I'm looking to upgrade my PC that's been stuck in the past for about 9 years. Recently, I bought 32GB of 3600 DDR4 RAM before prices skyrocketed. Now I'm at the point of choosing the right motherboard chipset, but I've come across a lot of advice suggesting to switch to AMD5. However, since I've already purchased DDR4, I'd like to know what options I have for a motherboard socket. Any recommendations or thoughts?
5 Answers
The AM4 socket with an X570 chipset is a good choice. Just keep in mind that the X3D chips can be pricey right now!
Honestly, I suggest going with the AM4 socket and pairing it with something like a Ryzen 5800X3D using a B550 chipset. It’s a solid choice for gaming!
If you are budget-conscious, LGA 1700 is the way to go. Just make sure you pick a motherboard that specifically supports DDR4. Also, avoid buying used 13th or 14th gen CPUs, and be sure to update the BIOS if you go that route to avoid voltage issues!
Yeah, the 12th gen models are solid performers without the issues seen in the later generations.
I went for an Intel 12100F since it was the cheapest option, expecting to upgrade later, but it surprised me with its performance! I'm using it on a B660m motherboard with 16GB of DDR4. I'm really happy with its capabilities!
For DDR4 RAM, the best motherboard sockets to consider are AMD's AM4 and Intel's LGA1700. Just a heads up, some Intel motherboards are dual-compatible with DDR4 and DDR5, so double-check that you’re getting the right one!

Totally agree! Stick to 12th gen if you want peace of mind. It's safe and performs well with DDR4.