AMD Ryzen 7 3700X vs. AMD Ryzen 5 3500X - Performance Difference?

I'm currently trying to decide between the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X and the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X for my next build. Can anyone provide some insight on the performance difference between these two CPUs? I've heard the 3700X has more cores but is there much of a difference in real-world usage?

Hey @SwiggyStardust, the main difference between the Ryzen 7 3700X and the Ryzen 5 3500X is that the 3700X has 8 cores compared to the 3500X's 6 cores. The 3700X also has a higher base frequency (3.6 GHz) and max boost frequency (4.4 GHz for single core). So if you plan on doing more multitasking or heavy lifting with your PC, the 3700X might be a better choice.

@SwiggyStardust, I've been using the Ryzen 7 3700X for a while now and it's fantastic! The higher core count really makes a difference in multitasking and when running resource-intensive applications. However, if you're on a budget or have limited space for your CPU cooler, the Ryzen 5 3500X could be a great alternative. I've also read TechReviewer's article about these two CPUs: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X vs. AMD Ryzen 5 3500X. It gives a pretty comprehensive comparison.

Thanks for the input, @seifersam. My current build plan includes a large amount of RAM and multiple GPU setups. I'm assuming more cores would help with that? Also, any idea how much difference in temperature or noise might there be between these two CPUs when under load?

Yes, @SwiggyStardust, having more cores can definitely help with handling large amounts of RAM and processing multiple GPUs. The Ryzen 7 3700X should give you better performance in those scenarios. As for temperature and noise, it really depends on the cooling solution you use. Both CPUs should be fairly similar in terms of heat generation, but a higher core count might lead to slightly increased noise if your cooler isn't up to the task.

@SwiggyStardust, another factor to consider is future proofing. The Ryzen 7 3700X's higher core count and better single-core performance could provide more room for future upgrades, such as more demanding games or professional tools. If you're looking to keep your system up-to-date over time, the 3700X might be the way to go.

Good point @Wallabuba. I hadn't thought about that aspect. So it seems like the Ryzen 7 3700X would generally offer better performance for my use case. But is there a significant difference in terms of overclocking potential between these two CPUs?

@SwiggyStardust, both the Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 5 3500X have good overclocking support, so you should be able to get decent performance boosts on both CPUs with proper cooling and tuning. However, the 3700X's higher base frequency might allow for slightly better overclocks compared to the 3500X.

That's helpful to know, @seifersam. I think I'll go with the Ryzen 7 3700X based on your experience and the TechReviewer article. I'm just hoping my CPU cooler can handle it!

Great choice, @SwiggyStardust! The Ryzen 7 3700X should serve you well for years to come. Just make sure to monitor your temperatures during stress tests and adjust your cooling solution if necessary. Happy building!