Need some CPU advice please - AMD4

[sad099]

Hi all
Long time lurker here
Need some advice please, I have an AMD4 rig currently, seems to be an issue with the CPU and or Mobo, I'm going to try replacing the CPU first and if no luck then also replace the Mobo.
Current CPU is a 5 3600, so going to take opportunity to upgrade a little give the opportunity.
I'm looking at the following

• Ryzen 5 5600 (x or XT ?) - cheaper potentially X and XT slightly higher
• Ryzen 7 5700x - more cores and low tdp
• Ryzen 7 5800xt - more cores, newer (more longevity ? )but higher tdp (was thinking of undervolting to run at 65w tdp but have the extra power should I need it)

Is there any real difference between them or should I get cheapest / best deal ?
I keep going back and forth between 6 core / 8 core and then between newer cpu vs lower tdp etc (5700 vs 5800xt)
Should I consider any others ?

Cooler wise i'm using an AIO so any of these would work.
In terms of usage - Emails, office work / apps (visio, powerpoint , excel data analysis,macros, word etc), web browsing and some light gaming (XB Gamepass strategy games, but thinking of using PC for potentially other games, currently have XB X), I also do some video editing, and photos (basic editing and slide shows etc). Monitors are dual 1440P via docking station

I'm unlikely to upgrade for a bit - probably a couple of years ie AM6 when prices drop, or even longer if PC meets needs.
Rest of System is B550m Steel Legend, 850w PSU, 16gb DDR4, GPU is currently a GTX 1070 (needs upgrading !, next on list )

 

[Tetras]

Is there any real difference between them or should I get cheapest / best deal ?

Realistically, no. You're unlikely to notice for the usage you described, but if I was going to keep it for the longer-term those extra cores could come in handy.

The 5800X always came out ahead in benches because it was the single die king, but at this point that's not something I'd be desperate to pay for.

I could be wrong (haven't seen any reviews for the 5800XT), but I doubt the TDP is the issue it was once. The 5800X used to be a toasty beast, but from what I've heard, manufacturing improvements have tamed them and it no longer needs a substantially beefier (or faster spinning) cooler the the other CPUs.

 

[eddyr]

If you are contemplating something to see you through to AM6 I would go 8 cores.

Either the 5700x or 5800x would do. I would not place much value on the few hundred Mhz on the boost clock of the 5800XT. Whichever is cheaper. But if your talking an extra tenner then no reason not to grab the next one up.

 

[sad099]

Perfect - you've both confirmed what I was thinking - thank you
Will go 8 core then for longevity and pick whichever is the best deal.
Another QQ - what would be a decent ish GPU to pair with wither of those 8 core cpu's - nothing major expensive but enough to play 1080p / 1440p at a decent setting - something like RTX 3060, or should I go for something newer ?
Thanks

 

[Tetras]

something like RTX 3060, or should I go for something newer ?

3060 12GB is still a good card, but not if they want £300+ for it, since they are well beaten by a 9060 XT 16GB or 5060 Ti 16GB. Unfortunately the 16GB cards have seen big price hikes recently, so watch out. I'd be reluctant to pay much over £350 for a 9060 XT 16GB.

9070/5070 are both a decent step up, but again, price hikes.

 

[tamzzy]

What games do you play?
In most cases the 5600 is within spitting distance of the 5700x/5800x
But if you play well optimised games (eg bf6) then the 8 core parts do pull well ahead.

 

[sad099]

What games do you play?
In most cases the 5600 is within spitting distance of the 5700x/5800x
But if you play well optimised games (eg bf6) then the 8 core parts do pull well ahead.

Mainly RTS on PC games pass, however would like to start potentially playing some others, warthunder etc, I also have some RTS games on steam that I'd lile to replay like Rome total war etc. I tend to play the other games like COD, BF6 , Destiny etc on the Xbox
Reason for the 8 core was for video editing and also some longevity, if there is massive price disparity I'll look at the 5600, if its marginal may as well go for the 5700x/5800x
Is that a reasonable approach ?

 

[eddyr]

This may help, review with a performance overview of the 5700x with the 3600x, 5600x and 5800x included. You might find some game/app relevant benchmarks in earlier pages.

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X Review - Finally an Affordable 8-Core

With the Ryzen 7 5700X, AMD is finally offering a more affordable 8-core processor. In our review, we take a close look at how this $265 CPU performs against the Ryzen 7 5800X, and also compare it to Intel's Alder Lake lineup, including the i5-12600K and i7-12700K.

www.techpowerup.com

What's the budget and are you buying new or used, and what would you consider marginal price disparity?
The initial outlay may seem somewhat wasted going from 6 core to 6 core, particularly if some longevity and video editing workloads are in mind, if an extra 10-15% budget uplift gets you the 8 core that could/should be that bit additionally helpful in that regard.

 

[sad099]

This may help, review with a performance overview of the 5700x with the 3600x, 5600x and 5800x included. You might find some game/app relevant benchmarks in earlier pages.

