Build Advice Upgrading AM4 Budget Build for Light Gaming ?

[Palador]

Hi.
In this thread, I talked about my need to replace my faulty PSU.
Next month I'm going to be taking a trip to Germany and will order a new PSU through a friend there as I live in Africa.
I'll probably be ordering the Thermaltake BM3 750W Bronze PSU at €70 (the 650W was recommended by --SID--, but on Amazon the 750W is cheaper), but seeing some deals that seemed too good to pass up, I figured I may as well do some upgrading while there.
I guess my main question is if you think there are things I could improve on my possible buys and which ones I should prioritize.

Current Build:
MSI B450M PRO VDH
Ryzen 3 1200
XFX Radeon RX 550 (4GB)
2 x 4 GB Patriot Signature DDR4 RAM 2400 MHz
Crucial MX500 2.5" SSD (500GB)
Case: CiT GForce Mid-Tower (link attached, since most people probably won't know what that is)

All are running in stock configurations. I haven't done any overclocking and probably won't.

People have been telling me to upgrade the RAM since a long time, so that is the first thing I'll be upgrading. I found this kit on de.partpicker.com:
G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory €30

I also found the Ryzen 5 3500X at €40, which seemed an upgrade too good to pass up. It doesn't have a cooler, but I have the Wraith Stealth from the Ryzen 3 1200, so that should work fine, I think.

I'll probably also look to add some more storage and the Teamgroup MP33 Pro 1TB €53 seemed to be the best deal.

The thought even entered my mind of getting a RX 5600 XT (AS Rock Phantom Gaming D OC) €145, but that most likely won't happen. I still would appreciate advice on if that sounds like a good deal or not. I guess I'm just wondering if you have any thoughts or other advice for upgrades.

Should the Ripjaws 3600 play nice with the Ryzen 5 and the motherboard I have?

Approximate Purchase Date: this week or next (latest)

Budget Range: I think looking at the kind of prices I'm looking at may give you an idea. It's quite ultra budget, but I am willing to spend a bit more if there's a very good deal. It's not like I really need an upgrade, it's more a case of "this deal is cheap and would make quite a difference, so why not?"

System Usage from Most to Least Important: light gaming and video editing (Vegas is my main video editing program)

Are you buying a monitor: Not unless there's a truly incredible deal.

Parts to Upgrade: PSU definitely, RAM probably, CPU (seems like a good deal), everything else optional

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: amazon.de (with others I'd have to ask if it's possible)

Location: Berlin, Germany

Parts Preferences: None particularly

Overclocking: No

Multiple GPUs: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1600x900

Additional Comments: Software I use is mainly Vegas and Handbrake, but I have done some work with other video editors; I mainly play World of Tanks, but mostly older games otherwise

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: PSU having problems and others just nice upgrades to improve system

 

[beyondlogic]

Hi.
In this thread, I talked about my need to replace my faulty PSU.
Next month I'm going to be taking a trip to Germany and will order a new PSU through a friend there as I live in Africa.
I'll probably be ordering the Thermaltake BM3 750W Bronze PSU at €70 (the 650W was recommended by --SID--, but on Amazon the 750W is cheaper), but seeing some deals that seemed too good to pass up, I figured I may as well do some upgrading while there.
I guess my main question is if you think there are things I could improve on my possible buys and which ones I should prioritize.

Current Build:
MSI B450M PRO VDH
Ryzen 3 1200
XFX Radeon RX 550 (4GB)
2 x 4 GB Patriot Signature DDR4 RAM 2400 MHz
Crucial MX500 2.5" SSD (500GB)
Case: CiT GForce Mid-Tower (link attached, since most people probably won't know what that is)

All are running in stock configurations. I haven't done any overclocking and probably won't.

People have been telling me to upgrade the RAM since a long time, so that is the first thing I'll be upgrading. I found this kit on de.partpicker.com:
G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory €30

I also found the Ryzen 5 3500X at €40, which seemed an upgrade too good to pass up. It doesn't have a cooler, but I have the Wraith Stealth from the Ryzen 3 1200, so that should work fine, I think.

