Zen+ or Zen2? Which CPU?

[NTICompass]

So, since AMD dropped their crazy new Zen2 chips, I assume prices will drop on the "old" Zen+ line.  I'm in the process of building a new gaming computer, and I'm debating what processor to get.

My current machine uses an Intel Xeon E5450 (basically a Core 2 Quad Q9650), 8GB DDR2 and an AMD Radeon RX 460.  So, basically whatever chip I decide to buy will be an upgrade and stop bottle-necking the GPU (right?).

 

I'm not sure what I should.

Do I get a Ryzen 5 2600 for like $140?  Spend a bit more to get a Ryzen 5 2600x for $160?

Or drop $200 on the new Ryzen 5 3600?  Or spend that same $200 on a Ryzen 7 2700?

 

What CPU would you suggest I get?  Or should I keep waiting and see if the 2600 or 2700 drop in price even more?

[jaslion]

An rx460 isn't really gonna be bottlenecked much by an e5450. It's not that great of a card so don't expect a big performance jump when you get a new cpu. Considering you get the motherboard + cpu if you go for a 2600+ b450 combo compared to a 3600 I would get that one. That no boards have the bios for the new cpu's yet and not all have a bios flashback utility.

[NTICompass]

I already have a B450 board, since I was able to get it for cheap (+rebate).   According to ASRock, the board should support the 3600.

My thought was to get a 2600, as that should probably be fine, but I just wondering what people thought, and if I should buy now or wait if/for prices to drop...

[Fasauceome]

A Ryzen 5 1600 is pretty cheap too, and still a pretty huge upgrade from the core 2 quad. I'd honestly get that one if you're looking to get a decent CPU for the least possible.

 

With the money you save, grab an RX 570 or even 580 off eBay and you're golden. Alternatively, GTX 970 prices are not bad.

[NTICompass]

9 minutes ago, fasauceome said:

A Ryzen 5 1600 is pretty cheap too, and still a pretty huge upgrade from the core 2 quad. I'd honestly get that one if you're looking to get a decent CPU for the least possible.

 

With the money you save, grab an RX 570 or even 580 off eBay and you're golden. Alternatively, GTX 970 prices are not bad.

I didn't really consider going to an older gen Ryzen like the 1600.  Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into what those guys cost.

I do eventually want to upgrade from the RX 460, but since I already have it, I'll keep using it for now.

[Guest]

I would go for the R5 2600 or R7 2700 seeing as you have a B450 board. No issues with the bios that way. The 2xxx series are still good cpu's.

[NTICompass]

9 minutes ago, lee32uk said:

I would go for the R5 2600 or R7 2700 seeing as you have a B450 board. No issues with the bios that way. The 2xxx series are still good cpu's.

Is it worth the extra few bucks to get the 2600x over the 2600?  Or is the even more extra worth it to get the 2700 (over the 3600)?

I'm probably gonna get the R5 2600, but I'm still arguing with myself over what I should do >.>

[Fasauceome]

13 minutes ago, NTICompass said:

Is it worth the extra few bucks to get the 2600x over the 2600

In this case, it is a good deal to get the 2600x because it's only $20 more

[brob]

Zen 2 IPC looks to be better than Intel and so significantly better than Zen+. Unless budget dictates otherwise, Zen 2 is a better choice. (Intel cpu do have higher clocked cores which tends to make them a touch better in gaming. There is also some indication that Zen 2 cpu do not have as much overclocking headroom.)