AM5 vs AM4: Which Should Your PC use?

AMD has utilized the AM4 socket since the release of the Ryzen processors, but the upcoming generation of Ryzen processors will most likely utilize AMD's unreleased socket, the AM5 socket.

While many are left waiting for the AM5's official release date, some PC builders are using AMD's Ryzen 5000 Series processors, which utilize the AM4, and wonder if it will be worth upgrading to the new processors and sockets when they are released.

Let's look at some of the key differences between AM4 and AM5 sockets.

AM5 vs AM4

All the current Ryzen processors have utilized the AM4 socket, and this is because AMD stated that they plan to utilize this socket at least until 2020. While the Ryzen processors utilized different chipsets, most motherboards required a simple BIOS update to offer support for even the newest Ryzen processor.

The AM4 socket has supported up the Ryzen 5000 series processors, which offer impressive CPU speeds and amazing core counts, but does have its limitations which may be why AMD has been developing the AM5 socket.

While the AM5 socket has yet to be released, some of the leaked specs seem to indicate an incompatibility with the previous Ryzen processors and chipset.

This new socket seemingly can allow for even faster CPUs and CPUs with large core counts than previously possible, and this could be due to the AM5 socket supposedly offering support for DDR5 RAM.

Should You wait or Upgrade now?

Deciding to upgrade your PC can be tough, especially with all these new PC components currently being developed. Buying a Ryzen 5000 series processor will allow for incredible performance. The ability to support PCIe 4.0 graphics cards with a supported motherboard makes it a perfect upgrade for anyone still on the first or second Ryzen processor.

Anyone with the third generation or even a Ryzen 5000 series processor may want to wait as these processors still offer a fantastic gaming performance.

Video editors and 3D artists may want to wait before upgrading to the Ryzen 5000 series as the increased speed and higher core counts could help render their projects.

READ MORE:AM5 Release Date: Everything We Know So Far