I'm considering upgrading my PC and I'm torn between two options. Should I stick with AM4 and get either a Ryzen 5700X3D for $250 or a 5800X3D for $350, along with a new motherboard for about $100? Or should I jump to AM5, where I found a Ryzen 7 8700F bundled with a B650M motherboard for only $235? My main concern is performance, as I primarily use my PC for gaming. Currently, I'm running a Ryzen 5 5600 with an RX 6700XT. I've been experiencing lag while playing Deadlock, so it feels like I need an upgrade. The issue is that my current motherboard has a RAM fitting problem that restricts me from using my new 32GB 3200MHz RAM kit. If I switch to AM5, I'll have to invest in DDR5 RAM, which is pretty pricey right now. Although budget is not a major issue, I want to spend wisely. Any advice would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Finding a new 5700X3D or 5800X3D can be tricky due to high demand. However, the 5600 is still a solid CPU. I wouldn’t push for an upgrade just yet unless you know for sure that there’s a performance issue with your current setup.
If you’re switching motherboards anyway, going with AM5 makes sense. It'll give you more upgrade options down the line, especially if you're gaming at higher resolutions.
Have you thought about looking for second-hand CPUs? That could help keep costs down while still boosting your performance significantly. Plus, your GPU should still do just fine for now!
Think about why your RAM won't fit in your current motherboard—could be a seating issue or maybe it's just not compatible. Considering the lag issues, it might be time to switch to AM5. It seems like a better investment for future-proofing your build.
If you decide on AM5, just remember to factor in the costs for DDR5 RAM. Prices can be steep, and you want to get the best bang for your buck.
Before you upgrade, it’s worth checking your CPU and GPU usage during gaming. The combo of 5600 + 6700 XT should handle 1080p without issues. If you're seeing around 50% GPU usage while gaming, there may be another bottleneck at play.
Yeah, 50% usage suggests your CPU might be maxing out, especially if you're facing lag in CPU-intensive games like Deadlock. It could be worth troubleshooting further instead of rushing into an upgrade.

I get that! I’ve seen people struggle with RAM fitting issues too. If your new RAM works elsewhere but not in your motherboard, it might indeed be a good idea to just buy a new motherboard.