Hi everyone. I'm still using an AM4 system and I'm currently considering a CPU upgrade.

My current system is:

* **CPU: Ryzen 5 3600**
* **RAM: 32GB**
* **GPU: RX 9060 8GB**
* **Monitor: FHD 280Hz**

The current prices in Korea are roughly:

* **Ryzen 5 5600XT — ₩165,000 ≈ $120**
* **Ryzen 5 5500X3D — ₩283,610 ≈ $205**

The 5500X3D has become quite expensive here, so I'm wondering whether spending around **$205 on an AM4 CPU** is still worth it.

I'm considering two options:

**① Ryzen 5 5600XT — \~$120**

Get the relatively inexpensive 5600XT and try tuning it with PBO/Curve Optimizer, something like **CO -20 and a +200 MHz boost override**, assuming the chip can handle it.

**② Ryzen 5 5500X3D — \~$205**

Just bite the bullet and pay the extra money for the X3D chip, then keep my AM4 system for as long as possible.

My main games are:

* **Wuthering Waves**
* **Neverness to Everness (NTE)**
* **Apex Legends**
* **Counter-Strike 2**
* and various other games.

I play both CPU-heavy games like Wuthering Waves/NTE and high-FPS competitive games like Apex and CS2.

Since I'm using an **RX 9060 8GB with a 280Hz FHD monitor**, I'm not only interested in average FPS. I'm more interested in **reducing CPU bottlenecks, improving 1% lows/frame times, and getting a smoother overall gaming experience.**

So what would you guys choose with an \~$85 price difference?

**$120 5600XT + tuning**, or **$205 5500X3D**?

Is the 5500X3D still worth the extra money at this price, or would you save the money and go with the 5600XT?

I'd especially appreciate experiences from people who have **actually used either or both CPUs**, rather than just looking at benchmark charts.

Thanks!

R5 3600 → 5600XT vs 5500X3D — Which would you choose at these prices?