Is It Worth Upgrading from Ryzen 5600X to 5800X3D?
The Ryzen 5600X is one of AMD’s most popular CPUs in the AM4 lineup. It has always delivered exceptional performance for gaming and productivity at an attractive price. However, the question remains, is it worth upgrading a 5600x to 5800x3d? Many gamers/simmers like myself are thinking is this a realistic option. The release of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, offered a CPU that pushes the boundaries of performance for the AM4 platform to the limit. If you’re an enthusiast gamer or flight sim aficionado, or even a VR explorer, you might be wondering whether this upgrade is really worth it. Many are troubled about the cost of jumping to the AM5 platform when they can get incredible performance on their current much loved AM4 system. It’s said many are reluctant to pay out for the new MOB and DDR5 RAM required for an AM5 build.
Let’s explore all the factors as well as consider if upgrading 5600x to 5800x3d is worth it in today’s market! We answer all your most important questions now! Is your favorite 5600X going in the drawer for a new big brother 5800X3D upgrade. We also look at performance across different resolutions such as 1080p, 1440p, 4K, and VR. At the end you should be comfortable to make a decision.
AM4 Socket Longevity and Popularity
The Legacy of AM4
The AM4 socket debuted in 2017 and has since hosted an impressive range of CPUs, from budget-friendly Ryzen 3 chips to top-tier Ryzen 9 processors. Its extended lifespan, compared to competitors, cemented AMD’s reputation for platform stability. With the release of the 5800X3D, AMD ensured that AM4 would remain relevant even as AM5 began its rollout.
Popularity of Ryzen 3600, 5600, and 5600X
The Ryzen 5 3600 and its successors, the 5600 and 5600X, became some of the most beloved CPUs among gamers and creators due to their excellent value-to-performance ratio. For many, these CPUs marked the sweet spot between cost and capability, excelling at 1080p and 1440p gaming while offering solid multitasking performance.
For those who already invested in an AM4 platform, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D represents a powerful upgrade without the need for a new motherboard, RAM, or cooling system.
Is the Upgrade to the 5800X3D Worth It?
Value Proposition
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is AMD’s first consumer CPU with 3D V-Cache technology, significantly boosting gaming performance. It’s particularly effective for simulation games and VR, where CPU bottlenecks are more noticeable. The 5800X3D offers up to a 15-20% performance uplift in CPU-bound scenarios compared to the 5600X.
Upgrading 5600x to 5800x3d – Performance Gains by Resolution and GPU Pairing
| Resolution | RTX 3060 Pairing | RTX 3080 Pairing | VR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | Noticeable improvement in FPS, especially in CPU-heavy games like DCS World or Microsoft Flight Simulator. | Substantial boost in smoothness and higher minimum FPS in CPU-intensive titles. | Improved VR frame pacing and responsiveness, critical for flight sims. |
| 1440p | Moderate gains, more GPU-limited depending on settings. | Balanced performance boost; reduced stutter in CPU-intensive areas. | Enhanced VR experience with better headroom for high refresh rates. |
| 4K | Minimal gains, mostly GPU-bound. | Slightly better 1% lows but GPU often limits performance. | Marginal improvement in VR; GPU upgrade recommended for significant gains. |
GPU Recommendations for Upgrading 5600x to 5800x3d
- For 1080p and 1440p: Pairing a 5800X3D with an RTX 3060 or RTX 3080 works well, though the 3060 might begin to show its limits in newer titles.
- For 4K: Consider upgrading to a more powerful GPU like the RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT for better performance.
- For VR: A strong GPU like the RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT is essential, with the RTX 4080 providing additional headroom for high-fidelity VR sims.
Should You Wait for the RTX 5000 Series?
NVIDIA’s RTX 5000 series is expected to bring significant performance improvements, particularly in ray tracing and DLSS 4.0. If you’re already considering a GPU upgrade and can wait, the new series might offer better value or push down prices of current-generation GPUs. However, for immediate gains, the RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 7900 XT remain excellent choices.
Power Supply Considerations
An 850W power supply is sufficient for most configurations involving the 5800X3D and GPUs up to the RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT. If you’re considering the RTX 4090 or future RTX 5000 GPUs, check the specific power requirements, but most systems with an 850W PSU will be adequately powered.
Recommended Upgrade Paths
For 1080p Gaming and Flight Simming
- CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- GPU: RTX 3060, RTX 4060, or Radeon RX 6700 XT
- Result: Smooth gameplay with higher minimum FPS in CPU-intensive scenarios like MSFS and DCS World.
