I'm considering an upgrade for my PC and I'm torn between two options. I could stick with the AM4 platform, which means I'd buy either a Ryzen 5700X3D for around $250 or a 5800X3D for about $350, plus a new motherboard for around $100. On the other hand, I found a deal for an AM5 setup with a Ryzen 7 8700F and a B650M motherboard for $235.
My main use for this PC is gaming, but I've been experiencing lag while playing games like Deadlock. Right now, I have a Ryzen 5 5600 and an RX 6700 XT, and my current motherboard has some weird RAM compatibility issue where my newer RAM won't fit. I purchased a 32GB 3200MHz RAM kit a couple of years ago before the prices skyrocketed. If I switch to AM5, I'd need to buy new DDR5 RAM, which is currently costly, around $122.
While I'm okay with spending cash, I want to make sure I'm making a smart choice. Any thoughts or advice?
4 Answers
Finding a good deal on the 5700X3D or 5800X3D might be challenging since they're still in demand. Your Ryzen 5600 should still be effective for gaming, and you might want to troubleshoot your lag issues first. Also, could you clarify what you mean by your new RAM not fitting?
Have you checked your CPU and GPU usage while gaming? Your setup with the 5600 and the 6700 XT should handle 1080p gaming without issues. Getting the 5700X3D for $250 sounds like a solid plan if you choose to stay on AM4. It might be worth investigating why your game is lagging before deciding to upgrade your entire system.
I found that my GPU was only running at about 50% usage, which might explain the lag.
Honestly, if you're planning on getting a new motherboard anyway, you should just jump to AM5. It opens up better options for the future, and you won't have to worry about compatibility later on.
Before you upgrade, it's worth examining why your RAM won't fit in your current motherboard. If you can, try to get second-hand CPUs which can save you some cash. But if you're set on upgrading, going for AM5 might be the best long-term option, especially as things progress.
I really don’t know what’s wrong. The new RAM wouldn’t fit in my Asrock B450 HDV R4.0 motherboard. I tested it in a friend's setup just to confirm.