Question Unsure about CPU upgrade path AMD/Intel

[JSC-34581]

Hello all.

I know that these questions have been coming thick and fast with recent events, but every example is different, so hopefully people aren't exhausted with the same question. I'm looking for some opinions about the upgrade path for a new build I'm contemplating and I'm really torn between going AMD or Intel.

My current rig is an aging but to this point highly reliable one:
Win10
Intel i7-10700K
AsRock Z490 Extreme4 mobo
32 GB 4000MHz DDR4-RAM
RTX 3070ti

It's still a decent enough rig but I'm finding the CPU is reaching that stage where bottlenecks limit further upgrades more than anything else does.

I have had huge success with Intel in the past, but I was going to upgrade to the 14900K and relevant mobo, shortly after their release when the issues with those SKUS arose and put me off. I know that Intel rolled out a supposed fix, but honestly, I don't have much faith in that given my research. So I kicked the can down the road.

I decided to wait for the launch of the 285K but I have to be honest, I am massively underwhelmed for the gaming performance and that is probably 60-80% of my activity. I do prefer CPU intensive gaming so the CPU matters for me. The fact that Intel has now come out and said that optimisation for the new chips is sub-optimal and is causing lower than expected performance just does not inspire me with confidence given the previous gens issues. I just don't feel confident that Intel's latest offerings are going to be as reliable and "smooth" as they once were.

So for the first time, I'm considering AMD, specifically the 9800X3D. Problem on that front is that I know next to nothing about AMD chips as I've always stayed with Intel. Add to that the low availability and the inevitable scalping, meaning stock isn't likely to be available too soon. I'm also given to understand that the 9800X3D is restricted to DDR5 memory, availability of which is limited just now, is that correct? I'd also be sticking with Nvidia, intending to upgrade to either a 4080 super once the the 5000 series launches and I have no idea how they play with AMD CPU's.

Would anyone mind sharing their thoughts here as I am uncharacteristically dithering and could use some fresh perspectives. Budget isn't a huge concern, but I'd prefer to avoid paying over the odds for something that is substandard compared to the competition and I'm feeling like that is Intel's offering that is substandard right now.

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I would go with AMD, as Intel have resting on their laurels for far too long and forgotten how to make a comeback, no offence. You're spot on with the 9800X3D if you're only gaming though I think the prices of them have shot up since NDA's had lifted. The Ryzen 7800X3D is still a very capable system. Pair that with a B650 chipset motherboard and ram that's got AMD's E.X.P.O advertised on them to run at DDR5-6000MHz, and you're set.

If you're recycling the PSU, what is the make, model and age of the unit?

availability of which is limited just now, is that correct?
DDR5 memory isn't limited in supply.

 

[JSC-34581]

Thanks for the welcome!

I'm defintely leaning towards AMD at this stage. I don't think that Intel are reliable these days.

I'd like to aim for the 9800X3D, but I'll take a look at the 7800X3D and compare.
I noticed that mobo's for AMD came with the B and X classifications. Not being an AMD user before, I haven't delved too much into the difference. Is there much of one?
After posting my question I did actually do a deep dive into memory availability and specs and realised the DDR5 is quite abundant! But thank you for confirming for me.

My PSU is an old Corsair AX860 Platinum I bought back in 2013, I think and the current rig is the second system it has been in. Whilst it has been a really good PSU and would probably last a few more years, 'm not confident it would have the capacity at this late stage of it's life to support the components in my new build. I might have to admit to myself that this isn't an upgrade at this point lol
I'll probably be looking to replace that with a mind towards a 1000w Platinum model. I haven't settled on brand yet, but I like Corsair. That said I did see Gigabyte PSU that had a LCD side display of power draw, gimmicky, I know but there is something appealing about being able see how much power is being drawn by the system that way.

Do you know if Lian Li AIO water coolers are any good? I'm currently using an NZXT but I hate the software it uses.

Thank you for your response!

 

[Lutfij]

I wouldn't recycle that PSU into the new build, unless you want an excuse to buy something else after the entire system conks out.

I also think you prematurely selected my post as the Best Answer. Removing that tag to allow for this thread to progress.