[SOLVED] I'm thinking of upgrading my CPU to either a Ryzen 5 3600 or an i5 9600k

[sidk524]

What should I upgrade too? I don't know whether to go for the more cores or more threads. I'm primarily going to be using it for playing COD Modern Warfare and future COD games. I know that 6 cores is enough for 2020 but I also want to future proof it with the 8 Cores the i5 offers. The 3600 has better performance on paper though.
My system spec:
16gb DDR4 ram
Gtx 1660
Current CPU: i5-7400 (4c, 4t)
What should I upgrade too?

 

[Rae Nelvin]

but I also want to future proof it with the 8 Cores the i5 offers

The i5 9600K doesn't have 8 cores. It has 6 cores and 6 threads. Which is quite the same with the Ryzen 5 3600 except the Ryzen has 12 threads. And the i5-9600K while it has 6 cores and 6 threads, it doesn't support hyper-threading so it won't give you much future-proof since future games most likely will use more core and more thread. While the Ryzen 5 3600 is supported for hyper-threading with it's 12 threads. So obviously if you want more future-proof CPU by looking at it's core and it's hyper-threading capability, Ryzen 5 3600 clearly wins the game.

If you want to go with Intel, pick the i5-10600K. It's performance is slightly better than the Ryzen 5 3600 and has the same amount of 6 cores and 12 threads and support hyper-threading.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Well said. On the flip side of the coin, AMD is supposed to have new processors out in the next couple of months that may beat the i5. AMD in the last 3 years or so has really upped their game.

 

[punkncat]

There are many variables in play here but your obvious immediate upgrade would be to an i7 7700(k perhaps) if your motherboard supports it. For the cost of one it would be of consideration to look around on the used market or such to see if you couldn't find one at a better price. Given it as a new/retail option I would certainly look to something newer.

I am not sure if you have factored it...I get an idea of your budget ballpark based on those picks. You understand that you will need a new motherboard, and according to the speed of the RAM and in particular on a Ryzen choice might need that as well. You may also want to consider your OS license as well as a motherboard swap will likely cause it to deactivate.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

At the risk of being condescending, the i7 7700k is between 225 and 300 on ebay now.

If you are going that route and need to be low cost, here you go.

Ryzen 3 3100 quad with 4 cores/8 threads just like the i7 7700k--114.99

https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-3-3100-ryzen-3-3rd-gen/p/N82E16819113649?&quicklink=true

Gigabyte B550 motherboard--129.99

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-b550-gaming-x/p/N82E16813145212

Of course you'd have to carry ram over. But if you are paying say 275 for the i7, you are talking 245 for both of the other parts plus shipping. Not sure what ram is being used now though.

Here's a review of the 3100.

AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU review

Is the Ryzen 3 3100 a bargain overclocker? Or is this a deal too far? Time to find out...

www.pcgamer.com

Keep in mind you might be slightly behind on some games. However, you gain the platform if next year you are bored with your Ryzen 3, ok, drop in a new Ryzen 9 4000 series and boom you are at the top of the heap. Or anywhere in between. The intel platform you are on is going to be more limited. And the performance difference between say a Ryzen 3 3100 and the i7 7700k doesn't look too huge.