Hey everyone! I'm considering boosting my PC's RAM from 16GB to 32GB. I'm torn between two options: I could snag a deal at MicroCenter for a new AM5 motherboard and CPU combo along with DDR5 RAM for about $500, or I could simply buy an additional 16GB of DDR4 RAM to stick with my current setup for around $150. My build, which is about six years old, consists of a B450 Tomahawk Max motherboard, a Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, and an RTX 5060Ti GPU. While I'm fairly content with my performance (most games run fine at 1080p60), I'm running into some issues when streaming demanding games like Hogwarts Legacy. How significant will the improvement be if I go for the full upgrade, or is it better to just add more DDR4 RAM without the major investment? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
5 Answers
Absolutely go for the bundle! If you can afford it, moving from a 3600 to something like a R7 7800X3D will offer a dramatic improvement. Plus, your GPU will be able to stretch its legs a bit more! It's a smart move in my opinion.
I think that's the way to go. A good CPU is key for future-proofing your build.
Honestly, if you want to save some cash but still improve performance, consider sticking with DDR4. The upgrade to AM5 seems tempting, but you'll likely find the extra RAM can handle your streaming and gaming needs without a total overhaul right now.
True, and if your main focus is on gaming at 1080p, just boosting your RAM might be sufficient for now.
I’d recommend taking the less expensive route unless you have specific needs that demand the newer hardware.
If you have MicroCenter nearby, definitely take advantage of their deals! For the cost of just upgrading to 16GB of DDR4, you're getting a full platform upgrade that's a great deal. The AM5 bundle is likely a better investment, especially with eight-core processors available, which provide a lot more performance depth.
With your current setup, upgrading makes sense, especially if you can afford it. The 3600 is decent, but a leap to a newer AM5 CPU will give you a noticeable uplift. You could even sell your old gear and recoup some costs!
Just a heads up, if you opt for the upgrade, selling your AM4 components could give you back a good chunk of change. Just make sure you're okay with the upfront cost; it might be a worthwhile investment for your future needs.
Totally agree! I upgraded my CPU and it completely transformed my gaming experience. Highly suggest going for it.