I'll probably also look to add some more storage and the Teamgroup MP33 Pro 1TB €53 seemed to be the best deal.

The thought even entered my mind of getting a RX 5600 XT (AS Rock Phantom Gaming D OC) €145, but that most likely won't happen. I still would appreciate advice on if that sounds like a good deal or not. I guess I'm just wondering if you have any thoughts or other advice for upgrades.

Should the Ripjaws 3600 play nice with the Ryzen 5 and the motherboard I have?

Approximate Purchase Date: this week or next (latest)

Budget Range: I think looking at the kind of prices I'm looking at may give you an idea. It's quite ultra budget, but I am willing to spend a bit more if there's a very good deal. It's not like I really need an upgrade, it's more a case of "this deal is cheap and would make quite a difference, so why not?"

System Usage from Most to Least Important: light gaming and video editing (Vegas is my main video editing program)

Are you buying a monitor: Not unless there's a truly incredible deal.

Parts to Upgrade: PSU definitely, RAM probably, CPU (seems like a good deal), everything else optional

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: amazon.de (with others I'd have to ask if it's possible)

Location: Berlin, Germany

Parts Preferences: None particularly

Overclocking: No

Multiple GPUs: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1600x900

Additional Comments: Software I use is mainly Vegas and Handbrake, but I have done some work with other video editors; I mainly play World of Tanks, but mostly older games otherwise

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: PSU having problems and others just nice upgrades to improve system

never order smart psus there junk fire hazards.

heres a part list ive comprised.

it has everything you need while the nvme is a bit slower for the standard it has a heatsink intergrated ( they get hot) that will fit under the gpu. as they tend to overhang. ive added in a heatsink as well and bumped the memory up.

the lower your resolution the cpu will be more important at 1080p and lower.

the gpu is a decent deal

it beats out the 3050 nvidia easily.

https://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/BvJgpK

it will be night and day with the 3500x.

 

[punkncat]

The above list is thoughtful and thrifty, kudos!

I admittedly know little about the EU market. I would ask, what is your current monitor and its sync type, resolution, and refresh rate?

I have had exceptionally good results using G Skill RAM kits with AMD. I have also had great results with the Silicone Power kits. Being honest though, IDK if the price could be beat on that kit linked in @beyondlogic list in the market you are shopping.

IMO if you were going to stick with the 3500X, I also would not choose to swap the cooler straight away. IMO it would be better to seek 5600 if BIOS supports it and can be found even used for a similar price sans the other cooler. (a twenty is a twenty)

 

[beyondlogic]

The above list is thoughtful and thrifty, kudos!

I admittedly know little about the EU market. I would ask, what is your current monitor and its sync type, resolution, and refresh rate?

I have had exceptionally good results using G Skill RAM kits with AMD. I have also had great results with the Silicone Power kits. Being honest though, IDK if the price could be beat on that kit linked in @beyondlogic list in the market you are shopping.

IMO if you were going to stick with the 3500X, I also would not choose to swap the cooler straight away. IMO it would be better to seek 5600 if BIOS supports it and can be found even used for a similar price sans the other cooler. (a twenty is a twenty)

personally just a guess on monitor type. since his res is 900p

if its as old as i think it is

its probly a tn panel 900p at 60

either a dell or hp.

perks of being around offices since i was a kid these things where everywhere lol. hp and dell flooded the offices with them at least in uk.

g skill works with some boards vendors better then others personally gigabyte seems to really like

KLEVV BOLT X DDR4​

ive managed to get it to work with practically all gigabyte boards.

patriot memory really seems to hate msi boards wont read them but is fine in a gigabyte board lol.

 

[geofelt]

Instead of guessing, do some testing to see what component upgrades might help.

Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

I might guess the cpu is your limiter.

Is 8gb of ram insufficient? I might guess yes, particularly if you run anything else along with gaming.
To be certain, look at task manager/resource monitor while you are active.
Look at the memory tab and the hard fault rate column. Anything much more than zero says you need more ram.

