Question R5 1400 + 5700 XT (recommendations)

[Stag1928]

All - I am looking to upgrade my RX 570 to the 5700 XT, but I am concerned about having the 1400 (@ 3.8Ghz) holding things back to the point where it's a waste of money. Currently playing at 1080p 60hz and I wanted to spend a bit more money this time around to get a solid GPU to last for years to come. Also debating taking the plunge to QHD, which in theory would reduce CPU bottleneck, or maybe throwing 3000Mhz RAM at it while keeping the FHD monitor. Realistically I'd like to squeeze another year or two out of the core components of the system if I can but thoughts & opinions welcomed.

Specs as follows
R5 1400 @ 3.8Ghz
8Gbs 2666Mhz RAM
Asrock B350 Pro4

 

[jeremyj_83]

Your current platform will be helped out by the better GPU, but if you are willing to put some extra cash in your board does support Ryzen 3000 series with a BIOS update. https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/AB350 Pro4/index.asp#CPU You could go to 16GB RAM, Ryzen 3600, and the 5700XT for pretty cheap.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Allian 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg Business)
Video Card: XFX - Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $669.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-08 15:16 EDT-0400
Add $50 if you wanted the 3600X or $130 for the 3700X

 

[Eximo]

Go ahead and get the GPU. You can always drop in a faster CPU, even just a Ryzen 2600 or 2600X when they go on sale. And when BIOS updates are available for your board, you can even look into Ryzen 3600.

 

[jeremyj_83]

Go ahead and get the GPU. You can always drop in a faster CPU, even just a Ryzen 2600 or 2600X when they go on sale. And when BIOS updates are available for your board, you can even look into Ryzen 3600.

2600 is already on sale for $140.

 

[Stag1928]

I appreciate both of your points of view. I like that 3600 pricing so that's not out of the question assuming the Motherboard doesn't cripple it.

On the topic of memory - is it worth going from 8gb's 2666 -> 16gbs 3000 mhz? Unfortunately that Team memory isn't on the QVL so I'm hesitant to get it. I know of some Hyper X Predator for ~$100 that is and will allegedly run at 3000 flat. I'm having a hard time finding solid info for the 1400 even after all this time

 

[jeremyj_83]

I appreciate both of your points of view. I like that 3600 pricing so that's not out of the question assuming the Motherboard doesn't cripple it.

On the topic of memory - is it worth going from 8gb's 2666 -> 16gbs 3000 mhz? Unfortunately that Team memory isn't on the QVL so I'm hesitant to get it. I know of some Hyper X Predator for ~$100 that is and will allegedly run at 3000 flat. I'm having a hard time finding solid info for the 1400 even after all this time

With the Ryzen 2000 & 3000 series RAM speed makes a difference. Official max RAM speed for Ryzen: 1000 - 2666MHz, 2000 - 2933MHz, 3000 - 3200MHz and using slower than official max speed will hurt performance. In going to 16GB RAM you will be making sure that your system won't have to page swap at all while playing any current AAA game or even future games for quite a while. I suggest 16GB RAM for any gaming build.

 

[Stag1928]

With the Ryzen 2000 & 3000 series RAM speed makes a difference. Official max RAM speed for Ryzen: 1000 - 2666MHz, 2000 - 2933MHz, 3000 - 3200MHz and using slower than official max speed will hurt performance. In going to 16GB RAM you will be making sure that your system won't have to page swap at all while playing any current AAA game or even future games for quite a while. I suggest 16GB RAM for any gaming build.

Sorry - asking in the context of keeping my 1400 for now and basically assessing GPU + RAM upgrade for the time being

 

[jeremyj_83]

Sorry - asking in the context of keeping my 1400 for now and basically assessing GPU + RAM upgrade for the time being

As long as you get the most current BIOS update for your motherboard you could easily see performance uplift using the 3000MHz RAM with your current CPU. It appears that with the newest BIOS you should be able to get 3200MHz RAM to work with your CPU so going that route would make the most sense. https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/AB350 Pro4/index.asp#Memory This way you would be able to get the part now while RAM prices are low and it would still be able to be used in the Ryzen 3000 series later on without causing a RAM bottleneck. Until then you will be able to use it in "overclocked" fashion for your CPU to increase the infinity fabric speed and give a little performance boost.

 

[Stag1928]

I will look at getting a new kit of RAM and see if I can hock mine on eBay. FWIW I found this https://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_ryzen_5_1400_review,18.html

And on average the 1400 and a GTX 1080 can keep above 60FPS at 1080p gaming (don't know about the .1% lows) so I guess that's reassuring for now anyway.