Is DDR4 still worth keeping for a new VR-capable gaming build?
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MellowQuasar42
I currently have an i5-9600K, 32 GB of DDR4-3000 memory, and an RX 6650 XT. I want to upgrade toward a VR-capable system, while also getting better performance in demanding AAA games at 1440p and above 60 FPS.
My understanding is that 32 GB of RAM is still sufficient, but my current CPU may hold back a faster graphics card. I'm considering a Ryzen 7 5800X3D for around €330 and keeping my existing memory, although I would need a new motherboard either way. Moving to DDR5 would add roughly €450–500 for a 32 GB kit, and I'm not sure the performance gain would justify that cost.
For the GPU, I'm looking at options such as an RX 9060 XT 8 GB for about €440 or an RX 9070 XT 16 GB for around €760. Would the 9070 XT provide a meaningful improvement, especially for VR and future AAA games, or would a regular RX 9070 or 9060 XT 16 GB be a better value?
Answers
Keeping DDR4 is still perfectly reasonable. For gaming, the real-world difference from moving to DDR5 often isn’t large enough to justify the extra platform cost, especially if that money could go toward a stronger GPU.
Since you need a new motherboard anyway, compare the total prices of an AM4 board with the 5800X3D and a DDR4-compatible Intel platform such as the i5-14600K. The 14600K is generally similar in gaming and faster in many productivity workloads, while the 5800X3D is still a strong gaming chip. Check local pricing rather than assuming one platform is automatically cheaper.
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For VR, prioritize the graphics card. The RX 9060 XT 8 GB is not a great choice for a long-lived VR or high-end 1440p build because 8 GB of VRAM can become limiting. At minimum, I’d look at the 16 GB version.
The RX 9070 or 9070 XT would be a much more comfortable match. Both have 16 GB of VRAM, and the XT is roughly a higher-performance version rather than a completely different tier. If the price difference is only around €70 and your budget allows it, the XT is reasonable for extra headroom, but the regular 9070 should offer better efficiency and value.
MellowQuasar42: That makes sense. In my area the gap between the regular 9070 and XT is fairly small, so I’m leaning toward the XT if the extra performance helps with VR longevity.
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A DDR4 Intel 14th-generation setup is another option. CPUs such as the 14600K or 14700K can deliver a substantial improvement over the 9600K while letting you reuse your memory. Just use a reputable motherboard and update the BIOS immediately, since early BIOS versions on some 13th- and 14th-generation boards allowed excessive voltage that could contribute to CPU degradation.
The 5800X3D is also good, but it makes the most financial sense when someone already owns an AM4 motherboard. Since you need a board regardless, compare the complete platform cost rather than focusing only on the processor price.
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You don’t necessarily need the most expensive CPU for a 1440p and VR build. A 9060 XT 16 GB paired with a Ryzen 5 5600 or a comparable Intel CPU could meet a 60 FPS target, but it would leave less upgrade and VR headroom.
If you can afford it, I’d spend more on the RX 9070 or 9070 XT and use a solid midrange CPU. The GPU is more likely to determine your VR experience, especially once you increase headset resolution or rendering quality.
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MellowQuasar42: I don’t really run anything besides games that stresses my current system, but I’ll compare the 14600K and 5800X3D based on the complete motherboard and CPU cost.