I received a DDR4 setup as a gift and I'm curious about upgrading it. I'm planning my first proper build soon, potentially using an AM6 motherboard. I already have a 1080p and a 1440p 180Hz monitor. My neighbor might lend me an 800W PSU if necessary. Here's what I have:
- Motherboard: Asus H610M ATX LGA1700
- GPU: GeForce 4060 Ti (8GB)
- CPU: Intel i7-12700F
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 3600 (though I've learned it can only run at 3200 due to the motherboard).
This setup was bought last year by a parent and is housed in a substantial case. I've heard mixed opinions about whether I should consider the AMD 5700X for a DDR4 build, but I'm seeing benchmarks that show the i7 still leads. My main use will be gaming, but I'm currently experiencing some stuttering even in modded co-op Stardew Valley. Any guidance on potential upgrades would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
If gaming is your primary focus, definitely consider sticking with the i7 for now. The stuttering could be due to other factors like your drivers or even the games themselves. And yes, if you can upgrade to a motherboard that can fully utilize your RAM's speed, it should provide a noticeable boost! Don't forget to check if your neighbor's PSU can handle everything, too!
It sounds like your CPU might be overkill for that motherboard and could be causing performance issues. Since your RAM can only run at 3200MHz, it's a bit of a bottleneck. Upgrading to a higher-spec motherboard that can unlock that RAM speed could help improve performance, especially for gaming. Regarding the AMD route, the i7-12700F generally performs better in gaming benchmarks, so if that's what you have, it might be best to stick with it unless you find a solid deal on the AMD setup.
Yeah, I agree! Just make sure that the motherboard you choose has good VRMs to support your CPU's performance, especially if you plan to game at higher settings.

True! A solid PSU is crucial. And always keep your drivers updated for the best gaming performance!