Need upgrading advice from AMD Ryzen experts.

As I was Christmas shopping on Amazon for family, I noticed that AMD was still selling Ryzen 7, 8 core processors. I say that like that because my motherboard, ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming X, is around four years old. So I figured AMD had moved on. To my surprise AMD is still making processors for my motherboard. I found a Ryzen 7 5700X for $169.00. That is just about half the price I paid for my 3800X, which was very fast in those days and still is. I am sure by now you know the question I want to ask. In your opinions should I make the upgrade to the Ryzen 5700X or the 5800X, which is only $217.00? Will I see enough of an improvement to take a perfectly good working computer and upgrade it? I have already updated the BIOS to except these newer CPU's just in case I go with it. My power supply is a 700 watt power supply so that should cover the upgrade. My video card is the 3060 with the 12 gigs of RAM and the 192 front side bus. Last I know I will need a new more powerful cooler for the processor but that is all I see I need if I do upgrade.

My main concern is I do not expect AMD to accommodate my motherboard much longer till they really do move on to something else. Your thoughts please. Thank you for your time. P.S. I did do an introduction on that page as I am new here.  

Welcome to the forum!

These are probably the very last and final AM4 CPUs to be on the market -  AFAIK.

Have you considered the AMD Ryzen 5800X3d for gaming? It has that extra cache to be very powerful in most games even though it has a lower clock speed than the 5700x or the 5800x. Just a thought if you were interested.

Ok. The options and an answer : the Ryzen 7 5700X is 65 TDP and the 7 5800X is 105 TDP, so cooling the 5700x is much easier (even the presently used 3800X that has a TDP of 105) as it uses less power. 

Both the 5700X and the 5800X have the same number of cores (8) and for the most part the 5700X is maybe 2-5% slower than the 5800X in single core performance (such as gaming), but will be somewhat slower in production work (video and image editing for example). 

I have the 5800X (and quite pleased with it too) but the 5700X is an excellent choice.

Your power supply will be fine with any of the three CPUs. No worries there.

Plus your CPU cooler used now will be OK with any of these too.

So the upgrade will be fairly straight forward and easy and cheap.

https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-7-5700x

https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-7-5800x

Comparing 5700X vs 5800X vs 5800X3D vs 3800X

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/4814vs3869vs4823vs3499/AMD-Ryzen-7-5700X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-5800X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-5800X3D-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-3800X

So basically the upgrade is fairly straight forward - uninstall any installed  AMD CPU drivers, then swap (shutoff, unplug, loosen cooler, twist cooler, remove CPU, clean off paste on the cooler base using rubbing alcohol and wiping completely dry, insert new CPU, paste, reinstall cooler, etc.) and if using the 5700X then download driver and install (after the swap) from here:

https://www.amd.com/en/support/cpu/amd-ryzen-processors/amd-ryzen-7-desktop-processors/amd-ryzen-7-5700x

There are rumors of a soon to be released 5700X3D but uncertain of pricing or availability.

But the 5700X will carry you forward for the next few years until a major upgrade will be finally needed.

So yes, the upgrade is worth it  - if you are considering to use this desktop for the next few years (other than maybe a Graphic upgrade in a few years?).

Oh if you have overclocked the 3800X in the BIOS, maybe remove it before doing the swap; and then the  5700X can be boosted with PBO in the BIOS and basically achieve the max speed of the 5800X if desired.

Edited by 0lds0d, 02 December 2023 - 09:09 PM.

These are probably the very last and final AM4 CPUs.

 

Have you considered the AMD Ryzen 5800X3d for gaming? It has that extra cache to be very powerful in most games even though it has a lower clock speed than the 5700x or the 5800x. Just a thought if you were interested.

 

Ok. The options and an answer : the Ryzen 7 5700X is 65 TDP and the 7 5800X is 105 TDP, so cooling the 5700x is much easier (even the presently used 3800X that has a TDP of 105) as it uses less power. 

