Upgrade your system with the Ryzen 1700 series for enhanced performance.
Upgrade your system with the Ryzen 1700 series for enhanced performance.
I assembled my system in 2017 when the Ryzen 1700 debuted. I'm seeking guidance on the best path for CPU improvements. My 1080ti is starting to lag, especially since I moved from 4K to 1440p recently. At the moment, my GPU still works adequately. I haven't felt the need to replace it yet. My RAM is 32GB of g.skill Trident Z DDR4 at 3000MHz—upgraded from 16GB a year ago. I didn't replace it then, just added more memory recently.
I'm thinking about switching to Intel, as the 7000 series would demand DDR5, which is too costly for me. I suspect Ryzen benefits more from fast RAM, possibly even more than Intel. If I switch to Intel, would the performance boost outweigh the upgrade to DDR5 memory? I'm also considering staying with my current RAM and trying to overclock it instead of buying new parts.
I'm curious if I could keep my existing RAM and push its clock speed higher rather than replacing it. I'm in the UK right now, and costs are rising. I have limited budget for upgrades that don't offer much gain. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Consider a 5600 for a budget-friendly boost, or go with a 5800x3d if you have the means. Your RAM is slower than ideal, but I doubt it’s worth the cost since DDR4 is nearing end of life.
If cash is a limitation, opting for a 3000 or 5000 series Ryzen would be much more practical. You wouldn’t need to upgrade your motherboard. You can find a 3700x on eBay for around £140 from a trustworthy seller, and I’ve seen lower prices elsewhere. Alternatively, a 5600x would be even superior for gaming and would last several years. Used units are typically available around £160.
Would this still offer value even without full RAM at 3000MHz? Could you actually run your RAM at its full speed on the same board? I probably wouldn’t choose an X3D right now because I don’t need it much. Right now, cost isn’t the main issue—I’m looking for the best value. I’d rather delay any big upgrades until after graduation in about two years and stick with what I have. Is a 5600X worth the extra 30 pounds compared to a regular 5600 on Amazon right now?
It looks like your device has limitations—only supports up to 2400MHz. To run 3000MT XMP you’d need a better B550 board, but pairing it with an Intel CPU might be more practical now (13600K is powerful). I’m not sure about your budget or usage, but it seems you’re into gaming where the 5800X3D shines.
I enjoy gaming but think the 5800X3D might be too much for this setup. It’s probably at least 150% pricier than a 5600, which feels excessive for an older system and board. I’m okay with spending more if it means better performance, but if I only need a few extra features for around £40 more, I’d prefer a different platform. Switching to an Intel board could give the system a fresh boost.
If you have the budget and an older system, you could upgrade everything to a 13600K, B660 or Z690 board. You might even retain your current RAM and perform some overclocking. This will significantly boost performance for around $500 to $600. A cheaper choice is a 5600, under $200, but it won’t support upgrades and your RAM will remain slow.