Hey everyone! I'm gearing up for a new PC build, but I'm facing a dilemma with current RAM prices. Since DDR5 is super expensive in my area, I'm thinking of starting out with a DDR4 AM5 motherboard and DDR4 RAM, with the hope of upgrading to DDR5 later when prices go down.
Here are my main questions:
- Is it feasible to keep the same CPU and GPU while just swapping out the motherboard and RAM later?
- Are there any CPUs or platforms that support this upgrade path, or will I need to redo my whole system?
- From a value perspective, should I just bite the bullet and go for DDR5 from the start despite the higher cost?
This build is mainly for gaming, with a bit of general use, and I'm not looking into extreme overclocking. I'd love to hear any advice or experiences from those who have tackled something similar or are familiar with platform limitations.
Thanks, and I hope everyone is coping with the crazy RAM prices!
2 Answers
Unfortunately, AM5 only supports DDR5, so you won’t be able to use DDR4 at all. Your best bet is to look into an LGA1700 socket CPU, which can work with both DDR4 and DDR5. But keep in mind, if you go this route, you’ll need to purchase a DDR4 motherboard first and then a DDR5 board later when you upgrade.
If you’re looking to switch from DDR4 to DDR5 later, LGA1700 is your only option. Other platforms won’t let you mix and match like that. Just be careful, replacing motherboards can be a hassle and might not save you as much money in the long run.
Thanks for the heads up! I might have to save up a bit more to go the DDR5 route from the start.