Best AM4 Upgrades for 2022: AMD Ryzen 2600, 2700, & 1600AF Revisited & Benchmarked In a recent YouTube video, Gamers Nexus dives deep into the AMD Ryzen 2000 series, specifically revisiting the Ryzen 5 2600, 2700, and the 1600AF, which has gained attention for its popularity and affordability. As the landscape of CPUs evolves with the introduction of the Ryzen 5000 series and beyond, this revisit provides valuable insights for enthusiasts looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Overview
The video begins by highlighting the impressive price drops for the Ryzen 5000 series and older 3000 series options, making it a prime time for gamers and PC builders to consider upgrades. The video also emphasizes the importance of checking motherboard compatibility with newer CPUs, particularly for older models like the B350 and B450 chipsets. This is critical because not all motherboards support the latest Ryzen CPUs due to VRM limitations.
Compatibility and Pricing
With the Ryzen 5 5600X priced around $160 and the 5800X at approximately $250, these models offer significant performance jumps over their predecessors. The 5800X3D, known for its gaming performance, is also mentioned but comes at a higher price point. The video reiterates the importance of ensuring that your current motherboard's BIOS can accommodate these newer processors, as older boards might not provide the necessary support for higher tiers like the 5900X or 5950X.
Benchmarking Performance
Gamers Nexus conducts extensive benchmarking across various games and applications, demonstrating performance gains achievable with both stock and overclocked settings. For instance, in CS:GO at 1080p, the Ryzen 5 2600 averaged 175 FPS, with upgrades like the 5600X elevating performance significantly higher. In Far Cry 6, the 5600X managed a 52% performance increase over the 2600, suggesting that even minor upgrades can lead to substantial gains.
Production Benchmark Insights
Beyond gaming, the video delves into productivity applications like Blender and coding tasks, where Ryzen CPUs historically excelled. Here, the 5800X exhibited a remarkable 37% decrease in render time over the 2700, underlining the generational improvements in processing power for tasks that utilize multiple cores effectively.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The video does not shy away from discussing power consumption, indicating that while the Ryzen 2700 can draw significant power under load, newer models like the 5600X manage to maintain lower power draw while delivering better performance. In terms of efficiency, the 5600X is highlighted as a standout choice, requiring less energy for comparable workloads compared to its older counterparts.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The experts conclude that upgrading to a Ryzen 5000 series CPU, whether you opt for a 5600X or a 5800X, is a wise choice, especially for gamers stuck on antiquated hardware. Additionally, the video suggests that many performance issues with older systems could stem from aging Windows installations and advises users to consider a fresh OS install if they are experiencing performance drops. Overall, the video serves as a practical guide for those considering upgrading their systems on a budget, spotlighting the continued relevance of AM4 sockets in a rapidly changing market. If you're contemplating an upgrade, watching this video will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your options and the potential benefits of investing in a new CPU. What are your thoughts? Have you considered upgrading your AM4 system? Share your experiences or ask questions about potential upgrades below!
