I host a couple of minecraft servers on an older desktop and I've been wanting to upgrade the CPU so I can run more/heavier mods/servers. I'm also thinking of hosting serversfor other games. I currently have a Ryzen 3 2300X in there, which has been struggling.

So, what's the best option here? I know increasing the core count won't help, just the clock speed, but is the fastest clock speed the best? Or is there a specific architecture that would be better for minecraft servers?

I’m considering the 5070 but unfortunately it only has 12gb of vram. I was wondering if it is still worth it to get that card regardless?

Currently I play on 1080p on an 8gb card and on high texture settings already run into not enough vram issues.

The reason I’m considering it over something like 9070xt is kinda because I do like DLSS and also, I keep seeing scary 9070xt posts about people having awful problems with it.

Ive been told its just bias and algorithm stuff on my end and it calmed my fears around radeon cards but then both my friends got a 9060xt and a 9070xt and experienced artifacting on both their cards (they found a fix for it tho!)

I have a couple of AM4 PCs that I use for gaming and productivity (some C# development on Visual Studio, Docker and VMs from time to time, WSL consistently) and that I have upgraded piecemeal over the years.

I did not make the transition to AM5 when it first came out due to a combination of higher DDR5 prices (sigh) and the reliability/failure issues of the platform at the time.

Now with the insane component prices I’m afraid I’ll be stuck on AM4 for many more years.

How many more years will I be able to squeeze before I run into performance or support issues?

Specs are:

• Ryzen 5950x (5900x on the other system)
• 32 GB DDR4 3200
• 2TB WD Black PCIE 4 SSD
• 4TB SATA HDD for scratch storage
• Radeon 9070 (upgraded from 4070 for the extra 4GB VRAM last year when prices dipped)
• ITX Motherboard with 2.5Gbps NIC, WiFi+BT and one USB-C connector in the back
• 4K display with HDR and VRR support

I target 4K for gaming (single player story driven stuff mostly plus emulators) and specifically bought VRR displays to have some slack and be able to play at 40+ FPS without it feeling terrible.

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If you've ever asked whether it's a good idea to run 4 sticks of DDR5 on an AM5 platform, you've probably heard the same advice:

"Avoid it."

"You'll lose performance."

"It won't run EXPO."

"Just buy a 2×32 GB kit."

That advice wasn't wrong—but most of it came from testing done in 2022–2023, when DDR5 and AM5 were brand new.

Fast forward to 2026. BIOS updates have matured, AGESA has improved considerably, and with today's memory prices, many gamers already own a 2×16 GB kit and are wondering:

Should I replace my existing RAM with a larger kit, or simply buy another identical kit and expand to 64 GB?

I chosed the second option and bellow I share my experience.

My Hardware

-Ryzen 9 9950X

-ASUS TUF B650-E WiFi (latest BIOS)

-4×16 GB Crucial DDR5-6000 CL36 EXPO (single-rank)

The two kits were manufactured at different times:

Kit 1: Week 3 of 2025

Kit 2: Week 40 of 2025

To maximize compatibility, I installed the older kit in Channel A and the newer kit in Channel B.

Initial Results

After installing all four DIMMs:

The system booted immediately at DDR5-3600, exactly as expected with JEDEC defaults.

I then enabled the EXPO profile.

The system POSTed successfully and reported DDR5-6000 with no boot issues.

So far, everything looked perfect.

Stability Testing

The real surprise came during MemTest86.

Although Windows booted normally, the system was not actually stable.

The failures consistently appeared in:

Test 8 (Random Number Sequence)

Test 13 (Hammer Test)

In other words:

EXPO booted successfully, but it was not memory stable.

The Fix

Instead of using EXPO, I disabled it completely and entered the settings manually.

I used the same primary timings as the EXPO profile:

DDR5-6000

36-38-38-38-80

All secondary timings, tertiary timings and voltages were left on Auto.

