Is this CPU upgrade worth making?

[Beebo Brink]

Is it worth upgrading from an AMD Rysen 5 5600X 6-core to something like an AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT 8-Core processor for gaming? Will I notice enough of a performance improvement to warrant the (considerable) effort of trucking my computer to my trusted assembler in another city?

When I configured my 2024 custom computer parts list, my intent was to future proof my build so that I'd never have to worry about it again. I vowed I would err on the side of generosity and power, but in the end, I clutched (as I always do) and bought less rather than more.

What I left out of my calculations was that I'm getting more and more into gaming. I'm still exceeding minimum requirements, but my CPU isn't always meeting the recommended max requirements for the games I'm considering (looking at you, Planet Zoo 2). On the other hand, so far, I don't have any issues with playing games such as Two Point Museum. I'm not sure I'd see any obvious improvement for what I'm doing now rather than a hypothetical future game I may or may not buy.

 

[Veritable Quandry]

I have that exact processor with an RTX 4060ti and 32GB RAM. I don't play a lot of the most recent games, but it has taken everything I throw at it. The bundled cooler is also very good, much better than most and comparable to a good aftermarket cooler.

 

[Beebo Brink]

I have that exact processor with an RTX 4060ti and 32GB RAM. I don't play a lot of the most recent games, but it has taken everything I throw at it. The bundled cooler is also very good, much better than most and comparable to a good aftermarket cooler.

Thank you. This is going on my birthday wish list.

 

[Bartholomew Gallacher]

You can expect maybe +5% performance with the 5800 XT compared to your current CPU. So it's not worth the upgrade.

You should instead go for the Ryzen 5700 X3D. This will heavily improve your performance, up to +15-30%.

Reason why is simple: the 5800 XT has 32 MB of L3 cache, while the 5700X3D has 96 MB of it. Which is the reason for the performance increase.

Ih short: get yourself the 5700X3D. The 5800 XT is going to disappoint you.

 

[Beebo Brink]

Ih short: get yourself the 5700X3D. The 5800 XT is going to disappoint you.

Thank you, this is something I would never have figured out for myself. I'll have to check whether the 5700X3D is compatible with the rest of my configuration, but assuming it is, this recommendation is very helpful!

 

[Bartholomew Gallacher]

Your CPU as well as the 5700X3D is using the AM4 socket. So yes, it should possible. Your BIOS though might require an update though before installing the new CPU. Better check on that and do that upfront then before making the switch.

 

[Beebo Brink]

Your CPU as well as the 5700X3D is using the AM4 socket. So yes, it should possible. Your BIOS though might require an update though before installing the new CPU. Better check on that and do that upfront then before making the switch.

I double-checked on my parts list on PartsPicker, and it also flagged the BIOS as an issue. Makes sense to do that update first, so that goes in my notes. Plus, I think I'll need a new cooler as well, because the current one is apparently part of the CPU (I'm a bit fuzzy on that detail).

I wouldn't attempt to do any of this myself, for a variety of reasons (poor eyesight, unsteady hands, and inexperience). My biggest challenge is finding someone I trust to do this. The guy who assembled my computer lives in a neighboring state, so I'm hoping to find someone more local. Ah for the days when I worked in an office literally filled with guys who could do this for a few bucks on the side.

 

[Veritable Quandry]

While it is possible to pull off the cooler, the issue you will run into is that the two upgrades you are looking at are both 105 watt CPUs, while you currently have a 65 watt CPU. You need a cooler rated for the power load to ensure enough cooling.

 

[Beebo Brink]

While it is possible to pull off the cooler, the issue you will run into is that the two upgrades you are looking at are both 105 watt CPUs, while you currently have a 65 watt CPU. You need a cooler rated for the power load to ensure enough cooling.

Thank you for the explanation. That will make shopping for a new cooler much less of a guessing game.

So:

• Update BIOS
• Install new CPU (Ryzen 7 5700X3D)
• Install new cooler (105 watt)

Thank you all!!