I'm putting together my first PC and currently have no parts or existing hardware. I'm considering the FLP02 case and want to keep the build reasonably affordable, although I'm not in a rush. Is AM4 still worth buying for a new build, or would it make more sense to spend extra on AM5 for a better upgrade path? I also prefer a clean, non-RGB look.
3 Answers
It mostly comes down to your budget and what you’ll use the PC for. AM4 can save money up front, especially if you find good deals on the processor, motherboard, and memory. AM5 costs more initially but gives you a newer platform with more room for future CPU upgrades.
AM4 is still a perfectly usable choice for a budget-focused gaming or general-purpose PC, and it should remain relevant for quite a while. Since you aren’t in a hurry, compare complete build prices rather than choosing based on the socket alone. If the total cost is already going to be high, AM5 is probably the better investment.
If the case is around $250 and the rest of the system pushes well beyond $2,000, the savings from AM4 may not be significant enough to justify giving up AM5’s upgrade path.
For a higher-end build, I’d go with AM5. It supports newer processors and gives you a clearer upgrade route later. AM4 can still work well, but it makes the most sense when keeping the overall build cost low. Most modern components use standard connections, so finding compatible parts shouldn’t be a major problem.
I’m definitely watching the budget, but I’m also spending extra on the case because I like its older-looking design and don’t want RGB everywhere.