Consider what you need for your next PC build and choose between AM5 and AM4.
Consider what you need for your next PC build and choose between AM5 and AM4.
I have a 750W PSU, RTX 4060 (8GB), and 2×8GB DDR4.
Budget is ~500USD
total for CPU + motherboard. I need PCIe Gen 4 support. Should I stay on AM4/DDR4 for best value or stretch to AM5/DDR5 to future-proof? What would you recommend?
Budget Range:
400 - 500 USD
Parts to Upgrade:
CPU + Motherboard. Ram too if going the AM5 route.
Why I'm Upgrading:
I feel my CPU is not strong enough to run certain games on 144fps, and bottlenecks my GPU. My motherboard and CPU are both pretty old too. I can't even play certain games because I don't have TPM 2.0 on my motherboard.
My Current PC Specs
CPU:
Intel i5 7600k 3.8GHZ
Motherboard:
Asus B150m Pro Gaming
GPU:
RTX 4060 8GB
Ram:
Corsair 2x 8GB DDR4 3200MHZ
PSU:
750W
RAM:
2×8GB DDR4 (can upgrade to 32GB later)
Storage:
500gb NVMe, and 2tb HDD. (open to add a Gen 4 NVMe)
How I use my PC
Moderate Gaming at 1440p (Minecraft, Apex legends, Dota, Rocket League, all on low/medium settings)
Everyday work (web design, and creative tools, lots of browser tabs)
Little bit of video editing and rendering now and then
Requirements
PCIe Gen 4
to support the RTX 4060
At least one NVMe slot
Wi-Fi is a plus but not mandatory as I have a bluetooth and wifi adapter, and use lan anyways
Options I’m considering (please critique!)
A) AM4 / DDR4 (reuse my current RAM)
CPU ideas: Ryzen 7 5700X (preferred), or Ryzen 5 5600 if needed to save
Boards: B550 options (e.g. MSI Tomahawk / B550-A Pro, Gigabyte B550 AORUS Elite V2)
Pros: Fits budget, uses my DDR4, PCIe Gen 4 available
Cons: Shorter future upgrade path
B) AM5 / DDR5 (new RAM needed)
CPU ideas: Ryzen 5 7500F or similar
Boards: B650 entry boards
Pros: Newer socket, better long-term CPU upgrades
Cons:
Requires DDR5, likely exceeds my 500$ budget once RAM is added
Questions
If staying on AM4, which B550 boards are the best?
Is the Ryzen 7 5700X with a 4060 a good combo, or would you pick the Ryzen 5 5600 and put the savings toward 32GB DDR4 or a Gen 4 NVMe?
If I stretch to AM5, what’s the most sensible CPU + motherboard combo within my budget? (CPU+board only), and which DDR5 kit (speed/cas) should I aim for later?
Would really appreciate specific model recommendations, and any other advice for my situation.
Thank you
I own a 750W power supply unit. This is the official wattage listed for the device. Could you tell me the brand and model of your PSU, as well as its age? Also, please share the make and model of your case.
Your budget for CPU and motherboard should be around 500USD. Please note that when discussing thread styling in this thread, users are encouraged to follow the guidelines provided about asking for new build or upgrade advice.
For those considering an AM5 setup, you'll also need to upgrade your RAM accordingly. The recommended speed for DDR5 on AM5 is DDR5-6000MHz, as advertised by AMD on its packaging.
The PSU is MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5, 750W, 80 Plus Gold. It's quite new, around four months old. You had a solid choice with that device.
I own an ATX Mid Tower case, which is generally mentioned, but what model is it? I was planning to revise my comment but will post it directly here. Take a look at the 7500F—it's actually a 7600 without the integrated graphics. I tend to favor cases with built-in GPUs for easier troubleshooting of discrete GPU problems. If your setup is gaming-focused, check if you have a Ryzen 5 7600X3D available.
Regarding 1440p resolution, a well-rounded build would include the 7600X3D plus an RTX 4070 or RTX 4070 Super. You're in good shape with that configuration.
Please follow the formatting of the thread I linked earlier. This site and most of its community are based in the USA. If you're outside the US, availability of brands and parts may differ not only in price but also due to regional factors. That means our advice might not be applicable if you can't access it. To avoid extra work, stick to the style guide provided here.
I would consider stretching to AM5 if it's feasible. You must install DDR5 for AM5; DDR4 won't fit.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.70 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM ($34.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX V2 ATX AM5 ($157.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($119.97 @ Silicon Power)
Total: $491.56
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-10-21 14:50 EDT-0400
When purchasing new, opt for the most recent generation. New items typically offer improved value, while older models may not sell well. This suggests choosing AM5 or Intel ultra processors. Since many of us use AMD hardware, that's what you'll likely hear advised. However, Intel ultra is also available. A Intel ultra 225 processor costs around $200 with the cooler and built-in graphics included, similar to the R5-7600X. The cost for RAM will be comparable, and the motherboard should match.
This model supports PCIe 5.0 connectivity.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
*
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
($178.70 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
*
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler
($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
*
Asus TUF GAMING B650E-PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
($179.99 @ Best Buy)
Memory:
*
Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($119.97 @ Silicon Power)
Overall Cost: $508.65
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-21 18:45 EDT-0400
Intel Ultras aren't selling because they are worse than previous gen, except in some workstation tasks. In gaming they are a joke. A 245k is just barely faster than my 12700k. The 225 is selling for $246, which is more than a 245k. I don't ever recommend F sku's unless someone has a known good spare GPU lying around for troubleshooting. Unless the machine is doing work with software they excel in, there is 0 reason to buy a core ultra.