Question Audio and film scoring- Ryzen 3600x upgrade?

Mar 15, 2025
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Hi everyone,

I've been using a Ryzen 3600x for several years and so far it's been great. I've been doing more and more work involving audio production and film scoring though, which can involve large sample libraries, plugins, and effects chains that really start to add up. So far it hasn't been much of an issue, but I would call my projects small-medium in scale. In the future I do plan to work on larger, more complex orchestral scores, and I'm worried my 3600x will start to get bogged down.

I know we're on to AM5 now, but I was curious if anyone had thoughts on upgrading from my 3600x to something else on AM4 before those CPUs slowly start vanishing from the market? I'd rather not have to replace the motherboard and RAM in a few years if I end up needing to switch to a newer socket. I considered the 5800x (or x3d) as that seems to get recommended a lot, but it mostly comes up in a gaming-oriented context- which is not really my primary use case.

Thanks so much!
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I was curious if anyone had thoughts on upgrading from my 3600x to something else on AM4 before those CPUs slowly start vanishing from the market?
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.

We're also going to need to know your location, your budget and your preferred site for purchase. Include a list of all app's you tax the system with.
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I was curious if anyone had thoughts on upgrading from my 3600x to something else on AM4 before those CPUs slowly start vanishing from the market?
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.

We're also going to need to know your location, your budget and your preferred site for purchase. Include a list of all app's you tax the system with.
Thanks!

Here are my specs:

CPU: Ryzen 3600x
CPU cooler: 3 fan aio
Motherboard: b450 tomahawk. Not sure which BIOS but I can update if needed.
Ram: 32 GB
SSD/HDD: x2 SSD, x1 HDD
GPU: 1660ti
PSU: EVGA 700W (I forget the model- decent unit though I think, but getting to be 10+ years old)
Chassis: O11 Dynamic
OS: Windows 10
Monitor: x2 ASUS, 1080p

The programs I use:

Reaper
Reason 11
VCV Rack
Various plugins, VSTs, etc. (E.g. Hollywood East/West, Spitfire Audio).

I think the main concern I have is being able to load and run large numbers of virtual instruments (20+) with effects. Right now I'm doing ok but I rarely use more than 10-15.

I'm located in Canada and prefer to buy domestically. Budget is flexible, although I'd prefer the $300-400 range.

Thanks!
 
I think the user above may have been thinking of the 5900XT which is a 16 core, 32 thread. It is about 3% slower than the 5950X and at least on Amazon the price difference does not make it worthwhile. Of note, if you can find a 5800X/XT variant they often go pretty cheap and at 8C/16T would still be a decent upgrade from the 3600X.

I am not sure I would stick with the current PSU; however it probably could wait up till a graphics card improvement.