Episode 12: Computer Upgrade 1

By Matthew Caron

May 29, 2025

Miles and I replace the CPU and RAM in my main PC, while discussing various computer related topics and telling some stories.

Notes:

My CPU numbers were off. The 3700X is a Zen 2 architecture with a base clock of 3.6GHz with a boost clock of 4.4GHz. The 5950X is a Zen 3 architecture with a base clock of 3.4GHz with a boost clock of 4.9GHz. Both use a 7nm process. In reality, given adequate cooling, the higher boost clock and one generation uplift of the 5950X should render it faster than the 3700X, even in single core performance. This seems to be true in the benchmarks as well, see https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-Ryzen-9-5950X-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-3700X/4086vs4043. Specifically, in 1, 2, 4, and 8 core benchmarks, the 5950X was faster by between 19% and 37%. This doesn’t even take into account that the 5950X has another 8 cores which can be applied to suitable workloads.
I said that the ram is 3200MHz. It’s not, it’s DDR RAM, so it’s 1800MHz but acts on both the rising and falling clock edges.
In the first 10 minutes or so, the main microphone failed, so I needed to use the backup audio track. My apologies for the difference in sound quality.
I said that the NT-H2 came with thermal pads. It does not. It comes with thermal pad WIPES - that is, to remove old thermal material.
It turns out that the optical out DOES now work and does full 5.1 surround to the old home theater in my office, which is great.