path for Ryzen 5 3600 to higher models 5600/5600G/5600X recommendations
Hello, I'm considering an upgrade for my Ryzen 5 3600. I purchased it when the 5600 was launched since it wasn't available then. My setup includes dual monitors at 1080p/165Hz, a ROG Strix GTX 1080 8G Gaming graphics card, a Corsair RM650x power supply, and an MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk motherboard. I currently have two sets of 2x8GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro CMW16GX4M2C3200C16, totaling 32GB of RAM. I'm evaluating whether to switch to a Ryzen 5 5600, as the Bottleneck Calculator on pc-builds.com suggests it could be a suitable match for my GPU. While the 5600G has integrated graphics that might ease some load, I'm uncertain about its impact.
My CPU options in my region are: 5600 @ €145, 5600G @ €139, 5600X @ €179, and 5700X @ €222 or 5800X @ €266. The 5600X seems like a potential upgrade for tasks beyond gaming, such as web development with WSL, graphic design, and occasional Blender/Unreal Engine work. However, the €40 extra for the 5600X feels significant, and I’m not planning to replace my GPU just yet.
I’m weighing the 5600 against the newer models, keeping in mind future needs—especially around a possible 3080 or similar deals—and aiming for the best value before any upgrades. Your guidance would be invaluable.
The 5600g features reduced cache and only supports PCIe 3.0, making it inferior to the 5600. The 5600x offers no significant advantage over the 5600 and isn't a better value for €40 more. The 5600 remains a decent upgrade for those seeking minor performance gains. However, a 5800x3d could provide longer-term benefits by extending socket lifespan without further incremental upgrades, making it more suitable for a 3080. Consider pairing it with a display upgrade as well.
There are possible compatibility concerns with the 5600g. It doesn’t support PCIe4 at all—it only uses PCIe 3 (or 2, etc.), and the top slot provides just 8 lanes. Any PCIe4 device you have will be converted to PCIe 3. This effectively changes your motherboard from a B550 to a B450. Your graphics card should work with 8 lanes of PCIe 3, though it’s nearing the upper limit. The highest graphics card suitable for this setup is a 2080 (not a 2080 Ti). If you lack any PCIe 4 M.2 slots, it should still function properly. Performance will be similar to the 5600, but your upgrade options are limited. If you’re okay with the 5600X, it might be easier for you.
The 3600 isn't limiting a 1080 setup... this change only makes sense if you also upgrade the GPU. Alright, then choose a 3800x3d model.
The 5600 appears to offer better value for its cost, especially when compared to the newer models. I initially considered the 5600G but ended up choosing the 5600 instead. The 5800X3D feels like an unnecessary jump in price, costing over €360. At €145 for the 5600, it doesn’t seem worth the investment for my needs. I plan to upgrade later and might sell the 3600 for a decent amount, possibly opting for the 5700X instead of the 5600. The 5700X seems more suited for general use rather than gaming, as shown in the review I watched. It’s possible I’m overanalyzing, so keeping the 5600 makes sense. Still, I wanted another perspective on the 5700X to ensure I wasn’t missing anything.
The optimal choice is to skip spending any cash at all. The 5600 model offers impressive single-thread performance, making it functionally similar to the 3700. When comparing new chips, games, and GPUs, I was surprised by the differences and opted for a 12th generation instead of a 13th, even though a K chip existed. It cost $50 more than expected and didn’t seem worthwhile. The only reason I considered an 8-core processor was personal confidence in demanding hardware at the end of its life cycle—especially with a full 16 threads possibly adding value, though that’s uncertain. A 3600 offers sufficient speed for current gaming needs. If you’re willing to invest, a newer graphics card or better display would be more practical. For those seeking savings, modern GPUs or monitors are the best bet. Updated November 25, 2022 by Bombastinator
It's not really beneficial to upgrade from 6-core to 6-core within the same generation. It might seem like a good step, but the real performance gains are minimal—maybe around 10 FPS. It’s unclear what practical impact it will have in everyday use. That’s why I chose the X3D; it’s the only CPU from that era that truly delivers value for gaming.
I bought the first AM4 CPU as the 3600XT for its price. Swapping it with the 5600X made a noticeable difference in benchmarks and daily use. The performance is much better now. PBO really shines with Zen 3. The 5600X outperforms the 3600XT in every aspect simply because of its speed. It’s a solid choice for gaming, though it’s slower for other tasks due to its low clock speed. I really enjoy my 5600X—it’s a great chip overall. It runs stable at 4800 and 4850, and it holds up well at 2000 clocks. I don’t plan to replace it, even though I’m not a big gamer. I do have an extensive library and a short attention span, but that’s why I’m comfortable with my Zen 3 setup. I mainly play at 60fps and 60Hz.