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X Review - Finally an Affordable 8-Core

With the Ryzen 7 5700X, AMD is finally offering a more affordable 8-core processor. In our review, we take a close look at how this $265 CPU performs against the Ryzen 7 5800X, and also compare it to Intel's Alder Lake lineup, including the i5-12600K and i7-12700K.

www.techpowerup.com

What's the budget and are you buying new or used, and what would you consider marginal price disparity?
The initial outlay may seem somewhat wasted going from 6 core to 6 core, particularly if some longevity and video editing workloads are in mind, if an extra 10-15% budget uplift gets you the 8 core that could/should be that bit additionally helpful in that regard.

Was thinking of new (but in fairness havent looked at used as yet, didnt want to risk ebay and I don't have access to MM here as yet, hence considering new). Budget wise I was looking at up to ideally £150 ish for a cpu - cheaper the better though and wanted to get best I could for that, but could 10-15% , maybe a little more if it gets me a better CPU. Total budget for CPU and MOBO (assuming MOBO needs replacing too, but hoping its just CPU) would be around £250 ideally, with scope to up by 10-15%

 

[tamzzy]

assuming MOBO needs replacing too, but hoping its just CPU

Mobo doesn't need replacing. B550 should support the 5800x without bios update. If you get the XT parts then you'll probably need a bios update.

 

[~>Dg<~]

id just get a 5700x have the extra two cores over the 5600x tbh. shop around they arent that dear either.

 

[aaronyuri]

id just get a 5700x have the extra two cores over the 5600x tbh. shop around they arent that dear either.

Agreed. 5700X and you can tweak the boost to get to the levels of a 5800X. Some boards even have a higher TDP setting to get you there automagically.

 

[eeii]

Hi all
Long time lurker here
Need some advice please, I have an AMD4 rig currently, seems to be an issue with the CPU and or Mobo, I'm going to try replacing the CPU first and if no luck then also replace the Mobo.
Current CPU is a 5 3600, so going to take opportunity to upgrade a little give the opportunity.
I'm looking at the following

• Ryzen 5 5600 (x or XT ?) - cheaper potentially X and XT slightly higher
• Ryzen 7 5700x - more cores and low tdp
• Ryzen 7 5800xt - more cores, newer (more longevity ? )but higher tdp (was thinking of undervolting to run at 65w tdp but have the extra power should I need it)

Is there any real difference between them or should I get cheapest / best deal ?
I keep going back and forth between 6 core / 8 core and then between newer cpu vs lower tdp etc (5700 vs 5800xt)
Should I consider any others ?

Cooler wise i'm using an AIO so any of these would work.
In terms of usage - Emails, office work / apps (visio, powerpoint , excel data analysis,macros, word etc), web browsing and some light gaming (XB Gamepass strategy games, but thinking of using PC for potentially other games, currently have XB X), I also do some video editing, and photos (basic editing and slide shows etc). Monitors are dual 1440P via docking station

I'm unlikely to upgrade for a bit - probably a couple of years ie AM6 when prices drop, or even longer if PC meets needs.
Rest of System is B550m Steel Legend, 850w PSU, 16gb DDR4, GPU is currently a GTX 1070 (needs upgrading !, next on list )

That’s some impressive lurking

 

[jigger]

AM6 may never leave TSMC if China invades Taiwan. At which point CPU prices will become silly. Over the coming year it would probably be very wise to jump to AM5, or stick your flag into the AM4 sand as far as you can while you can.

The PC industry might look bad now because of the DRAM situation, but if Taiwan falls to China the situation will become truly dire.

 

[eddyr]

Was thinking of new (but in fairness havent looked at used as yet, didnt want to risk ebay and I don't have access to MM here as yet, hence considering new). Budget wise I was looking at up to ideally £150 ish for a cpu - cheaper the better though and wanted to get best I could for that, but could 10-15% , maybe a little more if it gets me a better CPU. Total budget for CPU and MOBO (assuming MOBO needs replacing too, but hoping its just CPU) would be around £250 ideally, with scope to up by 10-15%

Used looks about £40 cheaper than new. Just noticed you had an issue you are troubleshooting, so might not be worth considering second hand, unless you have another am4 board to hand to confirm the 2nd hand cpu is not itself faulty too (but if you did then you would have ruled out the mobo).

What's the issue exactly with your system, and what makes you suspect the board/cpu?

 

[dcsarge]

I recently upgraded from an i5 to a 5700x with a view to replacing my gtx1080 so I can aim for decent 1440p.

I was lucky enough to grab my cpu from a UK retailer new for £125 before the prices went up. I have seen them listed for for not much more if you are ok with Chinese supplied tray versions.

I haven't played with overclocking much beyond the AMD app automatic all core settings. Happily runs at 4.65 all core at 61c package temp unless the gpu is maxed and dumping more heat into the case, where it rises to 67/68c. That is using a 13 year old Corsair H100 AIO.

Very happy with the performance boost for the price and will keep me going for a good few years. I am torn between a second hand gpu or an Arc B580, as I can't justify/afford the cost of a 5060ti/9060 16gb or above.

