Upgrading My Gaming Rig - Topic #12342

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to give my gaming PC a serious CPU upgrade. My current setup is starting to show its age, especially in newer AAA titles. I'm currently running an

Intel Core i5-9600K

with 16GB RAM and a

RTX 3070

. I play at 1440p and am aiming for higher frame rates.

My budget for the CPU and potentially a new motherboard (if needed) is around $400-$500. I've been looking at options like the

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

or maybe even stretching to an

Intel Core i5-13600K

or

i5-14600K

. I'm open to suggestions and advice on what would give me the best bang for my buck and be a good platform for the next few years.

Are there any specific motherboards or RAM kits you'd recommend to go with these CPUs? Compatibility is key!

Thanks in advance!

Hey GamerGuy88,

Great timing for an upgrade! For your budget and 1440p gaming, both the Ryzen 7600X and Intel's 13600K/14600K are excellent choices. The 7600X on the AM5 platform offers a good upgrade path for the future. The 13600K/14600K offers slightly better raw performance in some games right now, especially with its P-cores and E-cores.

Recommendation 1 (AMD):

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
• Motherboard: B650 chipset board (e.g., ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI, Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX)
• RAM: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 (This speed and latency is the sweet spot for Ryzen 7000)

This setup will be well within your budget and provides a solid foundation.

Recommendation 2 (Intel):

• CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K or i5-14600K (if prices are comparable)
• Motherboard: Z790 or B760 chipset board (e.g., MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI, ASUS PRIME B760-PLUS D4/D5 - *ensure DDR4 or DDR5 compatibility*)
• RAM: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 or DDR4-3600 CL16 (depending on motherboard choice and cost)

For 1440p with an RTX 3070, the 7600X or 13600K will be a significant leap. Keep in mind that for Intel, you might be able to reuse DDR4 RAM if you choose a compatible motherboard, which could save some money. However, DDR5 is the future.

Check current prices, but the Ryzen 7600X build is often a bit more streamlined and cost-effective overall, especially if you factor in the potential longevity of the AM5 platform.

Thanks CPU_Guru! That's super helpful. I was leaning towards the Ryzen 7600X already, and your motherboard and RAM suggestions are spot on. I'll definitely go with 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30. The AM5 platform's upgrade path is a big plus for me. I'll look for a good B650 board around the $200 mark.

Just wanted to add that if you're considering the Intel route, the 13600K often goes on sale and can be a fantastic deal. I've seen it paired with B760 motherboards to save cost, though Z790 gives you more overclocking headroom. For 1440p gaming, the difference between the 7600X and 13600K is usually quite small, often within a few FPS. The core count of the 13600K can be beneficial for multitasking or productivity outside of gaming, though.

But yeah, for pure gaming and future-proofing on a budget, the 7600X and AM5 is a very strong contender.

Thanks for the input, PC_Builder_Pro! I've decided to go with the Ryzen 5 7600X. I found a great deal on a

Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX

motherboard and a 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kit. Should be arriving next week. Excited to see the performance uplift!