which CPU to pick for gaming?
which CPU to pick for gaming?
Choose a current CPU model, such as the R7 7800X3D, to ensure longevity.
The CPU price is nearly equivalent to the entire 12600k package? That makes it a less sensible choice unless you have a budget between 2500 and 3000 USD.
PCPartPicker list of components for your build. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-core ($449 at B&H). Cooler: EK AIO Basic 360 77 CFM ($118.33 on Newegg). Motherboard: ASRock B650E PG RIPTIDE WIFI ATX AM5 ($214.99 on Amazon). RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2x16GB) DDR5-5600 CL28 ($119.99 on Newegg). Storage: Corsair MP600 2TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 ($129.99 on Amazon). Graphics: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 20GB ($799.99 on Newegg). Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow ATX Mid Tower ($94.99 on Amazon). Power Supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 - V2 850W (80+ Gold Certified, Modular ATX) ($129.99 on Amazon). Grand total comes to $2057.27. All prices contain shipping, taxes, and any available discounts. Created by PCPartPicker on April 7, 2023 at 00:56 EDT.
Higher gaming resolution means the CPU becomes less important; you can perform well on the GPU while still using a standard CPU. I recommend choosing an AM5 motherboard for flexibility and future upgrades without needing a complete overhaul.
PCPartPicker list of components for your build. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-core ($449 at B&H). Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM ($40.90 on Amazon). Motherboard: ASRock B650 PG LIGHTNING ATX AM5 ($199.99 on Amazon). RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2x16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($124.99 on Newegg). Storage: Leven JPR700 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVMe ($84.99 on Amazon). Graphics: PowerColor Hellhound Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB ($999.99 on Newegg). Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 RGB ATX Mid Tower ($69.98 on Newegg). Power Supply: Cooler Master G700 700 W 80+ Gold Certified ($79.99 on Newegg). Overall cost comes to $2049.83, including shipping and taxes where applicable. Data compiled by PCPartPicker on April 7, 2023.
Secure a reliable platform using an AM5 chipset designed to endure for many years. You have the option to upgrade to Zen 5/Zen 6 if required (I’d skip Zen 5), but more importantly, you can always replace your graphics cards. In my opinion, it’s a fair middle ground—giving up some initial components to install a stronger GPU today, especially since GPUs are increasing by 40-50% each generation and offer the best value. Swapping GPUs is something I highly recommend. In 3 to 5 years, it will be far more cost-effective to install a new GPU than to rebuild an entire system. As for the SorryClair build, it’s acceptable. If the 7600 model fits your budget better, that’s perfectly okay—it’s more than sufficient for several years, and you can upgrade it when Zen 5 or 6 arrives.