 

[Palador]

never order smart psus there junk fire hazards.

heres a part list ive comprised.

it has everything you need while the nvme is a bit slower for the standard it has a heatsink intergrated ( they get hot) that will fit under the gpu. as they tend to overhang. ive added in a heatsink as well and bumped the memory up.

the lower your resolution the cpu will be more important at 1080p and lower.

https://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/BvJgpK

Thanks so much for the part list, @beyondlogic . Well appreciated.

Just a question about the MSI and Smart BM3, in my original question about buying a PSU, the MSI was on my list (I was of the impression that I should stay away from the "Smart" PSUs), but I was told by --SID-- that the Smart BM3 was the better option. Is it true that the Smart BM3 is a big improvement on the BM2, etc and worth seriously considering for budget builds?

About the NVME drive, it will be sitting under the GPU. I looked at both the Adata and the Teamgroup ones, but I found more reviews on the Teamgroup one and they all seemed positive. I'm not partial though and I'm happy to choose the Adata as well if you think it's the better choice with the heatsink. I just want to be sure it will actually fit under the graphics card.

As far as the RAM is concerned, I did consider 32 GB. I'm a bit undecided as to whether it's really necessary. If I do decide to go with 16 GB, should the 3600mhz work with my MSI PRO-VDH MAX and the Ryzen 5 3500X? In the specs sheet on the MSI website, it doesn't show 3600mhz as being supported, but it has 3200/3466/ 3733/ 3866. Is that something to be concerned about or does it not matter?

Ha! You're not wrong about my monitor. It is 60hz, but an LG Flatron e2042c (yes, it's very old!) I sometimes do connect to a TV, but haven't done that for a while. If I get the RX 5600XT, I'd certainly do that more often.

Instead of guessing, do some testing to see what component upgrades might help.

Thanks, mate. Unfortunately, with my PSU barely hanging in there currently, I can't really stress my system out. I know my CPU hit full power when rendering. I don't think RAM maxing out has ever been too much of a problem for me, but I figure that it's so cheap these days that I may as well get either 16 or 32 GB that's also faster.

I just wanted to thank you all for your replies. It's a privilege being able to get advice from people much better versed in these things than I am.

 

[beyondlogic]

Thanks so much for the part list, @beyondlogic . Well appreciated.

Just a question about the MSI and Smart BM3, in my original question about buying a PSU, the MSI was on my list (I was of the impression that I should stay away from the "Smart" PSUs), but I was told by --SID-- that the Smart BM3 was the better option. Is it true that the Smart BM3 is a big improvement on the BM2, etc and worth seriously considering for budget builds?

About the NVME drive, it will be sitting under the GPU. I looked at both the Adata and the Teamgroup ones, but I found more reviews on the Teamgroup one and they all seemed positive. I'm not partial though and I'm happy to choose the Adata as well if you think it's the better choice with the heatsink. I just want to be sure it will actually fit under the graphics card.

As far as the RAM is concerned, I did consider 32 GB. I'm a bit undecided as to whether it's really necessary. If I do decide to go with 16 GB, should the 3600mhz work with my MSI PRO-VDH MAX and the Ryzen 5 3500X? In the specs sheet on the MSI website, it doesn't show 3600mhz as being supported, but it has 3200/3466/ 3733/ 3866. Is that something to be concerned about or does it not matter?

Ha! You're not wrong about my monitor. It is 60hz, but an LG Flatron e2042c (yes, it's very old!) I sometimes do connect to a TV, but haven't done that for a while. If I get the RX 5600XT, I'd certainly do that more often.


Thanks, mate. Unfortunately, with my PSU barely hanging in there currently, I can't really stress my system out. I know my CPU hit full power when rendering. I don't think RAM maxing out has ever been too much of a problem for me, but I figure that it's so cheap these days that I may as well get either 16 or 32 GB that's also faster.

