Im getting the itch now to build myself a new system

[trt740]

After building my son a new system and using my current rig listed in my profile for years (take a look), I think I want to build a new system. It might sound crazy but up until a few days ago my systems seems plenty fast and shows zero signs of breaking down. It plays every game at medium to high setting. However, Im wondering how my current system matches up with a new rig. I am looking at spending about $800.00 and incorporating some of my current hardware just to save cash. Is it worth It? My current system seem like it will run forever. It sits in a 66 degree environment all year round. I don't do any video editing any more or burning of DVDs. I just play games and log bills. My current monitor is 1080p. Again is it worth it? Or would you just wait and use what I have tell it dies or cannot game effectively.

 

[jayseearr]

Only you can decide if it's "worth it". But judging based off what you are saying I would have to go with no. You mentioned it does everything you need it to do and more. so if your practical use is not changing then why should your machine?

 

[trt740]

After so long of being out of the game Im wondering, if maybe I just don't realize what Im missing. My sons system does not seem any faster than my current system in games. However, sometimes you wonder is it" that you don't know what you don't know". It seems like the computers have outrun the software and games?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Waited this long wait a little longer for amd 4k series.

 

[jayseearr]

Surely you have been around long enough to understand there will always be newer and better hardware coming out...if it's just a curiosity you are looking to itch then you are going to be scratching for a long time my friend.

With that said, if you are looking to upgrade to 1440p or something then i certainly wouldn't fault you for that. The monitor would be a good place to start. If you hardware can already run your games well on 1080p at mid-high settings then theres not much use in packing new hardware into it unless you are going to up your resolution right?

 

[trt740]

Im just throwing it out there. Are systems really that much faster in day to day use and gaming than my current system. I remember back in the day being a top overclocker and seconds mattered, but I am wondering If I build a new system, will I go man that was worth $800.00. Remember I have been out of the game for years. Lol, my wifes getting nervous about my new re interest lol.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

If you need a new system today, build today. AMD's Ryzen 3000 (Matisse) CPUs are good. However, the end of the year should bring us exciting new hardware - Ryzen 4000 (Vermeer) CPUs are due then, which should offer a bit of a performance boost. I wouldn't feel terrible if I built a new PC today with a Ryzen 3000 series CPU and a B550 or X570 motherboard.

The bigger change will come on the graphics card side. AMD will bring us their first ray-tracing GPUs (Navi 2x) and NVidia will bring us their first GPUs fabricated on a modern EUV process node (Ampere). If I could live with my current graphics card until the end of the year, I would try to hold out for one of those next-generation GPUs.

 

[ThrashZone]

Im just throwing it out there. Are systems really that much faster in day to day use and gaming than my current system. I remember back in the day being a top overclocker and seconds mattered, but I am wondering If I build a new system, will I go man that was worth $800.00. Remember I have been out of the game for years. Lol, my wifes getting nervous about my new re interest lol.

Hi,
Yes newer systems are stupid fast

 

[trt740]

Thanks a lot everyone. Thats why I always loved this forum. There is always good advice to be had. If only I had invested that $5,000 in AMD back 16 years ago lol. That was the last great advice I did not listen too.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

If all of us had been smart enough to buy AMD stock when Lisa Su took over as CEO, we'd be able to afford to build new gaming systems on a whim.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Best hing about amd 4k release is the drop in price of amd 3k series
So you only save more money buying after new releases.
Same for intel but now days amd is a better buy.

 

[jayseearr]

If you are serious about upgrading then you could get on the AM4 platform and have a significantly faster/more upgradeable machine for much less than $800.

x570 tomahawk-220$
ryzen 5 3600-$175
16gb ddr4 3600-$80-120$

you could do all that for around 500$ and still have $200-$300 left to put towards a gpu or nvme gen 4 storage if you decide you need or want it afterwards.

 

[trt740]

That looks nice. That motherboard is a beast

 

[jayseearr]

yes it is. by far the best price/performance value on the market and i really don't even think it's a discussion.

 

[JWMiddleton]

My system is about a generation newer than yours. I did recently upgrade the GPU and I'm really happy with the system. Although I have thought about building a new system as well. So, to get over that, I picked up a Dell OptiPlex 7020 MT with i5-4590 from walmart.com for $133 shipping included + tax. I put Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on it and am having a ball learning something new.

A new system will be faster than what you have now, but not noticeably so. You would likely have to run a benchmark to see the difference.

Oh, another update I did was to get a 27" IPS 1440P display. I was so excited to get it, but I find the icons and text too small. So, I had to increase the size of things in the setting. I am using a 22" 1080P display on the Dell and honestly like this size better.

