Upgrade from Ryzen 1600 to 3700X: Is it worth it?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Need for an Upgrade
3. Lag and Rendering Times
4. Gaming Performance
5. Introduction to the Ryzen 7
6. productivity and Performance
7. GPU and CPU Balance
8. Upgrading RAM
9. Future GPU Upgrade
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of upgrading a budget PC and specifically focus on the performance improvements that can be achieved by upgrading from an AMD Ryzen 5 1600 processor to a Ryzen 7. We will explore the reasons for the upgrade, including issues with lag and rendering times, as well as the potential for improved gaming performance. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of balancing the GPU and CPU, the benefits of upgrading RAM, and the possibility of a future GPU upgrade. So, if you currently have a Ryzen 5 1600 and are considering an upgrade, keep reading to find out if it's worth it.

The Need for an Upgrade

The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 processor has served its purpose but is now showing signs of aging. As a user, you may have experienced lag and sluggishness, particularly during editing tasks. Additionally, rendering times may have become longer, impacting your productivity. Even for gaming purposes, the Ryzen 5 1600 may not be able to deliver the desired frame rates, especially when paired with a 4K display. This could potentially be attributed to a bottleneck caused by the graphics card, which in this case is the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. Considering these performance issues, an upgrade seems necessary.

Lag and Rendering Times

One of the primary concerns when using the Ryzen 5 1600 is the presence of lag during editing tasks. Scrubbing across a timeline may not be as smooth as desired, impacting the overall editing experience. Additionally, rendering times may be longer, causing delays in project completion. Upgrading to a more powerful processor like the Ryzen 7 3700X can potentially address these issues. With eight cores and a clock speed of 4.4GHz, the Ryzen 7 offers better performance compared to the Ryzen 5 1600. Upgrading to the Ryzen 7 should result in shorter rendering times and smoother editing experiences.

Gaming Performance

For users who enjoy gaming on their PCs, the Ryzen 5 1600 may not be able to deliver satisfactory frame rates. With a 4K display, the current setup may only achieve around 30 to 40 frames per Second (FPS) in games like Call of Duty. However, it is important to note that the bottleneck here may lie with the graphics card rather than the CPU. The GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, being a lower-end GPU, may struggle to keep up with the demands of a 4K display. Upgrading to a more capable graphics card, such as the RTX 2060, would likely provide a significant improvement in gaming performance.

Pros:

• Upgrading the CPU can improve overall gaming performance
• The Ryzen 7 3700X offers strong single-core performance, benefiting gaming experiences

Cons:

• The graphics card may still be a bottleneck, necessitating an additional GPU upgrade

Introduction to the Ryzen 7

The Ryzen 7 3700X is a powerful CPU that offers a significant boost in performance compared to the Ryzen 5 1600. With eight cores and a clock speed of 4.4GHz, it provides a substantial upgrade in processing power. This makes it an ideal choice for tasks that require multitasking or intensive workloads, such as video editing and rendering. The Ryzen 7 3700X also features a low power consumption of 65 watts, making it an energy-efficient option. This CPU comes with the Wraith Spire cooler, which effectively keeps the temperatures under control, even during intense workloads.

Pros:

• Eight cores and high clock speed provide excellent multitasking performance
• Low power consumption makes it an energy-efficient option
• Includes the Wraith Spire cooler for effective temperature management

Cons:

• May require an additional cooler for optimal overclocking

Productivity and Performance

One of the significant advantages of upgrading to the Ryzen 7 3700X is the improved productivity and performance it offers for tasks such as video editing. With its eight cores and higher clock speed, the Ryzen 7 can handle multitasking and intensive workloads with ease. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro should see a noticeable improvement in performance, resulting in smoother operation and faster rendering times. For users who rely on their PCs for productivity-related tasks, the upgrade to the Ryzen 7 3700X is well worth considering.

GPU and CPU Balance

When it comes to choosing a processor for video editing and gaming, it is crucial to consider the balance between the GPU and CPU. While the Ryzen 7 3700X offers impressive performance, it is essential to ensure that the graphics card can keep up. In the case of the Ryzen 5 1600, the CPU may have been limited by the capabilities of the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. In such scenarios, upgrading the GPU, such as to the RTX 2060, becomes a logical step to restore balance and maximize performance. This way, both the CPU and GPU work harmoniously to deliver optimal results.

Upgrading RAM

Another component that can significantly impact performance is the amount and speed of RAM. Upgrading from 16GB of 2400MHz RAM to 32GB of 3000MHz RAM can result in better overall system performance, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously. With video editing software like Premiere Pro, having more RAM can lead to smoother operation and reduced rendering times. The increase in speed from 2400MHz to 3000MHz offers a noticeable improvement in data transfer rates, ultimately contributing to a more responsive system.

Future GPU Upgrade

While upgrading to the Ryzen 7 3700X may provide a substantial performance boost, one aspect that may still hold back the system is the graphics card. The GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, being a lower-end GPU, may struggle to deliver the desired frame rates in graphically demanding games. Upgrading to a more capable GPU, such as the RTX 2060, can provide a significant improvement in gaming performance. The RTX 2060 offers ray tracing capabilities and better overall performance, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading from an AMD Ryzen 5 1600 to a Ryzen 7 3700X can provide substantial performance improvements, particularly when it comes to productivity tasks like video editing. The Ryzen 7's eight cores and higher clock speed deliver faster rendering times and a smoother editing experience. While gaming performance may see some improvement, it is essential to address any potential GPU bottleneck by upgrading to a more capable graphics card. Additionally, upgrading RAM to a higher capacity and faster speed can further enhance the overall system performance. Considering these factors, the upgrade to the Ryzen 7 3700X is a worthwhile investment for those seeking better performance and productivity from their budget PC.

Highlights:

• Upgrading from Ryzen 5 1600 to Ryzen 7 3700X provides significant performance improvements
• Lag and rendering times can be reduced with the Ryzen 7 processor
• Gaming performance can see a boost, but a GPU upgrade may be necessary for optimal results
• Balancing the GPU and CPU is crucial for maximizing performance
• Upgrading RAM can lead to better multitasking and system responsiveness

FAQ

Q: Is the upgrade from Ryzen 5 1600 to Ryzen 7 3700X worth it for gaming?
A: While the Ryzen 7 3700X offers stronger single-core performance, gaming performance may still be limited by the graphics card. Upgrading the GPU, such as to the RTX 2060, is recommended for optimal gaming performance.

Q: Will upgrading RAM improve video editing performance?
A: Yes, upgrading from 16GB to 32GB of RAM, with an increase in speed from 2400MHz to 3000MHz, can result in smoother operation and reduced rendering times in video editing software like Premiere Pro.

Q: Is the Wraith Spire cooler included with the Ryzen 7 3700X sufficient for overclocking?
A: While the Wraith Spire cooler is effective for keeping temperatures under control during intense workloads, for optimal overclocking, an additional cooler may be required.

Resources:

• Amazon - AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• Amazon - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060