Is Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 Good for a Low Budget Build?

When it comes to assembling a budget-friendly PC, picking the right components can make a big difference in your overall system performance and lifespan. For a long time, the Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 have been popular choices, but is this combination still a good fit?

High-Performance Alternatives

While the Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 can form a functional budget PC, it is worth considering upgrades to newer models that offer better performance at similar or even lower costs. For example, the Ryzen 5 5600, a part of the 5th generation Ryzen series, can significantly enhance your build. It provides a much better performance-to-price ratio and will offer a more satisfying gaming experience.

Upgrade Recommendations

Given the current market trends, I would recommend upgrading to the Radeon RX 6600 Eagle GPU instead of the GTX 1660. This card not only has 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM but also offers better performance. Additionally, you can find older models like the GTX 1070 or even the GTX 1080 for significantly lower prices, which provide formidable performance for a reasonable budget.

Why Stick with Budget GPUs?

The GTX 1660 is a relatively weak option for a budget build. By using a powerful Ryzen 5 3600 CPU with such a meager GPU, you risk underutilizing your high-end CPU's capabilities. The GPU performance of the GTX 1660 is not enough to justify the use of a Ryzen 5 3600. However, if you are planning to upgrade to a RTX 3070 later this year for gaming, this combination could be a viable temporary solution.

For regular streaming or video editing, the GTX 1660 might not be sufficient. In such cases, it may be better to opt for a more powerful option that can handle these tasks more efficiently.

Conclusion

While the Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 can work in a low-budget build, it's advisable to consider alternatives that provide a more satisfying and cost-effective experience. Upgrading to a newer CPU and GPU, such as the Ryzen 5 5600 and Radeon RX 6600 Eagle, or even older but more affordable options like the GTX 1070 or 1080, can significantly boost your system's performance and ensure a longer-lasting build. Happy building!