Upgrading CPU for Windows 11

[KoffeeKing]

I have a PC I built a while back:

Ryzen 5 1500X

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti

16 GB 2133MHz RAM

B350 Tomahawk Mobo

 

I don't do a lot of work or gaming on this computer, just games like Dig or Die or Power Wash or such. I Want to get Windows 11 but it says my CPU is out dated. I priced out building a new PC and it would be a choice between a new PC and dinner for the kids, so I have to keep this PC. 

 

I looked at the B350 I have and it says its an AM4 Socket. When I look on Newegg for AM4 chips and then take the numbers (such as Ryzen 7 5700X) to the Windows processor requirements page either the number is not there or if it is it has a different ending such as a G or U. 

 

Does anyone know of a compatible CPU on that would work on my B350 and meet windows 11 requirements? If I cant find a CPU I just wont upgrade, I know its not the end of the world just wanted to make sure I could get the latest security updates. 

[Poinkachu]

19 minutes ago, KoffeeKing said:

I have a PC I built a while back:

Ryzen 5 1500X

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti

16 GB 2133MHz RAM

B350 Tomahawk Mobo

 

I don't do a lot of work or gaming on this computer, just games like Dig or Die or Power Wash or such. I Want to get Windows 11 but it says my CPU is out dated. I priced out building a new PC and it would be a choice between a new PC and dinner for the kids, so I have to keep this PC. 

 

I looked at the B350 I have and it says its an AM4 Socket. When I look on Newegg for AM4 chips and then take the numbers (such as Ryzen 7 5700X) to the Windows processor requirements page either the number is not there or if it is it has a different ending such as a G or U. 

 

Does anyone know of a compatible CPU on that would work on my B350 and meet windows 11 requirements? If I cant find a CPU I just wont upgrade, I know its not the end of the world just wanted to make sure I could get the latest security updates. 

First of all : 
Windows 10 has 1 year free ESU (Extended Security Update) that you can sign up to get.

 

Second : 

If you know how to browse the internet safely, you pretty much can just keep using Win 10.

 

For CPU compatibility :
Your motherboard's support page shows that you can use up to Ryzen 5000 CPUs with the latest BETA Bios

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B350-TOMAHAWK/support

 

As for Windows 11 supported CPU list :

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-amd-processors

 

You have plenty of CPU upgrade options

[KoffeeKing]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I will look into the ESU as that may help give me some time. I do browse safely, however the kids don't always. I have a few safe guards up to make sure they stay on appropriate sites but you never know and I would rather a bit more security after the ESU runs out.

 

Thank you for the info on the motherboard, I thought I just had to find AM4 CPUs, but this helps better. I was using that Windows link, however with the information you gave me it looks like as long as I update my Bios both lists have the 5600X so I should be safe to get that and put it in.

 

Thank you again!

[jaslion]

Also your pc will run windows 11 fine. You can use rufus to install windows 11 with the cpu check disabled and it runs happily without a problem

[KoffeeKing]

1 hour ago, jaslion said:

Also your pc will run windows 11 fine. You can use rufus to install windows 11 with the cpu check disabled and it runs happily without a problem

I looked into it but I still would need a windows 11 key and that is $189, I can get a CPU from ebay for $200 then the upgrade is free I think. Might just be easier to get the Ryzen 5 5600X for the extra $11

[starsmine]

all zen+ through zen 3 will be compatble, but you may need to do a bios update with both CPUs. 

Zen 5 5600x is a great choice. 

12 minutes ago, KoffeeKing said:

I looked into it but I still would need a windows 11 key and that is $189, I can get a CPU from ebay for $200 then the upgrade is free I think. Might just be easier to get the Ryzen 5 5600X for the extra $11

yea the upgrade should be free. 

[Lurking]

3 hours ago, KoffeeKing said:

I looked into it but I still would need a windows 11 key and that is $189, I can get a CPU from ebay for $200 then the upgrade is free I think. Might just be easier to get the Ryzen 5 5600X for the extra $11

Do you need the Pro? 

 

Regardless, out of all the options, upgrading CPU is best unless you need significantly more power justifying a new platform. 

 

FWIW. there used to be registry hacks or similar to allow-in place upgrade on unsupported hardware. But MS may block them now, and they also may screw up your OS. Or if you cna borrow a supported CPU, you could upgrade and then install your old CPU. 

 

On the other hand, a new more powerful CPU always is a good idea  

[foxbill86]

On 1/11/2026 at 2:19 AM, KoffeeKing said:

I have a PC I built a while back:

Ryzen 5 1500X

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti

16 GB 2133MHz RAM

B350 Tomahawk Mobo

 

I don't do a lot of work or gaming on this computer, just games like Dig or Die or Power Wash or such. I Want to get Windows 11 but it says my CPU is out dated. I priced out building a new PC and it would be a choice between a new PC and dinner for the kids, so I have to keep this PC. 

 

I looked at the B350 I have and it says its an AM4 Socket. When I look on Newegg for AM4 chips and then take the numbers (such as Ryzen 7 5700X) to the Windows processor requirements page either the number is not there or if it is it has a different ending such as a G or U. 

 

Does anyone know of a compatible CPU on that would work on my B350 and meet windows 11 requirements? If I cant find a CPU I just wont upgrade, I know its not the end of the world just wanted to make sure I could get the latest security updates. 

R5 5600