Considering the budget AM5 setup—note whether switching to AM4 is worthwhile?
Considering the budget AM5 setup—note whether switching to AM4 is worthwhile?
I'm looking to upgrade my gaming PC to AM5 from my intel i7-9700 and a310 mobo (first build, ik its kinda crap) and I thought I'd ask you guys. Here is my list: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/YqPQdb . I plan on carrying over my P650B PSU, RTX 3060 ti and my current case (couldn't find it on PCPP). I'm looking for max performance for my buck, and I'm more than happy to buy of Ali or used if it can save me some money. I'm currently on 1080p because I play the self-esteem destroyer that is R6 Siege and I wanted 165Hz, but I do want to get a 1440p monitor in the future. Thanks!
It's unclear what your long-term goals are for this project. Are you thinking about improving it later or using it as a temporary solution until the next big update? If the latter, AM4 remains a solid choice since X3D chips still perform well for gaming and will last a while. If you intend to use it longer, AM5 offers better support through at least 2027, whereas AM4 is now considered outdated. HTH!
If your budget is tight, a Chinese AM5 board paired with a 7600/7700 would be more practical instead of an AM4 setup with a 5700x3D. The 5800x3D isn't feasible given current pricing.
Consider skipping AM4 since the cheaper alternatives don’t improve upon what you already own. The pricier models match up well in gaming thanks to entry-level AM5, which keeps options open for future upgrades. Upgrading might make sense if you’re willing to use it, but that’s only feasible depending on local availability. It could be worth it, though—depends on what you can find nearby. I’d even recommend holding off unless you can also upgrade your GPU and monitor. Delaying the change would help you decide more thoughtfully.
Watch the performance overlay while gaming to check CPU and GPU activity. Your current setup without HT lets CPU usage rise more steadily than with it. When CPU hits near 100%, upgrading could make a big difference. It’s hard to pin down exactly, but you might notice improvement if GPU is at full capacity while CPU is only halfway. This can vary—sometimes it’s clear, other times not.