I just wanted to thank you all for your replies. It's a privilege being able to get advice from people much better versed in these things than I am.

yes the bm3 is somewhat better but review wise ive only seen them on 850w units and part quality can be reduced as you go down the power stack from 650w to 850w

. but depends on how much you want to spend on a psu. id personally go with what i use which is a seasonic focus 650w gold. been running 4 and a half years now with zero issues.

gold being more efficient in most cases and more affordable. the better quality your psu the less electrical waste.

examples

• 650W PSU with 80% efficiency (80+ Bronze): 650W / 0.80 = ~812.5W from the wall
  
  
• 650W PSU with 85% efficiency (80+ Gold): 650W / 0.85 = ~765.6W from the wall
  
  
• 650W PSU with 90% efficiency (80+ Platinum): 650W / 0.90 = ~722.2W from the wall.

now a psu wont pull that normally from the wall but if your rig calculates to 300w in pc part picker for example add a extra 150w give or take to total.
mine at full whack does 450w including the wall.

https://de.pcpartpicker.com/product...ified-semi-modular-atx-power-supply-ssr-650fm


as for next question i would go with adata over team group there roughly the same speed.

1 the one you shown you would have to buy an additional heatsink and get one that isn't to large or tall to fit under the gpu that's like an additional 20 euro for a good one.

integrated ones tend to be very small so i have no doubt it will fit just fine. just make sure you install it first before the gpu.

your motherboard should have came with a nvme screw in the box in a tiny bag. its not common for nvme to come with additional screws so keep this in mind.


32gb is necessary for newer games. especially games.
or games that are cpu and memory hungry this includes city builders. like city skylines for example will hog memory.

newer games like Hogwarts legacy hate anything under 32gb. a lot of hitching.

id stick to 3200 its the manufacturer guidelines from amd anything higher is a crap shoot. and msi motherboards are fickle with memory.

I wouldn't aim higher then 1080p gaming on that set up.

any questions or nit picks ping this thread or send me a pm.

 

[Palador]

but depends on how much you want to spend on a psu. id personally go with what i use which is a seasonic focus 650w gold. been running 4 and a half years now with zero issues.

• 650W PSU with 80% efficiency (80+ Bronze): 650W / 0.80 = ~812.5W from the wall
  
  
• 650W PSU with 85% efficiency (80+ Gold): 650W / 0.85 = ~765.6W from the wall
  
  
• 650W PSU with 90% efficiency (80+ Platinum): 650W / 0.90 = ~722.2W from the wall.

Sorry, I've been off for a while as my laptop has issues.

Okay. Thanks. I'll consider battle it out between the MSI and the SeaSonic. It's probably worth investing the extra 25 for it.

Interesting. I always assumed 650W meant that it pulled 650 from the wall and you had to take 80% off that to find how much you could actually use. Silly me!

Okay. Thanks. I'll be in touch with my friend in Germany to know when I can place the orders so I'll have a quick check on prices before taking the shots.

Instead of guessing, do some testing to see what component upgrades might help.

Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

I might guess the cpu is your limiter.

Is 8gb of ram insufficient? I might guess yes, particularly if you run anything else along with gaming.
To be certain, look at task manager/resource monitor while you are active.
Look at the memory tab and the hard fault rate column. Anything much more than zero says you need more ram.

Thanks a lot once again.

I decided to flash my BIOS, which was from 2023, a few days ago and since then I've had none of the PSU-related problems that I had before. Very strange! I'm pretty much certain I'll still buy a new PSU as it did give problems even when I installed it on another computer to test, but I've been using it just fine since I updated the BIOS.

Last night I did as you suggested and lowered the "eye candy," my FPS went up quite dramatically, so definitely it's the GPU that's the "bottleneck." My GPU is generally close to being maxed out when gaming on the highest settings. The other stuff is still fine. Generally, there were no hard faults on the memory, but at times there were.

In any case, I will be upgrading the CPU, as it's totally worth it for the price and for rendering my CPU is always maxed out. I'll also be upgrading the RAM, but still undecided between 16GB and 32GB, I'll check prices again and finalize my decision when my friend is able to place the order.

I'm still undecided about the GPU upgrade. It would obviously be nice, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to invest 150 euro for a 5600XT right now.
I'm guessing 5 year old graphics cards don't continue coming down in price generally.

Ha, I was just looking and my Ryzen 3 1200 is selling for more than I originally bought it for 6 or 7 years ago and more than a Ryzen 7 5700. LOL!