Hey folks! I hope this isn't a silly question, but I'm not very knowledgeable about PC building and reading articles just seems to make me more confused. I'm looking to replace or upgrade my current CPU, which is an AMD Ryzen 5 3600x. I have an AM4 socket motherboard.
I'm considering the AMD Ryzen 7 5700x because it seems like a better version of what I already have. I initially looked at the Intel Core i5-12400F, thinking it might be a good option since my friend has it, but I found out that it's not compatible with AM4.
My motherboard is relatively new, having been bought just about a year ago, so I'm not eager to invest in a new AM5 motherboard since I'm on a budget. I'm looking to keep my spending under $200, so both the Ryzen 7 and the Ryzen 5 should fit my budget. Are there any other good CPUs I should consider? What are your thoughts on my choices?
Also, do I need to buy a specific cooler for the CPU? Right now, I have a cheap fan and heatsink, but I noticed there are listings for CPUs that come with coolers too. Thanks for the help!
1 Answer
Just a heads up, AM4 is specifically for AMD CPUs, so you won’t be able to use that Intel Core i5-12400F with your board. I’d recommend looking at the Ryzen 5 5600X, which performs on par with the 12400F. If you want more power, the Ryzen 7 5700X is a great option since it has two extra cores. Just make sure your motherboard can support it!
What’s the advantage of going with AM5? I'm not looking to build a super high-end gaming PC or anything, just something decent.