Switching to AM5, need help with build

[sanadsaad]

Hi all. So I waited too long to switch to an X3d processor as I waited for a newer graphics card and now the prices are not what i'd pay for a cheap AM4 upgrade. Also, I was looking at upgrading my macbook pro (2019 Intel i9) and realised I would prefer using one rig for everything as my macbook was mostly docked anyway. Also, my brother in law wanted a basic gaming rig so im thinking of keeping the case, cooler and power supply and leave the rest for him. This is my current build:

As per the template:

Purchase Timeframe:
3 months
Budget:
2000 pounds
Usage:
Gaming and Video/Photo editing
Preferences:
AMD but happy to go with whatever is best for budget
Current Hardware:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Crosshair VII
RAM: Team Group Xtreem "8Pack Edition" 32GB (4x8GB) DDR4
PC4-25600C14 3200MHz Quad Channel Kit - Black
GPU: Sapphire Vega 64
Case: Corsair Obsidian 1000D
PSU: Superflower 850W
Boot drive: Samsung 970 EVO Polaris 500GB M.2 2280 PCI-e 3.0 x4 NVMe
HDD: Seagate 3TB BarraCuda 7200RPM 256MB Cache Internal HardDrive (ST3000DM007)
Air Cooler: Noctua NH D-15
Monitor: Samsung G7 Odyssey

Peripherals:
? Change monitor

Special Needs/Requirements (inc Wi-Fi):
Wifi included, preferrably Wifi6 or 7. Happy adding card if that's better for performance.

 

[sanadsaad]

Very stimulating discussion and excellent points! I have never used NVIDIA cards after the 8800gtx but id want a card that handles both games and photo editing. I do edit some video but not much. Ill be keeping the cooler (Noctua nh d15 chromax), case (obsidian 1000D) and PSU (Leadex 80plus platinum 850w) so that gives me some room. For the processor, I think ill go for the 9950x3d as it covers both gaming and productivity.I had a few questions.

1. Any major benefit of x480e vs b850?
2. Is it better to go with 6000mhz ram or better to fork out for faster memory?

@Craig_d1 it was good to hear about your gaming with your kids. My son is 10 months old but i look forward to gaming with him when he's a bit older!

 

[sanadsaad]

Before I add my 2c on the main components, you don't need Wifi 7 - a lot of devices aren't properly Wifi 7 certified (they used some aspects of the ratified standard but not all) so going Wifi 6e would be an excellent option.

Just keep in mind that most onboard Wifi isn't very good and you may want to move to a proper LAN cable.

What about going the upgrade to your current rig route?

I don't love the AMD AM4 5900X CPU upgrade at £250 as even though it has 12 cores and 24 threads, it's still £250 and you can get close to it's performance on AM5 with a lower tier CPU.
If you could get a used AMD 5950X at a good price, that would allow you to dump a lot more money into your GPU.

I prefer the AM5 route given the price to performance and upgrade path but AM4 shouldn't be completely written off, especially if the price of the upgrade is excellent.

BTW, I agree with Tammzy on the upgrade options.

I have been thinking about what you said. Ive recently started playing more games and realised I'm getting decent frame rates with the games I play currently but the CPU is very slow. Maybe upgrade the SSD to 2TB NVME and drop in a 5700x3D? See if the system speeds up enough? And then upgrade GPU accordingly. 9070XT has got better against the 5070Ti with latest drivers but more cards are coming with more RAM. Im wondering if I should wait and get one decent graphics card to last me a good 5 years? Alternatively, I bite the bullet and build a great AM5 system around the 9950x3D that gives me good gaming and productivity and lasts me well into at least 5 years? Im sorry I know I'm being indecisive but I thought I'd put my thoughts here and benefit from your guidance.