[SOLVED] i3-9100f vs i5 6500: Is it really worth the upgrade?

[ThatTryhard]

Hi y'all:
I built a PC around 3 years ago and I'm looking to expand my game library on PC. I'm running a really slow Pentium G4400 and it's been bottlenecking without me realizing, and I really can't run any games. I want to upgrade, but can only use a skylake or kaby lake CPU in my motherboard. I've looked into the i5 6500, and it goes used on Ebay from reputable sellers for around $90. However, I found an i3-9100f for $70, but it's not compatible with my MOBO. Should I invest in a new motherboard for my system so I can get the 9100f? Or should I buy an i5 6500 and not worry about MOBO upgrading as well? And if none of those are valid options, does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[richiestang_78]

90 bucks (assuming youre in North America) for a 6500 is a complete rip off. The CPU is worth at most 50 USD, which is on the high end IMO.

If you want to upgrade you might want to look at a Ryzen build, not only are the CPUs cheaper but so are the motherboards. There are also a loads of Ryzen 2600 and 2700s on the used market for around 100 bucks.


PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BgDYnH

CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($87.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($72.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $160.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-06-09 19:33 EDT-0400

 

[ThatTryhard]

Is the ryzen 3 better though? In all the tests I've seen the i3 9100f beats the Ryzen 3 3200g in gaming, and motherboards for a coffee lake go for around $60 compared to the $70 here. Sorry if I'm being picky! My budget is only $120 which is why is was asking.

 

[Sohom]

Is the ryzen 3 better though? In all the tests I've seen the i3 9100f beats the Ryzen 3 3200g in gaming, and motherboards for a coffee lake go for around $60 compared to the $70 here. Sorry if I'm being picky! My budget is only $120 which is why is was asking.

The thing is that if u r going for ryzen, u need better ram modules too, as u currently have skylake so i guess u have 2133 mhz ram sticks, which will hold back performance a lot... so ur prices increases there... u can search for a used 7700k or 6700k in the market... in my opinion it will be a good upgrade...

 

[richiestang_78]

Is the ryzen 3 better though? In all the tests I've seen the i3 9100f beats the Ryzen 3 3200g in gaming, and motherboards for a coffee lake go for around $60 compared to the $70 here. Sorry if I'm being picky! My budget is only $120 which is why is was asking.

If the 9100F is cheaper go with that then, but I wouldnt spend 90 bucks on a 6500 that locks you into a 4 core 8 thread platform, its not worth the money IMO.

You seriously might want to check out the used market for both Intel and AMD Ryzen stuff, alot of 8th gen intels and 2000 Series Ryzens are available these days.

 

[ThatTryhard]

Makes sense. Where should I look for used PC part deals? Ebay ain't the same anymore and it's not got as good deals as before....and all of this would mean a whole new motherboard, and is it even worth it if I have to spend an extra 70 on a motherboard?

 

[ThatTryhard]

And if it helps I have a Gigabyte GA-H110M-A, which is locked to 7th Gen/ 6th Gen Intel.

 

[Bob125484]

What graphic card you use now with G4400?

 

[ThatTryhard]

GTX 750 TI, but I'm planning to upgrade to RX 580.

 

[richiestang_78]

GTX 750 TI, but I'm planning to upgrade to RX 580.

That's one thing I wouldn't buy new in 2020, RX580s are under 100 USD pretty regularly on ebay, Ive seen some for 80 bucks. You can also find GTX 1060s for around 100 and GTX1070s for around 150 used as well.


If you want to buy a new card then get the GTX 1650 Super or 1660 Super depending on your budget.

 

[ThatTryhard]

I was planning on buying used. I don't have a preference as long as it works.

 

[Bob125484]

Cheapest cost probably buy a used i5 on ebay. If you are patient and lucky, you may get it for $50. Lately most are sold for around $70

 

[TheoJames18]

If you want to go for intel, get i3 9100F with H310m motherboard. If you want to go for ryzen, get Ryzen 3300X and decent RAM