Upgrading CPU and/or memory?

[Thom_0203]

Hey!

 

A couple of weeks ago I built a system with an RX 560 and a 3200g, and it has been very sufficient for light gaming and general use.

 

However, soon I will be starting my computer science study and from my university ive been recommended to make use of a laptop with the following specs:

- i7 or higher (or AMD equivalent)

- 16Gb of ram

- 512GB SSD storage

 

Im currently using a surface laptop 3 13' i5 model, and im not looking to change it (anything higher than an i5 in a laptop is waaaaaay too expensive). So, to make sure I have a powerhouse available I'm strongly considering changing the CPU in my desktop.

 

Im thinking about changing out the 3200G with either a 3600, 3600x or 3700x. Then, another thing I need to consider is the memory. Currently I just have a single stick of 16GB 2400mhz I had in another system. Should I upgrade this aswell? If so, what should I focus on more: a more powerful cpu or faster dual channel memory? Im honestly not looking to drop a lot of cash on this, so I'd like to find the sweetspot.

 

If anyone has any ideas, please let me know! Thanks in advance.

[wall03]

3700x should be fine.

I would also get a slightly better GPU but you might not need that.

[MaterFerguson]

The Ryzen 3600 has a very good price to performance ratio, right now it is $158.99 on Amazon. as far as gaming goes it is nearly the equal to the 3700x and with a little overclocking is practically the same as the 3600x.

[Thom_0203]

7 minutes ago, MaterFerguson said:

with a little overclocking is practically the same as the 3600x

Yes, I have noticed that the 3600x doesnt really seem worth it since you can overclock the 3600 to get atleast closer to the 3600x and that the price difference isnt really worth it. Im just doubting about whether I should just not look at my bank account and go all-in on the CPU (with a 3700x) and RAM or save like $150 by going for the 3600. Also thinking about getting a decent webcam but they're expensive aswell.