Both the 5700X and the 5800X have the same number of cores (8) and for the most part the 5700X is maybe 2-5% slower than the 5800X in single core performance (such as gaming), but will be somewhat slower in production work (video and image editing for example). 

 

I have the 5800X (and quite pleased with it too) but the 5700X is an excellent choice.

 

 

Your power supply will be fine with any of the three CPUs. No worries there.

Plus your CPU cooler used now will be OK with any of these too.

So the upgrade will be fairly straight forward and easy and cheap.

 

https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-7-5700x

 

https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-7-5800x

 

Comparing 5700X vs 5800X vs 5800X3D vs 3800X

 

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/4814vs3869vs4823vs3499/AMD-Ryzen-7-5700X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-5800X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-5800X3D-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-3800X

 

So basically the upgrade is fairly straight forward - uninstall any installed  AMD CPU drivers, then swap (shutoff, unplug, loosen cooler, twist cooler, remove CPU, clean off paste on the cooler base using rubbing alcohol and wiping completely dry, insert new CPU, paste, reinstall cooler, etc.) and if using the 5700X then download driver and install (after the swap) from here:

https://www.amd.com/en/support/cpu/amd-ryzen-processors/amd-ryzen-7-desktop-processors/amd-ryzen-7-5700x

 

There are rumors of a soon to be released 5700X3D but uncertain of pricing or availability.

But the 5700X will carry you forward for the next few years until a major upgrade will be finally needed.

 

So yes, the upgrade is worth it  - if you are considering to use this desktop for the next few years (other than maybe a Graphic upgrade in a few years?).

 

Oh if you have overclocked the 3800X in the BIOS, maybe remove it before doing the swap; and then the  5700X can be boosted with PBO in the BIOS and basically achieve the max speed of the 5800X if desired.

Thank you for a well thought out answer and giving me your time. Yes I have thought about the 5800X3D but I must watch my budget. I am retired now and was still working when I built the computer I am writting about here. Its obvious you think the upgrade is worth it. One last question. Does my BIOS update need to say "3D", or covering the 5000 series CPU's enough? So once again thank you.

You are welcome.

I'm the same as yourself - retired and on budget (limited income) so I understand.

If you have been upkeeping the BIOS updates the it's probably already included. Done.

I am using a Gigabyte board, but I will assume the ASRock is the same as the actual AMD  AGESA updates are the same. See here for Renoir (5000) instead of Matisse (3000) CPUs mentioned (including the APUs)

https://pg.asrock.com/MB/AMD/X570%20Phantom%20Gaming%20X/index.asp#BIOS

If you plan on using this desktop for the next couple or several, then the CPU upgrade is worth it.

As it will keep you hardware current for those next few years. JMO.

ALSO have you considered the 5600X or 5600 CPU? It is slightly cheaper and close to the 5700X in gaming and in general use.

And finally https://videocardz.com/newz/amd-readies-8-core-ryzen-7-5700x3d-and-6-core-ryzen-5-5500x3d-with-96mb-l3-cache 

And here: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/4814vs3499/AMD-Ryzen-7-5700X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-3800X

the 5700X is about 20% faster in single core performance and at the same time uses less TDP (makes less heat and runs a little cooler). If the difference was anywhere from 5-10% difference in performance I  would say it's not  worth the upgrade. But a 20% is a worthwhile difference to merit the upgrade for now and the future. 

And here: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/4814vs3499/AMD-Ryzen-7-5700X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-3800X

 

the 5700X is about 20% faster in single core performance and at the same time uses less TDP (makes less heat and runs a little cooler). If the difference was anywhere from 5-10% difference in performance I  would say it's not  worth the upgrade. But a 20% is a worthwhile difference to merit the upgrade for now and the future. 

Thanks for all the MB and other links. I already updated everything this morning for the MB and BIOS. I especially enjoyed the CPU bench marks and seeing how the 5700X can save you money in running cost alone outside side of speed improvements. Thanks again.

You are very welcome.

You are very welcome.