John

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Definitely wait for RDNA 2 and Ampere for the gpu upgrade as the current up to $300 gpu aren't very impressive.


I agree though a R5 3600.... Asus x570 Tuf for sub $200 boards or Msi X570 Tomahawk for above $200 boards. ( Tomahawk is gonna be super hard to get in the states ) and the best DDR 4 3600 kit you can afford while leaving $300 ish for the gpu.

Something like this

System Builder

pcpartpicker.com

add $30 for the Tomahawk.


This would be the intel alternative but the upgrade path is worse imo and intel chips tend to be uber expensive even used. They are still very good at gaming and run pretty cool though.


https://pcpartpicker.com/list/HvV6Wb



You'd be likely more than happy for a long time with either.

 

[skellattarr]

when I upgraded my system I spent 1400 bucks I like it but I think I spent too much I mean 370 for a crosshair viii hero and 760 for Ryzen 9 3950 CPU then I got a new copy of windows a person can get carried away lol

 

[jayseearr]

Yeah, you will have to keep your eyes peeled if you want to get your hands on a tomahawk. I just got one off newegg in the states last night but they have since gone back out of stock and so the price went up. But it's only a matter of time before it's back in stock again. And seeing as how it doesn't seem like you are in a major hurry definitely hold out and do some research and wait for the right board. And i agree with rufio as well, if you want good value for a newer gpu then you should wait on the gen releases before you upgrade in that department.

 

[milewski1015]

As others have mentioned, it depends on what your standards are. If your current rig ticks all the boxes for you, then I don't see a major reason to upgrade aside from spending money to tinker. If you're always looking to play the newest games (e.g. Cyberpunk) at high settings, then your system will probably start to show its age pretty quick. But if you're satisfied with 1080p and are willing to turn down some settings to keep at playable frame rates, then by all means ride that system til your needs are no longer met.

I'll throw in my personal experience. I built my first rig December of 2018 with a Ryzen 5 2600 and an RX580. Was quite happy with it, holding up okay, etc. But I wanted more - I wanted even higher frame rates and the greater resolutions that PC gaming had to offer. So I looked for a GPU upgrade. September 2019: Next thing I know I'm walking out of my local Microcenter, $750 out the door on a brand new 1440p144Hz monitor and a 5700XT. Very happy with my decision. Personally I feel the resolution upgrade from 1080p to 1440p is worth it, but that's a matter of personal preference. Now with new hardware imminent I'm getting the itch to upgrade once again, but I know there isn't really a reason to. I don't need more cores/threads at the moment, and my 5700XT is still kicking ass and taking names. As much as I'd love to splurge on a X570 Tomahawk and 3700X, there's no need. I feel like I'd be better served waiting for DDR5 and the AM5 socket to come around.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

May I suggest that since you've waited this long, wait till the end of the year after all of the new products that are expected are out, and the COVID induced product shortages and price hikes are over. Even if you don't go with the newest stuff, the prices should be lower on the "older" stuffs.

You may want to consider just a GPU upgrade, but you're already using one of the suggested GPU's for 1080P gaming. $240-GTX-1660S, $300-RTX-2060 $400-RTX-2060S $300-RX5600 XT (looks like you like a quiet system, so, choose wisely)

 

[heinztvoert]

I agree the tomahawk is a beast. I have had mine for a couple of days and I am very impressed by its performance. Temperatures are kept well in check, even when OC kicks in - I do a lot of video editing using premiere and handbrake.

Yes, my old system (2600k) was a great computer and still works like amazingly well - I am converting it to a home server. However, for my need the extra cores of the 3800x, better ram and and NVME card have made a difference.

Now, I don't do any gaming per se. I did purchase metal gear solid V before I upgraded (I am a fan of that franchise) and I really do not notice a difference CPU wise. However, I did notice a big improvement with a newer GPU - now that is not saying my 750ti couldn't handle it.

I would listen to all the great advice here. Wait and see what the new Ryzen can do. In my case I just took the plunge after 6 mos 'thinking' and my biggest decision driver was video editing.

 

[trt740]

If I do build what parts would you keep. My case is nice but Im not sure my cooler will work.

 

[Vario]

The big difference between a modern system and your current system is more cores, much more powerful graphics, and faster storage options (NVMe)

 

[theoneandonlymrk]

Woah, I would hold there's always something better ahead yes but with the new better ,all that was becomes cheaper.
You aren't struggling now so why bother, in a year when you are bothered you would get much more for less.

