I'm looking to build a budget gaming PC using DDR4 RAM and I'm debating whether to go with the LGA 1700 or AM4 platform. I've heard that both are essentially at the end of their life cycles, meaning we won't see new processors released for them, but I'm not too worried about that since I plan to start with a budget CPU, like the i5 12400F or 5600X. If I decide on Intel, I'd eventually need to switch my motherboard to upgrade to DDR5, but I'm questioning if that's really necessary in the near future. Meanwhile, the AM4 option still has X3D CPUs available for upgrades, which sound better than Intel's newer 13xxx/14xxx series. But it also lacks PCIe 5 support. As a total newbie, I could really use some guidance on the pros and cons of these options!
4 Answers
If you're considering long-term value, I'd recommend going for the Ryzen 7 5800X over the 5600X if the price difference isn't huge. On the AM4 platform, you won't need to upgrade for a while. Plus, PCIe 5 support isn't really necessary right now; for example, a 5090 barely loses performance on PCIe 3. So, sticking with AM4 could offer more longevity without breaking the bank.
If you're really trying to save money, the Ryzen 5 3600 is sometimes available for $50 or even less, and it still performs quite well for gaming. However, if you want something more modern, the 5800X is a good option since it comes with a cooler and there are many affordable AM4 motherboards available.
I’d definitely lean toward the Intel LGA 1700 platform. With the current DDR5 prices, Intel is a real budget-friendly choice right now.
Consider grabbing a cheap Ryzen 5 X3D, pair it with 16GB of DDR4 3200 RAM, and that could be a solid setup for gaming. Just a heads up, getting a Ryzen 5 X3D at a lower price might be a bit tricky these days unless you get super lucky!
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