I recalled you said you had the i7-3820. The DDR5-6000MHz RAM is operating at 7.5x the frequency as your current RAM. Timings aren't as tight, but it's provides a huge boost to your game framerate and game loading (also overall system snappiness).
About CPU value: the CPU value charts (like Techspot does) are almost always misleading for most consumers because the reviewers evaluate the value of the CPU (in terms of frames per dollar) a la carte. The problem with this is that practically nobody buys a new CPU as an upgrade by itself. Almost without exception, one is also buying a new motherboard & new RAM; because the new CPU isn't compatible with the older MoBo/RAM, or simply to take advantage of the new CPU's capability to support faster RAM, and all of the motherboard's newer features. Often, one is buying a whole new system. What this means it the CPU value curve shifts upwards to favor the more expensive CPUs because suddenly the total dollars spent is much higher, and so the spectrum of frames per dollars changes. Techspot is aware of this, and that's why they've begun to do separate charts in their latest reviews. There is a CPU value chart, but then a CPU + RAM + Motherboard chart:
Cost vs. Performance
Even this isn't perfect because if one adheres rigidly to the concept, then tax affects the value consideration, too.
In your case, it sounds like you wish to build a whole new system. Good news is you have Windows 10 Pro, so you should be allowed to transfer your license for that to the new build. No OS cost for you. They still allow for free upgrades to Windows 11 from valid Windows 10 keys, too, if you desire.
For a build with 32GB DDR5 RAM targeting the highest performance before the value curve drops off, and costs become impractical, if you were in the USA, for all system parts, not counting the CPU or GPU, you'd be looking at ~$1050 USD (no tax). Then for the GPU (no tax):
- $550 = RX 6800 XT
- $700 = RX 6900 XT or RTX 3080 10GB
- $800 = RX 6950 XT or RTX 3080 12GB
- $900 = RTX 3080 Ti
- $1000 = RTX 3090
- $1500 = RTX 3090 Ti
- $2200 = RTX 4090
That means you're looking at $1600-$3350 (no tax) before you even buy your CPU, and before tax. If we looked only at the CPU, today, the the 5600X would tops the chart for value. However, you'll find that with this total cost shift, the CPUs I mentioned to you earlier top the charts regardless of which GPU you pick. The 13600K/KF or 13700K/KF for Intel, and the 7600X or 7700X for AMD. However, notably, only the DDR5 pairings for these Intel CPUs are now along the top when considering total system cost.
You mentioned you found the thought of getting a lesser upgrade before upgrading again in several years depressing. Wrong way to look at it. Perhaps this is where your choice becomes more clear.
Historically, AMD has always supported sockets much longer than Intel. Additionally, Raptor Lake is on the back "Tock" half of Intel's "Tick-Tock" cycle. Don't expect the next gen of Intel CPUs to be compatible with the Z790 motherboards. Meanwhile, AMD just launched the AM5 socket. This is the ground level. This is their first brand new socket in 5 1/2 years (B350/X370 debuted in Feb-2017). Expect their next gen to be compatible with an X670 motherboard, and there is strong precedent to believe the next two gens after that will be compatible.
Don't waste money on the 7950X. Get the 7700X. Pocket the $300 difference. Put that towards your GPU, or save it, and in 2-4 years, put it towards the next Ryzen 7 offering (not Ryzen 9). That Ryzen 7 will shit on the 7950X (& 13900K). Furthermore, since you got in on the AM5 ground level, it's probable you could choose to be one of the only people in existence who upgrades your CPU, and nothing else. Even in the unlikely case you can't, and have to buy a new motherboard, you should be able to transplant the DDR5 RAM (also brand new). No reason to replace the whole system. Your case, PSU, drives, and CPU cooler will all still be viable.
After all, you don't even have to wait. With $300, you're 3/4th of the way there to a brand new Ryzen 7. Upgrade the CPU and nothing else immediately at the next gen. Guaranteed compatibility. Why not? You already practically paid for that CPU with the money you saved now. And just look at how the R7-7700X from this gen shits on the R9-5950X from last gen. In Techspots roundup, the 7700X averaged 240 fps to the 5950X's 181 fps. That's a whopping 32% jump in gaming.