Hey folks, I'm in a bit of a dilemma about whether to go for the R5 7500F paired with an A620 motherboard or the R5 8400F with a superior B650 motherboard from Asus that comes with heatsinks and two M.2 slots. Considering the AM5 platform is known for its upgradability, I'm leaning towards a motherboard that'll last me a long time. Also, many games now recommend at least 6 cores and 12 threads, so I know I'll have to upgrade to a Ryzen 7 down the line. Currently, I have an RX 6650 XT that I'm using for 1080p gaming, and I might aim for an RX 7700 XT or 7800 XT later, but that depends on my budget. There's not a huge price difference between the two setups, but $20 is a stretch for me right now. Will the 8400F be sufficient for the time being, and is the investment in the better motherboard worth it for future upgrades? I also do some emulation, which is why I'm considering AM5. What do you all think? Thanks for your input!
5 Answers
7500F all the way! It’s not even a contest—the performance is just better.
The 7500F is solid—it’s basically a 7600 without integrated graphics. It can definitely handle a 9070 or 5070 GPU, so you won’t regret picking it.
Honestly, I'd go with the 7500F and a different B650 motherboard. The asrock B650M Pro RS is rated highly and only $130, plus you can find cheaper versions if needed. If money's tight, maybe save that extra $50 before building your PC instead of rushing into it.
I'd avoid the 8400F, it's just not cutting it anymore. You're better off with the 7500F which packs more punch for your setup.
The A620 chipset won't let you push your CPU's full potential, which is a waste of money. While the 7500F is decent, the 8400F might not meet your future needs. If you're able, consider something like the 8600G or 8700F instead, if they fit your budget better.
I hear you on the pricing! Where I live, the R5 7500F is priced at $190 and the 8400F is $140. It's tough for us with varying prices!