For 1440p Gaming and Flight Simming
- CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- GPU: RTX 3080, Radeon RX 6800 XT, or RTX 4070
- Result: Balanced performance for demanding titles with settings maxed out.
For 4K Gaming and Flight Simming
- CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- GPU: RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 7900 XT
- Result: GPU-bound performance; great for immersive visuals with smooth gameplay.
For VR Applications
- CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- GPU: RTX 3080 or higher, Radeon RX 7900 XT, or RTX 4080
- Result: Enhanced VR frame pacing and responsiveness, critical for immersive flight sim experiences.
Here is a detailed comparison of AM4 and AM5 CPUs, including some popular AM5 motherboards and DDR5 RAM kits suitable for AM5 builds. This can be incorporated as a reference guide within your blog.
Comparison Chart: AM4 vs. AM5 CPUs – AM5 Motherboards & RAM Kits to compare.
| Model | Cores/Threads | Base/Boost (GHz) | TDP | Current Price (USD) | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM4 | |||||
| Ryzen 5 5600X | 6/12 | 3.7/4.6 | 65W | $159 | AM4 |
| Ryzen 7 5800X | 8/16 | 3.8/4.7 | 105W | $229 | AM4 |
| Ryzen 9 5900X | 12/24 | 3.7/4.8 | 105W | $319 | AM4 |
| Ryzen 7 5700G (APU) | 8/16 | 3.8/4.6 | 65W | $195 | AM4 |
| AM5 | |||||
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 6/12 | 3.8/5.1 | 65W | $229 | AM5 |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 8/16 | 4.5/5.4 | 105W | $349 | AM5 |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 12/24 | 4.7/5.6 | 170W | $549 | AM5 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X3D (3D V-cache) | 16/32 | 4.2/5.7 | 120W | $699 | AM5 |
Key Observations:
- AM4 CPUs like the Ryzen 5600X and 5800X are highly cost-effective for mid-range gaming and productivity.
- AM5 CPUs offer better performance per watt, thanks to DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, making them future-proof but at a higher price point (Source Toms Hardware – CPU List).
Popular AM5 Motherboards
| Motherboard Model | Chipset | Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E | X670E | PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, USB 4.0, DDR5 | $449 |
| MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi | B650 | PCIe 5.0 (GPU), WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet | $229 |
| ASRock X670E Taichi | X670E | Premium VRM, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt | $499 |
Motherboard Notes:
- X670E motherboards like the ASUS ROG Strix cater to enthusiasts with robust overclocking and connectivity features.
- The B650 options, such as the MSI Tomahawk, provide an excellent balance of cost and performance for gamers (Source Toms Hardware – CPU List).
DDR5 RAM Kits (6000 MT/s or Higher)
| RAM Kit | Capacity | Speed (MT/s) | Timings | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (32GB) | 2x16GB | 6000 | CL32 | $165 |
| Corsair Dominator Platinum (32GB) | 2x16GB | 6200 | CL36 | $179 |
| Kingston Fury Beast (32GB) | 2x16GB | 6000 | CL38 | $145 |
RAM Notes:
- DDR5 significantly improves bandwidth and efficiency compared to DDR4, crucial for AM5 platforms.
- The G.Skill Trident Z5 is highly recommended for its performance-to-price ratio (Source Toms Hardware – CPU List).
Explanation and Integration:
- AM4 Advantages: Affordable entry-point, mature ecosystem, suitable for budget-conscious gamers.
- AM5 Advantages: Cutting-edge technology, optimized for future builds, high performance in multithreaded applications.
- Motherboards and RAM Kits: Selecting the right motherboard and DDR5 RAM is crucial to maximize the benefits of AM5 CPUs. Enthusiasts should consider X670E for ultimate expandability and B650 for value.
This breakdown will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on upgrading or building their PC around AM4 or AM5 platforms.
Conclusion
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a fantastic value-for-performance upgrade for AM4 users, especially those not ready to jump to AM5. It delivers significant gaming and simulation performance improvements, particularly in CPU-bound scenarios. While GPU selection plays a critical role in overall performance, the 5800X3D ensures your CPU is no longer the bottleneck, particularly at 1080p and in VR.
Waiting for the RTX 5000 series may be wise if you’re also planning a GPU upgrade, but for immediate needs, pairing the 5800X3D with a current-gen RTX 3080 or RX 7900 XT delivers excellent results. Finally, with an 850W PSU, most setups will handle this upgrade path comfortably.
This combination ensures your AM4 system remains powerful and relevant for years to come.
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
Learn More @ DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com
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