DDR4 vs DDR5 motherboard (Intel CPU)
DDR4 vs DDR5 motherboard (Intel CPU)
9700x offers a much better value compared to the other options, especially considering the higher price in Europe. Most AMD models have fewer cores and threads than Intel, which makes them more costly for some reasons. I used to think AMD was always the more affordable choice. Also, the 7600x3d isn't available in Europe at all.
Marketing tactics are being discussed here. Most AMD processors are genuine cores, while many Intel ones are E efficiency models that don’t deliver much power. I’m not favoring one over the other; I’ve relied on Intel for years because they performed better then. Now, AM5 generally outperforms in most scenarios—especially when considering power use and cooling needs. The resale value of 13th/14th gen Intel chips is likely to drop. With current DDR5 prices around $80 for 32GB of 6000/CL30 memory, this debate feels less relevant. Back then, DDR5 was pricier, so switching might be wise. You could sell your older DDR4 or keep the old system as a backup or alternative setup.
I chose the i5 14600kf since reviews and benchmarks show the issue is largely resolved. With a five-year warranty, concerns are minimal—mostly I’d opt for a CPU replacement or a full refund if needed. For RAM, I went with DDR5; it doesn’t boost performance much overall, but it does help maintain smoother frame rates at around 1% CPU throttling, unlike DDR4 where drops are more noticeable. The E-cores aren’t true cores but assist with background tasks, making the i5 a stronger option in this price range. I’d probably go for the AMD 7800x3D, though it’s only about 550€ for the processor itself, so I’ll stick with AMD for this build.
Great decision with DDR5. Cry once... Avoid buying outdated gear. Intel introduced DDR4 mainly because DDR5 was expensive back then, and unlike AMD they didn’t want to invest heavily in too costly platforms. Those choices were made long before new chips hit the market. Both had to rely on guesswork when planning RAM specs. When AM5 came out, it posed a challenge for AMD. Now DDR5 is affordable. I installed a 12-core AM5 system 1.5 years ago and spent $130 for 32GB of 6000/CL30. Today the price dropped to $80. We’re in an excellent era.