I originally planned to build a PC next year, since I do not urgently need one. However, DDR4 RAM and SSD prices have been rising, so I am wondering whether buying now would be smarter than waiting. My current plan is a Ryzen 5 5600 or Ryzen 7 5700X, an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, a B550 motherboard, and 32GB of DDR4-3200 memory, although I might reduce that to 16GB to stay within budget. I would mainly use the PC for gaming at 1080p and simple video editing, with the possibility of moving to 1440p later. Should I buy this AM4 system now, or wait about a year for an AM5 build with similar or better performance at roughly the same price? I am especially unsure whether DDR5 prices will actually fall enough to become the new budget option, and whether waiting could leave me paying even more for RAM, storage, or compatible components.
4 Answers
It is worth researching alternatives beyond the original Ryzen parts. Some newer CPU platforms can offer better performance per dollar, especially if you choose a reasonably priced motherboard and DDR4 support where available. Still, if your current AM4 parts already meet your needs, there is no reason to chase extra performance—you mainly need to decide whether buying immediately is worth giving up the upgrade path.
Since you do not need the computer yet, waiting is probably the safest choice. AM4 is still capable, but it is a mature platform with limited upgrade options. If you can wait a year, you will have more current CPU and motherboard choices and can compare real prices instead of guessing how DDR5 will change.
Do not assume that waiting guarantees lower prices. RAM, SSDs, CPUs, and graphics cards can all fluctuate, and future price increases are possible. If you find a complete build that fits your budget and you actually need the system soon, buying now can make sense. Otherwise, keep saving and check prices again when you are ready.
The memory and storage costs are the important part of your situation, not just the processor. I would avoid cutting a new gaming and editing PC down to 16GB unless absolutely necessary; 32GB is a much more comfortable target. Compare the total platform cost, including the motherboard and memory, rather than comparing DDR4 and DDR5 kits by themselves.
That makes sense. My main concern is not the CPU price; it is that RAM and SSDs are pushing the entire build over budget. I am trying to figure out whether DDR5 is likely to become affordable within a year or whether it could remain more expensive than current DDR4.