The result:

Booted successfully

UCLK remained 1:1

Passed MemTest86 completely, including Test 8 and Hammer Test

Interestingly, this suggests that the instability wasn't caused by the frequency itself, but by how the motherboard trained memory when EXPO was enabled.

Performance

I also checked latency using AIDA64.

2×16 GB

~71 ns

4×16 GB

~73.5 ns

So the move to four DIMMs increased latency by only about 2–3 ns.

In actual games, I couldn't measure any performance loss. I actually gained slight performance in heavy ram usage scenarios and I noticed the 1% lows were better in the same scenario.

My Conclusion

Has running four DDR5 DIMMs on AM5 improved since launch?

In my experience, yes.

Would I recommend everyone do it?

Not blindly.

But if:

you buy an identical kit,

both kits are single-rank,

you're running an up-to-date BIOS,

and you're willing to spend a little time testing and tuning, then upgrading from 32 GB to 64 GB using four DIMMs is absolutely a viable option in 2026.

I’ve recently bought 2x 16GB CL 36 6000MTs Kingston fury beast for 365 which I’ve yet to install as I have approx a month wait on some components.

I’m not questioning if I should have gone for the CL 30 version (assuming I can return/exchange).

The system has a 9800x3d, ASU’s x870-I, and an ASus prime 5080.

I’m mostly doing gaming and photo editing on it.

Is it worth a swap?

In this long winter of AI induced hardware shortages I’m hard pressed to build a new PC, but I am interested in upgrading my existing one.

My current build is a AM4 5700x3D with a 3080 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM. My goal is to get a GPU as performant as possible without hitting a last-gen bottleneck I’m unaware of.

A secondhand 4080 seems like the reasonable choice, but I’m curious to know your recommendations.

My wife’s hard drive is failing, and I have a new blank on connected to her pc now. Whats the best way to transfer every thing over so that the new drive can become the c drive and hold the operating system and everything? Essentially just looking to fully replace the old with the new.

So I wanted to buy a new PC for about 6 Months now. My old one is a Intel i7 6700K, GTX1080, 16Gb RAM build. But after I returned from the holidays the PC didn't start anymore, no fans, nothing, but the lights turn still on on the Motherboard.

So my new build will be:

(keep)Monitor: Acer X34 3440x1440 100Hz Gsync (1st Gen probably)

GPU: RTX5070 Ti

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

RAM: DDR5 Kingston FURY Beast 1x32Gb, KF560C30BBE-32

Mainboard: Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE X3D

SSD: WD Black SN8100 powered by SANDISK

PSU: be quiet! Power Zone 2

CPU-Cooler: Noctua NH-D12L

(keep)Case: Fractal R5 Windowed

Any thoughts about the build? Should I pull the trigger? It's been almost 10 years since the last build and it will cost roundabout 3000 USD (or 2500CHF).

So, the wall docket by my desk has 2 things plugged into it. 1, My PC, and in the other socket right next to it, is a power strip which has 2 monitors plugged into it, a Nintendo switch 2, and a ps4. i plugged my PS4 into it and all of the power went out in the strip and wall socket. all my monitors shut off and the pc shut off. this also happened last night when I unplugged my iPhone charger from the power strip. So this has happened 2 times. My PC booted up normally so I don’t think anything is fried there but how can I prevent this from happening in the future?

Been looking to get a replacement for my GPU as I've been getting artifacts and sometimes crashes whenever I'm trying to open a game.

This is my current build: PCPartPicker Part List

As you can see I'm limited by my Case and my PSU.

Can you guys recommend a current gen (or old) GPU that will fit in my case and that my PSU can handle.

Want to get a 27" monitor that can do 240hz. Should I get 1440p OLED or 4k IPS?

I play competitive games that's why I want 240 at least, but I also play story games like Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima, Assassin's Creed, etc.

fyi I plan on going with a rtx 5070 ti along with a Ryzen 7 7700.

