Upgrade PC to full configuration (3700x vs 5600x)
Upgrade PC to full configuration (3700x vs 5600x)
I own a PC from 2017, which was my initial setup. Back then, budget limitations and limited expertise meant the build wasn’t perfect, but it performed adequately. It featured an i5 7400 alongside an RX 480 with 4GB RAM. Over the past two years I began improving things gradually. I upgraded to a better fan controller, a high-quality CPU cooler (Bequiet DarkRock 4), a superior power supply (Sharkoon Silentstorm Cool Zero 650W), and eventually sold my CPU and GPU to install an i7 6700 (a previous generation but with more threads) and a GTX 1070. The investment stayed under 200 euros, and I’m happy with the result. However, I believe it’s time to start again, as I won’t be able to afford the high prices of DDR5 modules or newer platforms soon. My goal is to upgrade everything—CPU, graphics card, and monitor. For the monitor, I’m aiming for a 144Hz 2K screen, perhaps even ultrawide, which would be ideal. Regarding the GTX 1070, I decided to hold onto it longer since current prices are unpredictable, and I might wait for the used market to offer better 30-series RTX options like the 3060 or Ti. My plan is to upgrade all components: CPU, GPU, and monitor. I’m considering a 144Hz 2K display as a monitor, maybe with ultrawide aspect ratio if that suits me. For the GTX 1070, I chose to keep it longer because prices have become unstable, and I hope to find better options in the used market around 30 series RTX models. I’m contemplating whether spending less on a used 3700X would improve productivity and multitasking, especially since my current monitor only supports 1080p at 60Hz. I’d like to enjoy gaming at around 100 FPS with this setup, and I’m keeping the 1070 in hopes of getting FSR support. Thanks, AMD!
What is your budget? What purpose will you have it for? Which country are you in? Here’s a basic list: 5800x, great for playing and running tasks at once. The 3200MHz RAM makes it easy to boost to 3600 or even 4000MHz, though this depends on the RAM chips. Notes: If you’re using the GTX 1070 now, you probably don’t need to upgrade your power supply. Even with a 3070, an upgrade might not be necessary. The case comes with average fan settings—consider adding more fans or switching to a P360A or P400A for better cooling.
Currently the 5800x isn't within budget, but it could be considered in two years if it proves worthwhile compared to newer models. For the case, I've added more fans and temperatures are excellent. Regarding performance, the 3700x and 5600x seem to limit me more on GPU power, especially with a 144Hz monitor, even though the 3060ti handles lighter games well.
I believe you should try 3700x and check out what you find out about it while gaming. For a better experience, go for a fuma 2 or mugen 5 instead of a hyper 212; 224x is also a solid choice but isn't available everywhere.
It seems you're looking to optimize your setup. You mentioned having the cooler (dark rock pro 4), a 1070, storage, and case—those can help you save money. I’ll keep only the essentials from the list you provided so you can run at 2K with 144Hz. The thermal paste is included for compatibility. Regarding your PSU, it’s not a standard brand, which might affect reliability. I’ve noted your concern about that.
You might find the situation different because performance gaps aren't always as clear-cut as they seem. The 1070 isn't as strong now, so Intel's edge could matter more. Used 10th gen i7s often offer solid value if you're looking for a good balance between price and capability.
Looks like the 10th gen i7 and i9 compete well against the Ryzen 5000 in price versus performance. I usually stick with Intel because models like the 10900F or 10850K offer 10 cores for less than a 5800X. Once you hit 10 cores or higher performance, newer chips with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 are likely already available.
Avoid the Ryzen 3000 as it performs poorly compared to modern 10th gen Intel chips. Switching GPUs will likely be regrettable. The current price of a 10850k seems reasonable if similar deals exist nearby, often around 5600x. It doesn’t make sense to invest in something at the same cost. In five years, the fastest gaming CPUs will probably be even faster than today’s 3700x, making a 5600x obsolete. A 10850k or 5900x offers better future value than a 5600x. If you don’t want performance during games, consider a 10850k with 32GB RAM. This reflects the need for a top-tier experience. The upgrade cost in two years may outweigh buying it now. -Rant A used 10th gen i7 is my suggestion, or the 10850k