I'm in the process of building a new PC and I'm trying to decide between two options. I've already got a Sapphire Nitro+ RX 5700 XT GPU and 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM that I want to use. My first option is the AM4 route, where I would buy a Ryzen 7 5800X and a B550 motherboard, which is cheaper since I can use my existing RAM. The second option is going with the AM5 platform, which would require a new Ryzen CPU, a B650 motherboard, and new DDR5 RAM, costing around an extra $200. I'm curious if it's worth the price bump to switch to AM5 now for potential future upgrades, especially since I'm pairing it with a 5700 XT. If I go AM4, I know the 5800X3D would be a solid choice, but it's currently out of stock. Would the Ryzen 5 5500 be a viable alternative? What should I consider in making this decision?
5 Answers
If you're near a Micro Center, they have a deal where you can grab a Ryzen 5 7500X3D with a motherboard and 16GB of DDR5 RAM for about $350. That might be worth considering if you want to future-proof your system a bit more!
Right now, I wouldn't pay over $200 for DDR5 RAM unless it's a massive upgrade. If you've got DDR4 and a good CPU already, just build off that and use any extra funds for better peripherals or cooling!
You should definitely go the cheaper route now and upgrade later. You can always sell your whole rig and get something new down the line. I did that and now I have a dedicated living room PC setup—it’s a great way to do it!
Personally, I'd recommend sticking with the AM4 platform. I've been using a Ryzen 3700X and it runs everything on ultra settings without any issues. Plus, since RAM prices are so high right now, keeping your current DDR4 makes the most sense.
Totally agree, just go with AM4 and save the cash.
Honestly, I'd look into benchmarks for the games you play. Upgrading to a 5800X might not yield a huge FPS boost unless you're playing at 1080p. But it could help with stabilizing 1% lows.
That's a great deal! Definitely check that out if it's possible.