I've had my PC for over five years and I'm thinking about an upgrade. Initially, I wanted to build a new AM5 system and sell my old one. But after checking out some videos comparing past and current hardware, I saw that a 5000 series CPU could still deliver solid performance against the 9000 series. This has made me reconsider my plan to upgrade to AM5, especially since I'd have to buy a new motherboard and RAM, which could get pricey.
Currently, I'm using an R5 2600X on a B450 board. Should I just go for a strong AM4 upgrade that could serve me well for several years until the new AM6 platform comes out? Or should I invest a lot into the AM5 platform, knowing it would bring better performance but at a higher cost?
Also, I'm curious about what to expect from the next generation of CPUs in terms of performance improvements and features.
6 Answers
It really depends on your upgrade goals. Honestly, most people don't actually need a new CPU right now. The AM6 generation is probably 2-3 years away, and AM5 will still get at least one more CPU iteration. Snagging that Ryzen 7 5800X for 150 euros is a no-brainer; it'll offer a significant performance boost for a low cost.
I've heard that the Zen6 CPUs (potentially the 11000 series) are expected around late 2026 for AM5, promising more cores and better clock speeds. So if you can hold off on AM4 for a bit, you might see a big performance gain with the next gen. But if you're fine with AM4 for now, it can last you a while since AM6 won't be here until at least 2027 or 2028. Plus, who knows what Intel might put out in the meantime! Check out channels like Moore's Law Is Dead for leaks and insights, but keep in mind it’s not always concrete info.
It sounds like your current setup is solid, but it would help to know what else you have. If you can grab an AM4 upgrade cheap, that's a valid option since it's still a good platform. Just keep in mind that building on AM5 offers future upgrade potential. But for now, a decent AM4 CPU could give you the longevity you're looking for.
Dropping 150 euros for a boost in performance is hard to beat! It's a great chance to upgrade without a hefty price tag. Even if you decide later that you want the AM5 setup, you’ve bought yourself some time for just a small investment. I'm running a 5900X and honestly, I don’t feel the need to upgrade anytime soon. The 5800X should satisfy your needs just fine too.
Typically, CPUs age more gracefully than GPUs, so you could be fine without an upgrade for a while. I went for the 5800X3D and decided to skip on AM5 until AM6. I paired it with a 7800 XT at 1440p, and it runs perfectly fine. Plus, if you're saving money, that’s a win since there's not a rush to jump on new features like you would with a GPU upgrade. Staying on AM4 makes sense since it's still a capable platform.
I recently moved from a 3950X to a 9950X, and honestly, I'm not sure it was worth it. I think I would have preferred to invest in a better GPU instead. If I were you, I'd recommend sticking with AM4 a while longer and saving your cash. You're not losing anything by waiting.
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