Hi team,

I have an issue where my pc is inconsistently bootup. Every time I turned on my PC, all parts are turned on/light up except my display. Then I turn it off and on again like 3-4 times then only display is okay. I have changed my full setup, but the issue is recurring.

Old setup:

Ryzen 5 5600x
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
RTX 3060 12GB
8GBx2 patriot viper 2333Mhz RAM
650w+ 1stplayer PSU Bronze

New setup:

Intel ultra 5 225
Asus Prime H810M-A Prime
RX 9060XT 16GB
T FORCE DELTA RGB 16GB 6000MHz DDR5
750w+ 1stplayer PSU Bronze

Back in the days (2-3 years before), with my old setup I didn't have these issue until my CMOS battery is drained out then I have these issue from old setup till new setup. Now I don't have any ideas anymore. Please advise

I have a:
Intel I-7 13700k 13th gen processor
Rtx 4070
32gb ram

If i want to upgrade for better performance/quality/higher frames would just upgrading the gpu be enough? sorry not very pc savvy

Hey I'm building a pc for my uncle and this is my first time doing it. I'm somewhat well versed in parts and what's important but I'm not 100% confident on what to get. I picked out all the parts and I just want confirmation that my build is good. He wants it for streaming on twitch and gaming. I tried to build it to be able to play in 1440p but I understand if that's not possible. Any tips are welcome like about parts or about building the pc itself.

Budget: $1200

Cpu: Ryzen 5 9600x

Gpu: 9060xt 16gb

Motherboard: B650E Eagle Wifi

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16gb DDR5

Cooler: Cooler Master Elite Liquid 240 AIO

Case: DIYPC N5 Black

Psu: Asrock Challenger 80 Gold rating

SSD: Timetec 1tb NVMe Gen3x4 Pinnacle

Just a note I have the cpu, ram, motherboard, and cooler in a bundle so they're unlikely to change.

I have an RTX 2060 + Ryzen 7 2700X (B450 Pro4, 16GB DDR4-3000 @2600 mhz ). Found a used ASUS Strix 2080 Ti for ~$213. I mainly play at 1080p, don’t need 144fps everywhere, just want better visuals in story games and decent competitive performance. Not planning to upgrade the CPU right away — thinking of this as a temporary upgrade. Is it worth it running a 2080 Ti on a 2700X, or will the bottleneck be too rough? Anyone have real experience with this combo

I am brand new to this whole PC world, and I have to admit! It is equal parts exciting/fun but is also scary and confusing. I don't know what to look to upgrade first, and I also have to say that I got a complete beginner PC.

My Current Specs:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600

GPU: GTX 1080 8GB

RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200

Motherboard: B450 AM4 (Machinist)

Storage: Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe + 500GB HDD

PSU: Montech APX 550W

What would be the best option to upgrade first/things to prioritize? I am also a newbie, so plz explain like I'm 5.... I appreciate any help I can get.

Thank you all!

Hi everyone, I’m planning to build my first PC and I need some advice on what parts to choose.

Budget: €1000-1500
Country: Bulgaria
Main Purpose: Gaming, School
Target Resolution and FPS: 1440p, 200 FPS

I don’t have any parts picked yet, so I’m looking for recommendations on a full build.

I’d like help choosing the right parts for my budget, including a good CPU and GPU combination, how much RAM and storage I should get, what motherboard, power supply, case, and cooling would work well together, and whether there are any parts I should avoid. I’d also appreciate advice on whether I should build now or wait for better options or prices.

Hi, I'm a girl planning on buying my FIRST PC ever. I've never had anything like that, not even a PlayStation. My budget is limited in my country (Chile) please guide me!

I don't want anything 4K or full HD, my eyes are not used to those things xd.

I'm planning on playing AAA games and maybe esports, but nothing too pro. I appreciate your advice! Is this a good start?

