Hi guys,
I have a custom-built computer from 2018 (well, the CPU and motherboard are from that year, while the rest has been upgraded a bit over time...), and for the past few months, it's been starting to struggle under heavy workloads. My current build is as follows:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
• Cooler: Arctic Freezer 33 eSports One
• Motherboard: Asus Prime X470 Pro
• Storage: WD Black 250 GB, Crucial MX500 500 GB, Seagate Barracuda 2 TB, WD Blue 4 TB
• RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 4x8 GB 3200 MHz
• GPU: XFX Speedster SWFT 210 AMD Radeon RX 6600
• PSU: Sharkoon Silentstorm Icewind Black 550W
• Case: Sharkoon TG5
• OS: Windows 11

I mainly work in audio production on Cubase, dealing with projects that have many plugins and sample libraries. Other tasks include short video editing for Instagram (usually just one video track or no more than 5), and some light gaming on medium or low settings. The CPU load is quite high, even just from opening a Cubase project, before I even hit play. I often have trouble working and sometimes experience crashes. So, I thought about upgrading my PC by changing the CPU, but I guess I’ll need to change the motherboard as well (and while I’m at it, I’d like to change the case, which I’ve never liked). Essentially, it’s going to be a whole new PC, unfortunately.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• A CPU that will allow me to comfortably handle heavy audio production workloads, light video editing in Premiere Pro, and gaming (not aiming for anything spectacular, just medium or low settings).
• A motherboard with plenty of USB connections (I’d also like to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the desktop, though I’m not sure if these come integrated or if I need separate cards).
• A case that strikes a balance between low noise and decent airflow—my room gets very, very hot in the summer.

Is it worth buying a 5900X or 5950X to save money and keep the same mobo? or is it a waste of money?
If you have any other advice on things I should pay attention to, I’d appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

Biggest draw back when changing mobo : reinstall ALL softwares and Windows
To me, there is a big jump with 59x0x. Worth buying a new CPU only.

Your GPU is enough for the job too.

My 2cents : just swap the CPU and run

 

do I need to fresh reinstall everything if I only change CPU? or I can just unistall older driver and install newer? thank you

 

First buy a new case and upgrade the CPU - There are great Ryzen

Asus - Prime X470 Pro
CPU Support List - Scroll Down to Ryzen
https://www.asus.com/supportonly/prime x470-pro/helpdesk_cpu/

Yes your mainboard supports these CPUs --> Examples:
- Ryzen 5 PRO 5650G (3.9GHz,65W,L3:16M,6C) (Sockel AM4) from € 157,88
- Ryzen 9 5950X (Vermeer) (3.4GHz,105W,L3:64M,16C) from € 278,89

be quiet! Pure Base 600, black, soundproof - € 72,89
https://www.bequiet.com/en/case

 

Last edited: Oct 21, 2024

Im gonna upgrade to a 5900x or 5950x soon can i record realtime like intel core chips? or i would have to buy an intel for that? im still rocking my ancient i7770k it works fine but with some plugins cpu load goes up to 90 percent for example landr mastering plugin i cant use it would 12 cores be enough? i plan on recording vocals at very low latency please somebody answer

 

can i record and playback with low latency with a 5800x? im rocking a i7 7700k do i need an intel chip for low latency recording and playback? currently running with focusrite solo 3rd gen at 44100 khz 64 samples and 2ms latency can i do this with an amd ryzen? please answer

 

Yes, that's definitely enough, you have first-class equipment and good performance! Take this one: AMD Ryzen™ 9 5950X

 

Do you want to test this time " 44,1 / 256 Samples " ?



Buffer size and CPU performance
Buffer size and CPU power are interconnected, so let’s look at them together.
What is a buffer? A buffer “buys time” for the CPU by delaying the data stream and introducing latency. You can set the buffer size in your DAW or audio interface settings.

Low buffer sizes lead to high CPU workload, high buffer sizes to less CPU workload.
Source & Read more: www.lewitt-audio.com/blog/low-latency-audio-interface

The Ultimate Guide to Optimize your Windows PC for the Stage - PDF
https://gigperformer.com/docs/ultimate-guide-to-optimize-windows-for-stage/The Ultimate Guide to Optimize your Windows PC for the Stage.pdf
Optimize your PC for audio in Windows 11 https://support.focusrite.com/hc/de...ptimieren-des-PCs-für-Audio-unter-Windows-11#
Optimize your PC for audio in Windows 10 https://support.focusrite.com/hc/de...ndows-10-für-die-Arbeit-mit-Audio-optimieren#

 

Last edited: Oct 21, 2024

No need to reinstall anything, only with motherboard.
New HDD, RAM, CPU, GPU ... don't need reinstall.

Only (may be) some (shady) software will need re-authorize due to different hardware signature.

 

IMPORTANT! Update the BIOS before you install the new CPU. Your motherboard might not support the 5000 series out of the box, but it will after a bios update, but you can only do this while your old CPU is installed.

 

I would definetely go with 5900X, really great bang for the buck, performs better then 7700X and cost less, I’m building my next AM4 rig with it with Deepcool AK620.

 

Why people keep chasing faster bigger! sounds like choosing a partner! If you're not producing decent music by now! Don't blame the tools!

 

Last edited: Oct 21, 2024

I stumbled (many times) with this too (drop outs)...and I thought the problem is a weak CPU, but, heck, why didn't I see this video 9 years ago?

Richard Ames Music
CPU Performance vs. Real-Time Performance in Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)
http://surl.li/inzink

 

Last edited: Oct 21, 2024

When you say 'starting to struggle' Is the WD 250 gb hard drive your main drive containing windows? The reason I ask is because I would be willing to bet that is an old drive that has maybe got some bad sectors on it.. IF I'm right, it could be slowing the WHOLE machine down!

If you can look online and find a piece of software from Piriform called Speccy, that will tell you IF the hard drive is bad.

 

thank you!! I will do this asap

haha yes, I'm definitely right with you, always been of this idea. however, I am! I am producing music that satisfies me (for now), and I just need some more headroom to work but thanks for your bit

thank you, but this is a 9-yo video bro lol however, I usually do a lot of optimization for the OS, so that is definitely not a problem

thank you! no, it's not, it's a NVME drive and I keep it clean sadly it's the CPU work overload

 

That is a pity.. CPU are a pain to change.

One last question. Is the CPU overheating? because that is another reason it could be slowing down. Sometimes a casing fan is set on a slow setting. In the BIOS you can speed it up

 

You don't need to reinstall everything when changing mobo. I alway used Intel systems and I changed at least 4 different mobos/CPUs etc combinations without having to reinstall all of my vsts. Some of them need reauthorization but other not. You will have to reinstall drivers to accomodate new hardware but it's better than having to reinstall everything from scratch (if, like me, you have many vsts).

 

i use 64 samples buffer sometimes i go lower; literally no perceived latency in reaper and live 12. love it. amd 5700x. gen4 nvme helps with kontakt and omnisphere. asus rog strix b550. low heat. not sure if 5900x or 5950x gives lower latency thou

 

Thank you so much, you were very clean and precise actually don't need a Mobo anymore, because I will probably follow the advices in this thread and go for a 5900/5950.

Yes, a new case would be amazing. But Be Quiet! cases cost a lot and dismounting everything it's a pain.

Also, could you suggest a better cooler for the new CPU?