Need some input on a dilemma that I have…
I have a Alienware R8:
i5 8400
16GB ram
Sapphire RX 480
850 Watt PSU
M.2 1 TB
And liquid cooled
Yes I know its a pre-built, but it was convenient at that time. Since then I have started to build PC’s.
I am wanting to do some minor upgrades. The two choices that are below is what I have decided to go with, BUT, I can only do ONE right now.
CPU: i5 9600K
GPU: RX 5600 XT
My budget only allows for these, nothing more. But I can only chose one. So any suggestions or insight will be greatly appreciated.
gpu for sure. 480 is long in the tooth and the 5600xt is much much stronger.
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I was really hoping you would say CPU lol.
But after comparing them on gpu.userbenchmark I will have to agree. BIG difference
Well, CPU will be helpful too, especially in WoW, but only if you overclock (which i’m going to guess isn’t going to happen on that OEM board) and IMO you’re gaining much less moving from that chip to basically the same chip but just unlocked, vs. spending that money on the GPU.
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I do see your point. But I can OC on this board. Its just some crap to do it.
GPU it is. Thank you very much @Salranas
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Disclaimer: There’s new cards coming out very shortly. You may find yourself in the position that newer cards shift the price stack, or the 3060ti (rumored to be around $349) or the Navi23 (rumored to be around the same price) will give you better performance and more features than the 5600xt (although it is much cheaper at only ~$270)
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Just wanted to update you on my “new” card…
I got the XFX 5600 XT, and then flashed the performance BIOS. And man this thing is awesome. I wanted to thank you again for you suggesting to get a new card instead of a new cpu.
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Glad you’re enjoying it my friend. Game on!
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Also new CPUs are coming out in the next quarter. So if you find yourself wanting to upgrade, at that point you’ll have more options. Or better prices.
I suspect to see some good BF Ryzen 3000 deals.
I have to stick with Intel seeing I have this Alienware machine and I really can’t change the mobo. I’m really just thinking about building a new one with all the parts I have minus the mobo and PSU.
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If you want to get the most out of your system, consider seeing if a locked 9700 is compatible with your board. If so, you might want to keep an eye out for deals on these chips. I saw one for $259 a while back, which for your application would extend the useful life out of your system a few years. A locked 9900 might work too, but it would probably be a bit much in terms of VRM and cooling. Probably the 9700 is on the edge as well, though.
https://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-9700F-Desktop-Processor-Graphics/dp/B07S8DWXT3/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=i7-9700&qid=1602276063&sr=8-4
That said, it’s not going to be a game-breaking difference in performance in most games. 2 more cores and a couple hundred mhz. In some AAA games it will make a significant difference, but not really WoW so much outside of the raw frequency (which isn’t really that huge anyway). But I could justify this purchase and it makes sense and its a better value proposition over the 9600k as at least you’re also getting wider resources.
What I would do: I would personally hang on to what you got and upgrade the whole platform at a later date.
What resolution are you playing on? That would also help on making the best choice.
Yeah, forgot about this. I’m always still presuming everyone’s on a 1080p/144 or better display.
I may have done him a disservice by recommending the GPU 
I’m sure the 9700 will work. BUT, my i5 8400 runs at around 140 degree F with a water cooler. My concern is air flow right now. Thats one of the biggest reasons I want to build with a new case.
1080P on Dell Gaming Monitor
Do you know the refresh on it?
Nice - i feel better now LOL. The 5600xt will push that with very high settings a lot better than the 480. And new games that aren’t WoW will benefit a lot from that even at 1080p.
And for the temp - 140f is around 60c, which is pretty good. I wouldn’t worry about temps unless while gaming/normal use its above 80c (176f)
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Oh its never been over 145.
I also play COD, and I have it all on Ultra. And its stays at 140
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