Build Advice Upgrading my system ?

elegendx

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Nov 19, 2020
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First of all, here are the specifications of my current PC so you know what I’m using at the moment. Additionally, my usage involves 3D work, video editing, VFX, image editing, and graphic design.
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING (WI-FI)
  • Graphics Card: ASUS ROG -STRIX-RTX3060TI-O8G-V2-GAMING NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB GDDR6
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Box
  • SSD OS: Samsung 980 Pro SSD 1.0TB M.2 NVMe
  • SSD Data: Samsung 870 QVO SSD 2TB 2.5
  • RAM: G.Skill TridentZ Neo 32GB DDR4-3200MHz (F4-3200C16Q-32GTZN)
  • HDD Data: Seagate Barracuda 4TB
  • HDD Data: WD Red Plus 4TB
  • PSU: Corsair Power Supply 850W ATX 24 pin RM850x (2021)
  • CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
I’m planning to upgrade the motherboard, RAM, M.2 SSD, and PSU in preparation for a future GPU upgrade to the RTX 4090.
  1. Motherboard: I’m considering the ASUS ProArt series, but I’m torn between the ProArt X570-CREATOR WIFI and the ProArt B550-CREATOR. What are the differences between these two chipsets, and which one is better? The main reason I’m looking at these motherboards is that I prefer their design and I want something that will last.
  2. RAM: I’m planning to go with 64GB of G.Skill memory, and I’m deciding between the following models:
    • F4-3600C16D-64GTZN
    • F4-3600C18D-64GTZN
    • F4-3800C18D-64GTZN (EOL).
  3. SSD: I’ll go for the Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD.
  4. PSU: I’m not sure which one to choose. I’m considering Corsair, Be Quiet, and Seasonic, with a wattage of 1200W or higher.
Thank you
 
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The main reason I’m looking at these motherboards is that I prefer their design and I want something that will last.
You're retaining the same platform. AM4 will be a decade old in 2026. As a worthwhile You can merely replace the ram kit you have now and be done with it.

RTX5000 series will be soon upon us and the B850 chipset will also be upon us in 2025. I'd advise you wait and then migrate to the AM5 platform.

My 2 cents.
 
Personally I would not touch the motherboard unless you’re upgrading to a new am5 cpu and ddr5 ram. You will still be held back by the older CPUs with am4. Which am4 was good but time to think about moving on.

On models of ram, consult your boards qvl list. But ddr4 has been on the market so long, I’d almost go with whatever is the best bargain. Plan on removing your current ram kit and using the new set in dual channel for the best performance.
 
I checked on ASUS's website, and under the Support CPU/RAM section, they only list the F4-3600C18D-64GTZN, not the F4-3600C16D-64GTZN. If I purchase the C16 kit, will my system boot up without issues
 
Alright, I will purchase the F4-3600C18D-64GTZN RAM since it is listed in the CPU/RAM Support list to ensure compatibility.

Finally, before I built my PC in 2021, I had the X570 chipset motherboards on my list. However, some people recommended getting a motherboard with the B550 chipset instead. I never got a clear answer as to why, but from my research at the time, the X570 seemed superior to the B550. Am I correct? Could you please explain if I made the right choice by going with a B550 motherboard?
 
Alright, I will purchase the F4-3600C18D-64GTZN RAM since it is listed in the CPU/RAM Support list to ensure compatibility.

Finally, before I built my PC in 2021, I had the X570 chipset motherboards on my list. However, some people recommended getting a motherboard with the B550 chipset instead. I never got a clear answer as to why, but from my research at the time, the X570 seemed superior to the B550. Am I correct? Could you please explain if I made the right choice by going with a B550 motherboard?
From a user perspective, especially if just using a single GPU, there is not an appreciable difference in performance, just based on the chipsets. The actual motherboards can vary widely, based on cooling (VRMs) and other features.