Is it worth upgrading my Ryzen 5 5600X?
Posted by Olmaik@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 26 comments
I'm debating whether to upgrade the CPU in my current build. I know the best path would be a Ryzen 7 5800X3D or 5700X3D, but unfortunately, they’re impossible to find new anymore, and the used market prices are insane right now.
Switching to the AM5 platform is also out of the question due to current DDR5 prices. So, I’m wondering if it’s worth swapping my CPU for something like a Ryzen 7 5700X, 5800XT, or 5800X. Would any of these actually be a meaningful upgrade, or should I just wait until DDR5 prices drop further?
My current specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- MOBO: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX
- RAM: Kingston FURY 32GB KIT DDR4 3600MHz CL18 Beast Black
- GPU: SAPPHIRE NITRO+ Radeon RX 7800 XT GAMING OC 16GB
- PSU: Corsair RM750x ATX 3.1
CivilChaos@reddit
You can get a used 5800X3D from AliExpress. Pick a reputable seller.
ravnos04@reddit
It worth it. Wait for memory prices to go down and get new generation parts when this one crashes out.
I’m keeping my 5900X until that bish does with these prices.
khironinja@reddit
I'm in the same boat. I'm waiting for RAM prices and stuff to go down to go to AM5 and I'm considering a 7500X3D.
It beats the 5700x3D by a lot and it's on a newer platform.
It's on a MicroCenter near me for $350 with a bundle with RAM and motherboard but 16 GB isn't enough for me.
Consider that if that's possible for you
Olmaik@reddit (OP)
I live in the EU and we usually don't have those bundles here. So I'll have to buy all the parts separately, and yes, 32GB is the minimum for RAM.
khironinja@reddit
Yeah then you're going to probably want to wait cause the prices are crazy right now.
I'd it's not completely unplayable, that's what I would do.
TurnLegal7048@reddit
Not really. Only worthy upgrade in am4 for a gaming focused PC with a 5600x is the x3d cpus.
If you can’t get any of those, upgrade the whole platform to am4 and get yourself a 7800x3d/9800x3d (preferred) or even a 9700x for a decent upgrade. However, you’ll need to invest in considerably more parts than just in a new CPU for this.
Olmaik@reddit (OP)
Well, obviously, if I'm switching to the AM5 platform, I'll have to replace the entire system except for the GPU (that’ll have to last me for a bit).
Full_Vegetable_5348@reddit
Nah, not unless you're getting an x3d. Prob not worth it
LystAP@reddit
I mean it depends. How much do you think those rumors about CPU price increases and next gen delays are true?
beanry80@reddit
the short answer is no. Swapping a Ryzen 5 5600X for a standard Ryzen 7 5700X, 5800X, or 5800XT is generally considered a "sidegrade" for gaming, especially at 1440p. Here is the breakdown of why they should probably hold onto their cash for now.
The 1440p Reality
At 1440p resolution, the workload shifts more toward the GPU (the RX 7800 XT) and away from the CPU. * The 5600X is still a very capable 6-core chip. * Moving to an 8-core chip (like the 5800X) provides almost zero increase in gaming FPS for the vast majority of titles, as most games don't effectively utilize the extra two cores yet. * The architecture (Zen 3) is identical across all the chips, meaning per-core performance is virtually the same.
Comparison of Options
Organic_Ad3558@reddit
This may be AI generated but it’s not wrong.
Slight_Profession_50@reddit
Thank you chatgpt
beanry80@reddit
Gemini actually but still the correct answer
C64Nation@reddit
As a Gemini user I also say this is way.
TortieMVH@reddit
Not worth it. Stick witht the 5600X.
southwest_barfight@reddit
Imo save your money for upgrading down the line to AM5/6
Organic_Ad3558@reddit
I’d wait and save. None of these will meaningfully change your gaming experience at 1440p compared to what the 5800X3D would. Without the 3D V-Cache advantage, you’re mostly just getting 2 extra cores and modest clock differences — and your 7800 XT is unlikely to care. Your listed options are more of a sideways shuffle than an actual improvement. I’m seeing prices drop. In 12 months you will be able to jump to a Ryzen 7 9700X or similar, which would be a genuinely meaningful upgrade rather than a sideways shuffle.
Patchy93-_-420@reddit
As someone who owned a 5600x overrclocked on 420mm aio looool with 6700xt I would say yes upgrade to a stronger CPU, for me! in battlefield cyberpunk, hearts of iron4(with mods), stellaris and cities skylines 1-2, crusader kings 2-3 Victoria 3, my CPU was 100% if not close to it and mid game or end game in the strategy games I played it would struggle, I play 1080p. Upgrading to a 9800x3d and am5 put life into my GPU especially.
I say yes but that's judging on what games you play and resolution, your GPU is way stronger than my 6700xt, I think a 5800x3d will sort you out in the longer run I upgraded to 9800x3d and it's leaps and bounds in the games I play.
Potential-Leg-639@reddit
5600x is still solid, i would just optimize it (undervolt, curve, Scalar,…) and that‘s it. I would wait for next gen ar least. And X3D would be an upgrade, but they are still overprized.
JoshuaJoshuaJoshuaJo@reddit
What about the 5500x3d
TortieMVH@reddit
Not worth it. Stick with the 5600X.
Windigo1000@reddit
I would say no maybe a 10% gain for a lot of money save your money for AM5 when the madness is over in a year maybe!
Grimn90@reddit
If you have a 5600x then no I believe the 5800XT is a 6-7% gain. Not worth it.
GoldkingHD@reddit
Not really worth it for gaming, unless you have specific games in mind that can actually effectively utilize additional cores.
Just do a overclock + undervolt on your 5600 if you haven't already for some extra performance.
Olmaik@reddit (OP)
No, I've never done anything with the processor. I would say the most demanding game I play is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the rest are some online games and the occasional AAA game.
GoldkingHD@reddit
Would get you like 4fps more switching to a 5800x. So not really worth it. Oc+uv should basically do the same performance wise.