[SOLVED] Need help to decide build

[samuy]

Hi guys, I'm currently using Core i5 4440 and GTX 960. Since I have budget constraint, I would like to have an advice whether to upgrade CPU,MOBO and RAM at first or the GPU. I am considering to have an i5 9400f or AMD Ryzen 5 3500x with 1x 8GB RAM(want to go for 16GB RAM) for first step. But I'm not sure whether my GTX960 is strong enough for now. Thanks for your help.

 

[mdd1963]

I'd choose the 3600 if at all fiscally possible, and, if that is out of range, the 2600 ....(although several benchmarks have been done on the 6c/6t CPUs that say they are 'ok' in min FPS, one things is certain...12 threads are better than 6!,

The GTX960 is indeed showing it's age with newer games, as is my GTX1060 (6 GB)... Depending on the game, whatever frame rates you were getting should improve the minimums quite noticeably with a new CPU, and, perhaps the average FPS will rise a little as well, but, not noticeably..

 

[Phaaze88]

1)You need to provide an actual amount for the budget and how flexible it is.

2)No to single stick memory configs. You effectively kill most of the benefit of the upgrade.
Single stick was fine like 10 years ago... not anymore.

3)If all you want to play are older titles, then either of those cpus is fine - the Intel cpu probably has a slight advantage.
For more recent titles like Assassins Creed, CoD Modern Warfare/Warzone - or basically any online multiplayer game, the i5-9400F and Ryzen 3500X won't cut it.

 

[samuy]

1)You need to provide an actual amount for the budget and how flexible it is.

2)No to single stick memory configs. You effectively kill most of the benefit of the upgrade.
Single stick was fine like 10 years ago... not anymore.

3)If all you want to play are older titles, then either of those cpus is fine - the Intel cpu probably has a slight advantage.
For more recent titles like Assassins Creed, CoD Modern Warfare/Warzone - or basically any online multiplayer game, the i5-9400F and Ryzen 3500X won't cut it.

My budget around $250-$300. I would go for single stick for awhile. I will go for 16GB(2x8) as soon as possible. If you have recommendation, please advice me. I would prefer a build that will have a little future proof.

 

[Phaaze88]

Intel
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F 2.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Best Buy)
Motherboard: ASRock B365M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($93.39 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Signature Premium 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $281.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-23 04:07 EDT-0400

AMD
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (12nm) 3.2 GHz 6-Core Processor ($85.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B450 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($93.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $248.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-23 04:18 EDT-0400

AMD #2(if you are unable to acquire the Ryzen 1600 AF in the previous list)
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($152.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $290.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-23 04:21 EDT-0400