Mid-grade CPU

[GSTARR]

Hey guys, I built my computer back when the 5820k was a new thing - I have no idea what the current tech is.

 

I'm trying to start a build for my mom who does a lot of office work, and while I know she doesn't need an i7, I don't know the relevant i5's are and don't know what the AMD equivalents are

 

Even if you guys could give me some chipsets to compare I'd greatly appreciate it!!

[Lurick]

For the best value the Ryzen 1600AF (which is basically a 2600) with any B450 motherboard or a Ryzen 3600 + B450 MAX motherboard is a killer deal for all around performance. If you want to go Intel because specific things you do benefit from what it offers more then probably a 9600K is the best deal paired with a cheaper Z390 board.

 

Edit:

Completely glossed over the "for mom" part of this. Whoops!

Depending on needs the 1600AF is a pretty good value with some nice performance behind it in case tasks need to take advantage of that. Otherwise an AMD APU like a 2200G or 3200G would be great.

[Jwalbrecht2000]

Assuming this is just for light programs such as Word and the like, AMD makes Ryzen APUs for cheap. I'd recommend a 3200G or 3400G, and a B-series chipset for a good budget office build.

[Mateyyy]

If she doesn't do any video intensive work that would require a dedicated GPU, then you could get her a Ryzen APU, such as the 3400G (the Vega 11 graphics on it are about on par with a GT 1030) and pair that with a good B450 board - my picks would be either the MSI B450-A PRO MAX or the B450M PRO-VDH MAX (the "MAX" is important as it assures that it will work with Ryzen 3000 out of the box, otherwise it will require a BIOS update). 

If she does need a dedicated GPU (better than a GT 1030/Vega 11) then a good pick would be a Ryzen 1600AF/2600, also with a good B450 board. 

[RadiatingLight]

To clarify, when people say Ryzen 1600 "AF" they mean:

AMD is now making the Ryzen 5 1600 on the 12nm process, and it's basically a 2600 with a different name. (GamersNexus has a good video about this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRO_AUdmfis).

The 1600 is usually a cheaper CPU than the 2600, so that could save some money.

However, you should ensure that you’re getting the updated version, with a SKU ending in “AF” instead of “AE”