Hi again! So…based on my previous post, it’d seem that it’s going to be quite some headache to get an old intel 6700 CPU with a PCIe 3.0 to work decently with more up to date GPUs (that is, to see a decent improvement in performance at all). I’d like to do a cross-jump to AMD CPUs this time, to be paired with a 6800XT or a 7800XT. I intend to game on Linux, although there will be a Win10 partition for the troublesome games, and also for the Vive Wireless, which is unsupported on Linux. But I’ve been out of the AMD loop for a while. What’s cooking? What would be a good second-to-last generation CPU recommendation or so? Am I missing any important tech if I don’t choose the latest and the greatest? Is ReBAR a thing yet? (Not sure if this is the answer to PS5’s direct asset streaming from the SSD straight to the GPU). At this point, I’d like to know what CPUs are adviseable, in order to get some idea for a PC build, so I can go get quotes…and see if that’s something I’d be able to afford :)
Last year i built my third gaming rig and have always been using full AMD setups. This time i have gone with a 5800X CPU and a RX 6700XT GPU. I’m also running full time linux (fedora) and i can’t remember the last time i booted windows. Have played about 10-20 games in the last year, from indie to triple A, 90% of the time were buttery smooth experiences.
But back to your question. The 5800X serves me well, you could also consider the 3D variant. But then again, consider if you really want to invest in an “old” platform by now. You won’t get PCIe 5 and DDR5.
I’ll second what has been said. Depending on what kinds of games you play will guide your CPU purchase. If you play CPU heavy games (simulators, grand strategy, Escape from Tarkov, etc.) the X3D variants would be a good choice. For previous gen that would be the 5800X3D. My brother has this one so I can tell you firsthand that it is a beast of a processor. However, this would lock you into DDR4 ram which means your next upgrade is guaranteed to need a new mobo, processor, and ram. The upside is that it’s fairly inexpensive compared to current products, so it’s good if you’re on a budget. If you don’t play those game the normal 5800X should be good.
If you’re looking for more current DDR5 build that you might be able to reuse parts for on your next upgrade, the 7800 and 7800X3D are what you want to be looking at (the 7800X gives you marginal improvement for way more power usage if I recall correctly, so not worth imo). I upgraded from an i7 7700k to a 7800X3D earlier this year and noticed fairly sizable improvements in performance for the games I play.
Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these options.
The first generation of AM5 socket CPUs (7000 series) came out this year. AM5 boards are also the first generation DDR5 boards as well. If you’re looking to build something you can upgrade with some drop in replacement CPUs in another 2 or 3 years, then go with an AM5 motherboard. Otherwise go AM4 and put in a 5800x3d.
I think the sensible long term decision right now is to go with AM5 if you’re doing a new build. If it’s primarily a gaming machine, you’ll want an x3d variant processor as those have triple the L3 cache which games tend to do much better with.
So, regardless the mobo is AM4 or AM5, the CPU you’d advise would be the same? Are they compatible? Or what would be an advisable CPU on AM5? Thanks!
Nope. AM4 sockets are AMD Ryzen 1000 series through 5000 series. Starting at Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, AMD switched to the AM5 socket and DDR5 RAM
(In case you’re wondering where Ryzen 6000 went, it’s mobile/laptop only)
Edit: for specific processor, that comes down to your needs in your build. If you’re primarily gaming and want to do a 7800xt GPU, you probably want a 7600 (possibly the 7600x of you want to pverclock). If you have deep pockets you can go for a 7800x3d or even a 7900x3d or 7950x3d. I personally don’t think those are necessary if you’re pairing it with a 7800xt though. A 7600 CPU should be more than capable to power that. And if you’re planning on upgrading in a year or two, the 7600 will save you money now which you can throw into a beefier CPU later on.
AM4 vs AM5 is really a budgetary question at this point. I had an AM4 build in 2020. A few months ago I upgraded it to a 5800X3D cpu and 6700XT gpu and it’s been great. I considered a full rebuild with AM5, but couldn’t justify the extra expense. My build was able to play elden ring at 1440p with max settings smoothly.
The latest and greatest generally isn’t worth it. Those groundbreaking new features won’t be consistently implemented in games for years to come. If money is no object, go for AM5. Otherwise AM4 should serve you well for quite a while.
Going with AM4 kills the upgrade path though. The only way to upgrade the CPU in the future is to get a new motherboard and RAM at the same time.
I went balls deep with an ASUS x670 gene board so bought an 7950x3d. Havent received it so not sure what to expect.
In my logic the most important part is essentially whether you are getting a good enough AM5 motherboard and enough RAM to not have to swap them. Having power for a possibly larger power consumption next gen CPU and PCIe 5 x16+M.2 are important for longevity.
Once you are at am5 EOL, the TOTL might be a 32 core CPU. If you have all the newest gen PCIe, your setup might live a loong life even into newer generations. Otherwise you might be unsatisfied and make a new build sooner than later.
