Upgrade your CPU for the ASUS X-470F.
Upgrade your CPU for the ASUS X-470F.
I'm seeking help with upgrading my Ryzen 2700X CPU. I'm using an ASUS X-470F board with BIOS 5809, which is required for Zen 3 CPUs. I'm considering switching to a 5800X3D or 5900X, but I'm unsure if this will cause issues. My main worry is whether my power supply and VRM can support the change. I don't know how to check compatibility or if others have experienced instability after similar upgrades. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
The 5800X3D consumes less power compared to the 2700X, making it suitable for that VRM setup. The 5900X is somewhat controversial; it draws more current than the 2700X, but the difference isn't huge and the board's VRM should still function adequately, particularly with proper airflow over the heat sink. I don’t have any concerns either way. Check the motherboard’s compatible CPU list—both the 5800X3D and 5900X should appear as long as the BIOS is up to date. Early BIOS versions that supported Ryzen 5000 on B450/X470 were not very reliable, sometimes leading to stability problems like this one. I’m not sure if anyone has reported issues with this board yet, but other ASUS models have worked well, so it should be fine.
I came across these discussions on Reddit while researching possible CPU upgrades. It seems they were shared about two years ago, though I recall hearing more from others who reported no issues. It might have been a temporary issue with the BIOS update. So far, everything points to my BIOS being at version 5809, which matches what I already have. It looks like I should be fine between the VRM and BIOS upgrades. I was focusing specifically on the VRM now. Looking ahead, I need to check future tech specs to confirm compatibility when choosing an upgrade. Still, I appreciate your tip—it clearly lists all Ryzen 5 models as compatible. Previously, the page only mentioned Ryzen 2 and 3, which left me puzzled. It seems Asus might have overlooked updating that section.
The extra cores would be beneficial for tasks that demand heavy processing power, such as gaming, CAD software, and SolidWorks. However, you might not need them specifically when working with CAD files alone, depending on your workload. Your preference for the 5800x3D still makes sense, but it's good to consider your overall usage.
If you're a busy multitasker, extra cores can really help. Anything that needs lots of threading and more than eight cores works well—if you're happy with just eight, 5800x3d is fine and performs great. The 3D cache can cause overheating, but it's hard to fix, and running at 90°C is manageable. You should be able to hit 4.72 with a 104 MHz clock speed without needing to adjust PCIe speeds.
I'm uncertain if extra cores are necessary, but I'll explore the matter further. The main reason for upgrading is playing Hogwarts Legacy, which consumes a lot of system resources. I upgraded my GPU to an RX7900 XT because of that, offering a significant boost over my Vega 56, though some occasional lag remains. Since my case is compact, managing heat is important. My 2700X previously ran hot—80-90°C with the stock Wraith Prism—and now stays around 60°C consistently after switching to water cooling. I'll consider this more. The 5900X could be a better choice for temperature control.
The NZXT H510 Elite case features a sturdy glass front and a thoughtful vent design on the back near the front fans. I replaced the original NZXT fans with darkFlash CS140 units since they didn’t sync with Aura Sync. Looking back, this choice might not have been ideal—the airflow from those darkFlash fans seems limited, and even at maximum speed, it barely reaches the opposite side of my radiator.
Discusses the temperatures you experienced with the wraith prism and suggests replacing the front panel with a mesh design. Recommends using RGB fans like Arctic P12/120 but notes they usually don’t perform well. Advises purchasing used server fans for better value, especially those under $2, as thicker models provide better airflow. Mentions needing a buck converter to manage fan speed if the motherboard can’t handle DC control. Points out the difficulty of powering a high-power fan directly from the motherboard header and describes yourself as someone who prioritizes price-performance over flashy appearances.