Upgrade your processor from i3-8100 to i5-9400f or R5-3600
Upgrade your processor from i3-8100 to i5-9400f or R5-3600
Consider the upgrade options for your i3-8100. You can either keep it on the Asus ROG Strix B360g board or move to a new motherboard. The i5-9400f offers better performance and fits your current setup, while the R5-3600 provides more power but requires a compatible board. Since you plan to replace your GTX 1050 ti later, weighing immediate gains against future needs is key.
From my perspective, this graphics card won’t offer any real benefit. It could become a major performance issue, the GTX 1050TI isn’t suitable for 2020 anymore. It’s smarter to invest in a full new system later—consider the next generation of AMD or Intel when they release something new this year.
For performance purposes, it's advisable to move to AMD since they offer lower costs per core compared to Intel. However, Intel generally provides superior performance per core, especially in the 9th generation lineup, which typically lacks hyperthreading.
I understand the bottleneck on the GTX 1050ti is expected, but I’m currently fine with it. For the GPU upgrade, I plan to install the RX5600xt next month. Just checking which CPU would be more beneficial if needed. *Sorry for missing the RX5600xt in my first message; I should have proofread before submitting.*
The R5-3600 offers significant advantages over the i5-9400f. Pairing it with a new motherboard would provide better long-term compatibility. The Ryzen 4000 series CPUs remain compatible with the AM4 socket, offering a clear upgrade route. Initially you might face a GPU limitation, but later upgrading your GPU could eliminate that issue. Additionally, recent sales for Ryzen chips have been very strong.
The Tomahawk B450 MAX (Zen 2 ready) mainboard paired with an R5 3600 costs around $290. The 9700f is roughly $319, while the 9400f is about $150. I believe choosing AMD makes sense because it allows future upgrades to Ryzen 7 or even 9 models. For immediate value, the 9400f seems like the best choice.
You might recover part of your expenses by selling your motherboard and CPU separately. Choosing Intel means you retain ownership of those components, while AMD offers better value in terms of performance. You’ll likely spend roughly the same amount overall.