Part up, buy a nvme and a pciex adapter ,you can use it now, it'll demonstrate some new performance, can be carried over.

Then when rocket lake and Ryzen 4000 is out your half set.

And those really will feel like an upgrade and be reasonably future proof what with pciex4.

 

[John Naylor]

After building my son a new system and using my current rig listed in my profile for years (take a look), I think I want to build a new system. It might sound crazy but up until a few days ago my systems seems plenty fast and shows zero signs of breaking down. It plays every game at medium to high setting. However, Im wondering how my current system matches up with a new rig. I am looking at spending about $800.00 and incorporating some of my current hardware just to save cash. Is it worth It? My current system seem like it will run forever. It sits in a 66 degree environment all year round. I don't do any video editing any more or burning of DVDs. I just play games and log bills. My current monitor is 1080p. Again is it worth it? Or would you just wait and use what I have tell it dies or cannot game effectively.

With prices haven risnen so sharply in recent weeks, due to oandemic and relations with China, I would say no .... I would wait until the new platforms are released, the 1st and 2nd steppings have been flushed from the market and hopefully, international trade recovers after Novemebr elections.

I see no point in "upgrading" your system remains quite viable and can be repurposed to a family member o r friend ... or just to have a spare box when one PC is on the fritz.

The best advice I can give you is ignore technology boast type of advice.... A smaller die size, does not provide a performance advantage. More cores do not provide a performance advantage unless you use apps that can take advantage of them.

Let's look at your usage and see how they measure up ... I'll pick the $400 CPU price point as it the most common we'ye get involved with. These are your three stated applications:

Gaming:
Financial (Quickbooks ?):
Perhaps a small chance of getting back to video Editing:

Overall Gaming is 8.3% faster compared to the 3900x

https://tpucdn.com/review/intel-core-i7-10700k/images/relative-performance-games-1920-1080.png

Financial programs are basically spreadsheets with a GUI added and the 3900x takes 5.8% more time to complete tasks than the 10700k

https://tpucdn.com/review/intel-core-i7-10700k/images/excel.png

Video Editing on the 3900x takes 6,6% longer compared to the 10700k

https://tpucdn.com/review/intel-core-i7-10700k/images/premiere-pro.png

Photo Editing on the 10700k is 14.9% faster compared to the 3900x

https://tpucdn.com/review/intel-core-i7-10700k/images/photoshop.png

Overclocking can double those non-gaming numbers

We can't guess what the performance or cost numbers will be when the new generation CPUs will be released. The point here is .... Look at the numbers ; the ONLY thing that is relevant in YOUR choice is how the CPU performs in the applications you use ... in the case above, it would be Intel. Look Rendering and you will see that AMD kicks ass there, but if you are not doing that, it's irreleavnt to YOUR build choices

Looking at the $200 price point, that's the i5-10500 vs the Ryzen 3300X

Gaming - 10500 = 100% / 3300x = 92.3% / 3600c ($220) = 94.2% / 3700X ($275) = 95.5% / 3900X ($420) = 96.8%
Its real hard to make a case for an AMD based build if your only application of note is gaming

https://tpucdn.com/review/intel-core-i5-10500/images/relative-performance-games-1920-1080.png

Spreadsheets ... you'd have to get a $3700x to bet the 10500 in math

AMD doesnt have anything that beats the 10500 in photo or video editing

=========================

Moving onto the GPU side ... and considering performance, noise, power and operating temps ... the price niche that AMD makes its strongest showing a is the 5600 XT where the models ya want are costing $280 - $300. That puts it in between the 1660 Super ($230 - $270) and the 2060 Super at $375. The original 2060 (6% faster MSI Gaming X vs MSI Gaming X 5600 XT) is on par performance and price wise with the 5600 XT but low stock means prices vary significantly daily. Expect the 2060 to go up as time goes on. Power consumption favor the 5600 XT by about 10 watts

The thing that stands out for 5600XT is that this is the 1st time in about 10 years where AMD came up with lower operating teams for comparable performance w/ 61C vs 68C under load w/ OC. AMD also wins with fan noise by 2 dbA (31 vs 29) . So I can't say enough about the surprise that is the 5600 XT but I can't get behind any of the other AMD offerings in higher price niches.

However, all that being said ... everything is just too expensive at this point in time ... so while it's fun to speculate, my advice remains:

1. Wait for next gen CPus / MoBos / GPUs
2. Wait for the pandemic to subside and world trade to stabilize
3. By the time both of those have happened, we should be into 2nd or 3rd steppings free from the bugs in the 1st ones and with better chances in the silicon lottery as production lines finish their tweaking stages.