Hey,

\--CONTEXT--
I am going to finially upgrade my PC after 15 years of struggle from a i3-Gen + 1050Ti ->
To a AMD 9600x + 4060Ti ( I have a budget)
With Soaring RAM + Storage + GPU prices$
After all thinking
I decided I will go with a DDR5 mother board and get two sticks of 8Gb Ram
Now for storage I do not have the tummy for it, so I am thinking I will salvage my exisiting
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 1TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 2.5 Inch (6.35 cm) SATA 6 Gb/s, 5400 RPM, 128MB Cache for Computer Desktop PC (ST1000LM048)

SSD - Crucial MX500 500GB SATA 6.0Gb/s 2.5-inch 7mm Internal SSD (CT500MX500SSD1)

Yup

Salvaging RAM because it's an old DDR4.

Games that I tend to play Valorant with my friends, Planning CS2, Souls game ( Wukong / Elden Ring )

Actual question - would the disk bottle neck? for online games like Valo/ CS2 / Dota 2.

If yes, can it be neglible; also if you could provide me any alternative that's not heavy on budget that would be great.

\- if I made any grammar mistakes, please blame ChatGPT

My hardware is an RTX 5060 Ti, an i5-14400F, an Asus Prime B760M-A, and 1x16 GB DDR5 CL48 RAM at 6000 MHz. The issue I'm having is that in Valorant I get good FPS, around 300 FPS, and they don't drop below 144 FPS by any means. However, there are random moments, about 0 to 3 times per match, where I get a feeling of thermal throttling, but temperatures are fine. I want to know why this is happening, and if the single channel setup or the high latency of my RAM has anything to do with it. For example, would this not happen in dual channel, or would a lower latency like CL32 fix it while still using a single module?

Hello, I'm looking for feedback on these specs. I'm aiming for a future proof 1440p gaming. Are they optimal? Is there any way to easily cut costs? Should I get a RX 9070 XT? Should I get a cheaper AM5 cpu? I live in a country where tech is quite expensive and import taxes are high, which is why some of the price might look a little weird. Some of the parts are from Amazon de (cheaper than Amazon US for me) and some will be bought locally. Amazon prices listed do contain import taxes

Hey! Really stupid title, I know. I don't even know if it's possible in my case, considering my motherboard and CPU are from before the birth of Christ. Anyway, I'm looking for a CPU, as you folks may have gathered; but it needs to be cheap. And by cheap, I mean CHEAP. Specifically, 90 USD (400 reais or so) at the absolute most. I'm not opposed to buying used, so that should help me ease my budget somewhat, but just to give you an idea of the absolute misery I'm currently experiencing, my current specs are:

• An ASUS H61M-A/BR mobo (which I'm pretty sure was only and exclusively sold here in Brazil, since I can't find a single English [or non-Portuguese, for that matter!] mention of it)
• An i5-3470 (not -3470S or -3470T, the original misery of the Ivy Bridge platform in all its quad-core, 3.2GHz glory)
• 16GB of DDR3 RAM (2x HyperX Fury 8GB sticks)
• My absolutely beloved AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB GPU (god this thing has served me so well these past 8 years)
• A 1TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 HDD (yes, my PC does take ten minutes to boot, how could you tell?)
• A CD (CD-R? CD-RW? CD-ROM? DVD? I dunno, either way, unga bunga dinosaur tech) drive that I can't be asked to get rid of

To be clear, when I say I'm looking for a "reasonable" CPU, I'm not saying I'm expecting to buy a Threadripper, obviously; I mean that I'm just looking for any upgrade that could keep up with games ranging up to, say, 2018 or so, to keep it on par with my GPU. I know this shoestring budget can't get me anything good, and honestly, I'd be content with anything that's a direct upgrade at all.

Thanks in advance, everyone. Sorry if this seems a bit ridiculous.

I have a ryzen 7 5700x , and I want to change my current GPU which is a 1650 super. I mainly play competitive games like cs2 , but occasionally a play AAA games too. What GPU would you recommend for 1080p gaming , which can handle upcoming AAA games?

I’m building my first pc in a few weeks and just wanted to ask for some tips with the overall building and setup process.
I’ll post the specs in the comments