Olds0d, thought I would do a shout out to you and let you know that I did a lot of reading last night about these new Ryzen 7 processors and I am now having second thoughts about the upgrade. My 3800X is still considered fast and one guy who had, past tense, a 3900X, felt there was very little difference between his old 3900X and his new Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Had he known this he would not had done the upgrade. He was very disappointed. Now I know that is one persons opinion but there were others but his stands out the most seeing how his 3900X was close to my 3800X, in speed. Like you, I am an older retired dude and tearing into a perfectly well running computer, for a maybe upgrade, does not fit well for me at this stage in my life. I know how to build computers and been doing it for well over twenty five years and I will do it but only at a big advantage and right now it is very close one way or the other. Anyway thank you for your time. You worked very hard to help me and please I do welcome any new information. Shellback

Edited by shellback84, 04 December 2023 - 12:47 AM.

OK very good. And I agree (sort of) with you.

It is the graphic card that is very important or more important for gaming rather than the CPU. As always.

I probably didn't stress the "future" part well enough. Yes now the 3800X does well ATM, but in a year or two maybe not for some new game; it really does depends on the game(s) itself and how these are setup and the setup itself.

It may well be there is a new game in the near future and it does require a better CPU (CPU intensive) or more ray tracing is desired (more CPU intensive) or playing a shooter (more frames is helped by a better CPU) and of course the resolution - lower should have a good strong CPU and for 1440p and even more for 4K as it is all GPU intensive the CPU isn't as important. Playing RPGs the CPU used doesn't really matter as it is not for "speed" but for looks and is more or less all about the GPU performance.

I'm more concerned with future proofing if not building a new system in the next few years.

If your games play well now with the 3800X  then this is great.  And  it's cheaper too. No upgrade needed. 

It is just for what comes with some new game next to be played in the near future that is  maybe needing a stronger CPU.

" old 3900X and his new Ryzen 7 5800X3D" yes it depends on the GPU used (low, mid or high tier) as high tier does need a better CPU and low  resolution (1080p needs a good CPU whereas 1440p/4K doesn't and a 5800X3d wouldn't make any real difference) and on the actual games being played.

I am glad you have researched and made a final decision. You have been thorough by reading and asking. Your decision is sound.

I suffer from the "upgrade or build anew" disease and keep having to tell myself to calm down and stop planning the next build.

Even I consider the 5800X3d and decided not to bother with it, but I did decide to build a new system in two years and only after  I see what AMD and Intel actually offer for deals or discounts and what performance is on the table. And then maybe not buy the latest or greatest  but probably what is older/not so recent and has the best pricing for for CPU/RAM and motherboard. I'm saving up now and maybe buy a few things before that time comes (case and PSU and cooling and OS) .

Edited by 0lds0d, 04 December 2023 - 11:59 AM.

OK very good. And I agree (sort of) with you.

It is the graphic card that is very important or more important for gaming rather than the CPU. As always.

 

I probably didn't stress the "future" part well enough. Yes now the 3800X does well ATM, but in a year or two maybe not for some new game; it really does depends on the game(s) itself and how these are setup and the setup itself.

It may well be there is a new game in the near future and it does require a better CPU (CPU intensive) or more ray tracing is desired (more CPU intensive) or playing a shooter (more frames is helped by a better CPU) and of course the resolution - lower should have a good strong CPU and for 1440p and even more for 4K as it is all GPU intensive the CPU isn't as important. Playing RPGs the CPU used doesn't really matter as it is not for "speed" but for looks and is more or less all about the GPU performance.

I'm more concerned with future proofing if not building a new system in the next few years.

 

If your games play well now with the 3800X  then this is great.  And  it's cheaper too. No upgrade needed. 

It is just for what comes with some new game next to be played in the near future that is  maybe needing a stronger CPU.

 

" old 3900X and his new Ryzen 7 5800X3D" yes it depends on the GPU used (low, mid or high tier) as high tier does need a better CPU and low  resolution (1080p needs a good CPU whereas 1440p/4K doesn't and a 5800X3d wouldn't make any real difference) and on the actual games being played.

