Advice for processor upgrade (5700x, 5900x)

[xilex]

Hey everyone, I'm not a pro server admin like everyone else here, so I currently have a basic machine that I have a 2600x with a cheap Asus A320M-K motherboard, running ESXi. There is nothing too CPU-intensive running (a Mac OS, several Ubuntu with Docker stuff, a couple Windows VM including one that I passed a 3090 GPU to). I am gaming on the Windows VM (streaming with Moonlight) and it works pretty well, but am running into CPU limits compared to what the GPU is capable of (ie CPU is capped out in games and emulation). Therefore, I would like to upgrade the processor. I would go with 5900x, but it would require upgrading the PSU and a new cooler, and probably the motherboard based on a few things I read online about cheaper motherboards and high temperatures on the VRMs. So I thought of going with 5700x since that is a 65W versus 105W, and about the same performance as 5800x.

Given this, do you think 5700x is reasonable to go with in this situation. Several years in the future, I will consider building out a new system, but for now I would like to avoid upgrading all these other components. Thanks.

 

[T_Minus]

be sure to check for deals on the new 7000 series, some are rivaling the 5000 series right now.

 

[Sean Ho]

If budget permits, 5800X3D is a great high-clock chip suitable for gaming.

 

[xilex]

be sure to check for deals on the new 7000 series, some are rivaling the 5000 series right now.

Yes, unfortunately my motherboard only supports AM4 at this moment.

If budget permits, 5800X3D is a great high-clock chip suitable for gaming.

Thank you for the suggestion. I am hesitant to opt for the 5800X3D because it is 105W TDP like the 5900x, so would end up with a new cooler, and the PSU will probably need replacement among other concerns I had with going 5900x.

 

[rtech]

That motherboard is your limiter it could be even limiting you right now

Motherboard VRM Tier List v2 (currently AMD only) Credit to: @LukeSavenije The following list is based on facts, ranked on power delivery and known problems. The list will include boards that support CPU overclocking available at retail from different brands. There are still differences in performance among boards of the same tier. As a result, ... linustechtips.com

B550 VRM DB sheet 시트1 Feedback : harukaze5719@gmail.com. Don't requst permission / You can leave comment :) Product,Price,Config,Phase Type,VRM Type,MOSFET (Vcore),PWM Controller,LAN,Wireless LAN,Audio ASUS ROG STRIX B550-XE Gaming WiFi,$ 330,14+2,Dual-Output,DrMOS,TI X95410RR 90A,ASP1405i (7+1),Intel I225-V (2.5... docs.google.com

AM4 Vcore VRM Ratings v1.4 (2019-11-07) AM4 Vcore VRM Ratings v1.4 AM4 Vcore VRM Ratings v1.4 (2019-11-07) By Cr1318 (Reddit) Cautilus#5912 (Discord) (I don't accept random friend requests on Discord, but you can send me a question on there if you share a server with me, you can find me on the discord.gg/overclock server, otherwise... docs.google.com

Look your mobo and see if VRM is the limit.

 

[xilex]

That motherboard is your limiter it could be even limiting you right now

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Look your mobo and see if VRM is the limit.

Nice, thanks for the links, really good reference. My motherboard is really ghetto budget level, it's not even listed on there, including the A320 chipset.

 

[Marjan]

Recently I upgraded my sons PC from Ryzen 3 1200 to Ryzen 5 5500, mobo is same A320 chipset as yours. In World of Tanks with Ryzen 3, low graphics settings, frame rate around 60 fps.
With Ryzen 5 5500, all graphics settins are on high, always above 120 fps!

So, I would say do a simple upgrade to 5700x, it should last couple of years if not more.

 

[rtech]

Newer CPU are of course more efficient so from limited VRM you can get more mileage from your old motherboard