 

[sad099]

Used looks about £40 cheaper than new. Just noticed you had an issue you are troubleshooting, so might not be worth considering second hand, unless you have another am4 board to hand to confirm the 2nd hand cpu is not itself faulty too (but if you did then you would have ruled out the mobo).

What's the issue exactly with your system, and what makes you suspect the board/cpu?

Pc initially started to turn off randomly, I did memtest , checked temps all seemed fine. checked BIOS etc
It then got to a stage where as soon as I pressed power button to turn on it would either go to full fans and stay that way, or just switch off without even getting to post/bios.
It was giving led light errors, intially DRAM, then VGA so tested GPU and memory and they were fine so reseated correctly reset bios and removed cmos battery.
it then got to a point where it would only turn on and switch off and not even post - now with consistent boot and VGA error. I tried another GPU I had and same issue.
I also tried removing NVME drives to get to BIOS but same issue.

I've tested with another PSU, GPU and memory and same issue, even replaced CMOS battery, hence concluding its either CPU or Mobo. (unlikely to be cooler ? which is Corsair h115i pro 280mm water cooler)
Finally I removed CPU and thats where real issue started, CPU came away with cooler , so inspected pins (some bent so eased them back) none missing or broken , reseated, new paste and tried again, same issue.not sure where else to go, so thought try new CPU first, if still no luck then also new mobo time.
Worst case I end up with spare cpu if it turns out to be mobo (but get an upgrade in the process), best case new cpu works and I save on the mobo.

 

[eddyr]

Pc initially started to turn off randomly, I did memtest , checked temps all seemed fine. checked BIOS etc
It then got to a stage where as soon as I pressed power button to turn on it would either go to full fans and stay that way, or just switch off without even getting to post/bios.
It was giving led light errors, intially DRAM, then VGA so tested GPU and memory and they were fine so reseated correctly reset bios and removed cmos battery.
it then got to a point where it would only turn on and switch off and not even post - now with consistent boot and VGA error. I tried another GPU I had and same issue.
I also tried removing NVME drives to get to BIOS but same issue.

I've tested with another PSU, GPU and memory and same issue, even replaced CMOS battery, hence concluding its either CPU or Mobo. (unlikely to be cooler ? which is Corsair h115i pro 280mm water cooler)
Finally I removed CPU and thats where real issue started, CPU came away with cooler , so inspected pins (some bent so eased them back) none missing or broken , reseated, new paste and tried again, same issue.not sure where else to go, so thought try new CPU first, if still no luck then also new mobo time.
Worst case I end up with spare cpu if it turns out to be mobo (but get an upgrade in the process), best case new cpu works and I save on the mobo.

It does seem to point at the cpu or mobo, with the CPU pull out potentially sealing the deal.

One thought, as this has tripped me up a few times myself, but are the power cables (cpu power/gpu) definitely in and seated correctly after the component testing/movement.
- not just on the motherboard/gpu side but if its a modular cabled PSU, the PSU end also?

The only other thing that occurs to me to try is 1 ram dimm only. If the IMC on the CPU was teetering and now failing, a single dimm might just lower the burden enough if that's the case. Also try different dimm slots with the ram stick as different slots will link to 1 of 2 64bit controllers on the IMC. It would still mean a new CPU of course, but its something you can check out quickly in the meantime.

edit: another thought, if you used a pin jumper on the clear cmos pins, its not still shorted with the jumper in place, or if its a button its not stuck. On the timeline it seemed to go fully south around bios reset and PSU stage.

 

[sad099]

Thanks for responding @eddyr , yes I double checked all PSU connections to PSU and Mobo, I actually took out the PSU and tried with another 550w one I had form a previous PC and it resulted in same issue. I added back the original PSU. I also tried with one single stick of Ram , and also triued with some other DDR4 from my server, both dual and single but issue persists. CMOS I used the button to clear and also removed battery overnight and replaced battery too.
I might take out the PSU and give it a test using a paperclip and then multimeter , either way I think I need a new CPU as was fiddling with it last night and managed to break a pin trying to straighten it, I hate how AMD dont lock their processors into place compared to Intel, so easy to pull out.
I'll try a new CPU first and then mobo after that.

I was also tempted to switch to intel if I do indeed need a new cpu/mobo, just to avoid further cpu issues when removing cooler etc - is that an option ? if so whats a good CPU and mobo on intel ?
Last Intel CPU i had was the good old Q6600, may still have the old build in a cupboard somewhere

 

[Tetras]

I was also tempted to switch to intel if I do indeed need a new cpu/mobo, just to avoid further cpu issues when removing cooler etc - is that an option ? if so whats a good CPU and mobo on intel ?
Last Intel CPU i had was the good old Q6600, may still have the old build in a cupboard somewhere

Equivalent to a 5600 and B550 would be B660/B760 and a 12400/12400F (no graphics), but hard to recommend this Intel socket when 13th-14th gen CPUs have degradation question mark, which would make upgrading to a second hand CPU later very risky. That said, a 12400/12400F and H610 board (very basic, but functional) can be a cheap bundle if you shop around, or are prepared to buy a used one.

The newer socket is 1851 (Core Ultra), but that uses DDR5 so not viable anyway.