I'm looking at Ryzen 5 7000 or 9000 series processors for a first build, mainly for games like Cyberpunk, God of War and modded Minecraft. I don't need the highest possible frame rates, but I'd like a noticeable step up from a PS5.
Would a Ryzen 5 be enough, and is it realistic to expect the build to last five to ten years without upgrades?
Yes, a modern Ryzen 5 is a sensible gaming CPU. Something like a 7600 or 9600X has plenty of capability for that game list. You don't need a Ryzen 7 or 9 just because the number is higher.
I'd compare prices for the CPU, motherboard and memory together rather than picking the processor in isolation. X3D chips can be faster in games, but they aren't required for a good first build. If a deal puts one close in price, it's worth considering.
The CPU alone won't tell you whether the PC will feel like a step up from a PS5. The graphics card, resolution and settings matter a lot, especially in demanding games like Cyberpunk. At 1440p, the graphics card is often the bigger constraint, though it varies by game and settings.
Look up benchmarks for the CPU and GPU combination you're considering in games you actually want to play. A cheaper Ryzen 5 paired with a stronger graphics card could make more sense than spending extra on the CPU.
Five years without changing parts might be reasonable if you're happy adjusting settings as games get harder to run. Ten years is much harder to promise. A CPU doesn't suddenly stop working when a newer one comes out, but future games and your expectations could outgrow it.
Ryzen 5 7000 and 9000 desktop chips use the AM5 platform. That gives you a potential CPU upgrade path without replacing the whole system, subject to motherboard compatibility and firmware support. Platform support is not the same thing as a guarantee that one CPU will meet your needs for ten years.
AM4 Ryzen 5 chips like the 5600 can still be useful budget options, but I'd lean toward AM5 for a new build if the total cost fits. The older platform can save money upfront, while AM5 offers more room for a later CPU upgrade.
Neither choice guarantees how long every game will run well. Some CPU-heavy situations can expose an older chip's limits sooner than less demanding games do.
Answers are reviewed before publication.
Rennby.42:
And the upgrade path only helps if you're willing to upgrade. For a no-changes build, pick based on what you're comfortable spending now rather than counting on a decade of the same performance.