 

I am glad you have researched and made a final decision. You have been thorough by reading and asking. Your decision is sound.

I suffer from the "upgrade or build anew" disease and keep having to tell myself to calm down and stop planning the next build.

Even I consider the 5800X3d and decided not to bother with it, but I did decide to build a new system in two years and only after  I see what AMD and Intel actually offer for deals or discounts and what performance is on the table. And then maybe not buy the latest or greatest  but probably what is older/not so recent and has the best pricing for for CPU/RAM and motherboard. I'm saving up now and maybe buy a few things before that time comes (case and PSU and cooling and OS) .

Well Olds0d I lied. Been doing even more research and discovered the Ryzen 9 9500X 12 core processor at Amazon for $288.99. Yes I do game but I also record 1080p and 4K movies using HandBrake and Make MKV programs. The extra threads would really come in handy and might speed up what can be a very slow recording process. I also use Oracle's VM VirtualBox. I collect many old operating systems stacked up into that one program and run many side by side. I know weird, just ask my wife. I love the old computing days and the old computers and old OS's. Anyway I am rethinking this upgrade and saving my money now. One more question, do you use Linux at all?

Edited by shellback84, 04 December 2023 - 11:43 PM.

OH a 5900X is even more powerful with more cores! Better than either the 5800X or a 5700X. What cooler are you using ATM? You maybe OK with the cooler for the 3800X on the 5900X and not have to buy another cooler.

Definitely it will speed things up.

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/3499vs3870/AMD-Ryzen-7-3800X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-9-5900X

Yes save now and then buy - it is possible the AM4 will be all gone in a year or so (just never replaced as the stock get sold). 

Running old OS's seems like a nice hobby, so why not!

Linux? I have not used it many years, and not since then. Why do you ask?

The 5900X in going for $379 and $399 (CAN) at brick and mortar stores ATM. Good deal considering it is basically at half price!

The 5950X ($740 CAN) are also discounted but not as deep as the 5900X. Probably not over stocked to begin with as it not as much in demand, I am guessing. Or it sold well and stock is almost gone or going out.

OH a 5900X is even more powerful with more cores! Better than either the 5800X or a 5700X. What cooler are you using ATM? You maybe OK with the cooler for the 3800X on the 5900X and not have to buy another cooler.

Definitely it will speed things up.

 

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/3499vs3870/AMD-Ryzen-7-3800X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-9-5900X

 

Yes save now and then buy - it is possible the AM4 will be all gone in a year or so (just never replaced as the stock get sold). 

 

Running old OS's seems like a nice hobby, so why not!

 

Linux? I have not used it many years, and not since then. Why do you ask?

In reference to my Linux question. I have two computers. One is my Windows computer which houses the Ryzen processor I have been asking you about and it also houses my new 3060 video card. The other is my grandson's computer he was going to get rid of so he gave it to me and I installed Linux Mint in it. He made his own gaming computer and did quite well, BTW. Anyway the Linux Mint computer has the RX 580 video card I have written about on here at bleepingcomputers. AMD video cards are made for Linux as about 85 percent of my Windows games are now running in Linux. Wine and Mint were made for each other and with enough tweaking you can get about any Windows game to run. You just might want to give Linux a shoot again. 

Today's example as to why I got to have both OS's. I had just upgraded to Windows 11 today and posted some questions here at bleepingcomputers Windows 11 forum. After downloading the drivers for my motherboard and Ryzen processors the Win 11 started to crash over and over after reloading. By luck it gave me a chance to go back to 10 at one of the load up screens. Once I got 10 to start running again I had, had enough. As I type this I am back in my Linux Mint computer right now. Every time I need a brake from Windows this is where I go. Linux is my comfort zone. I am no expert at this OS and will never be because when I read from those who are very good at this OS I see my short comings. However, I have evolved naturally in the over 20 years I have been using Linux to the point I feel at home here. It's stable because I made it that way not because of Microsoft or Bill Gates who ever else. Hope I didn't bore you but that why I love Linux.