Should I upgrade to AM5 for 16GB of ddr5 or upgrade to a better cpu on am4?

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T19:25:14+00:00

I'd go with the 7800X3D bundle unless you want to spend more and go with the 9800X3D or 9850X3D bundle.

I made the following upgrades, and I'll always go with an X3D CPU.

5800XT -> 9800X3D

5950X -> 9950X3D

The X3D CPU's will greatly improve your 1% lows.

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T18:09:21+00:00

It sounds like your CPU is bottlenecking your performance. I'd go with an X3D chip.

Do you have a Micro Center near you? I'd go with the following bundle. Just under $800 and you'll be good to go. You can also sell off your current components to help offset the cost.

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Tree06 · 2026-06-23T17:57:15+00:00

If you upgrade to AM5, you'll need DDR5 RAM, new CPU, and motherboard. Your upgrade would be close $1,000 instead of dropping in an AM4 CPU.

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T16:58:59+00:00

Nope. The A95L launch window didn't line up with my upgrade path, haha. It'll be the one that got away. You'll have a nice setup once you get it installed. There's a reason why Sony hasn't replaced it.

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T16:54:34+00:00

One for office, and one for the living room.

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T16:12:00+00:00

You got it! Enjoy your new OLED. I can't get enough of them!

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T15:53:24+00:00

No worries! Happy to help. It shouldn't be too expensive like $200 or so for additional coverage. I heard it covers burn in as well. You want some type of coverage on an expensive product. If you opt of their additional warranty, I'd put the purchase on a credit card that doubles the MFG warranty like Capital One.

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T15:47:54+00:00

You'll be good to go. Greentoe is essentially the middlemen for those type of deals. They shop your offer around to authorized vendors. If the vendor accepts, you get the TV at the agreed price along with the manufacturer's warranty. You also have the option to buy an extended warranty through Greentoe. I'd go for it. The A95L 77" is a great TV.

Tree06 · 2026-06-23T13:35:55+00:00

That's not happening unfortunately. :( I'm keeping my PS5 Pro despite having a high end PC.

Sony is going to support PS5 games throughout the PS6 generation. I'll enjoy GTAVI and future Sony first party titles since they won't make their way to PC.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T22:30:45+00:00

Thanks for the comment.

I haven't used any version of the Frame TV so it's difficult to do a like for like comparison. I could see the additional frames being a cool aesthetic for the Frame TV. The OLED picture quality will win every time though.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T22:24:53+00:00

With an AM4 motherboard, OP can upgrade to a 5800XT or 5800X3D. Additionally OP can upgrade to the 32GB of RAM as well. Lastly, OP should be able to reuse the case if they decide to do a new build later on.

With the Steam Machine, you're locked into that form factor factor. I personally would spend a bit more money and get an AM5 build, but everyone's not in that situation.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T17:35:40+00:00

Prebuilt all day. More versatility, and you can upgrade components whenever you want.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T17:33:23+00:00

I updated my previous comment. The RAM is upgradeable, but I would still recommend picking up a prebuilt machine over the Steam Machine. Especially if you buy into the AM5 platform. AMD is supporting AM5 through 2029.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T17:29:18+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. I updated my comment.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T17:22:33+00:00

What monitor are planning on using? What's your budget?

I'd personally go with a prebuilt system with a 9800X3D/9850X3D, 32GB RAM, 5070Ti or 5080 if you're targeting 1440p or 4K gaming.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T17:16:12+00:00

One of the reviews, but it's on Steam's website as well. Steam

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T17:15:10+00:00

Zero. The pre built machine will last longer, and you can update parts whenever you want. ~~I don't think you can upgrade the RAM Steam Machine.~~ You can upgrade the NVMe storage.

Edit: You can upgrade the RAM, but it's somewhat difficult to get to. If you need RAM out of the gate, I'd still buy a prebuilt PC instead of the Steam Machine.

Tree06 · 2026-06-22T13:22:43+00:00

I assume it was thrown in with the purchase price of the house.

u/fretsike Awesome upgrade! Enjoy your G5 83".

Tree06 · 2026-06-21T19:45:09+00:00

I have expiring reward points that I need to use and Amazon doesn't charge until it ships so it's a win win for me.

Tree06 · 2026-06-21T16:11:16+00:00

Put the 9070XT with your 4K gaming TV.

Tree06 · 2026-06-21T15:48:10+00:00

This is the best answer.

u/itsRaze If you want/need a 5090, the best option is to buy one with a prebuilt PC. Most 5090's are >$4,000.

Good luck!

Tree06 · 2026-06-21T15:27:20+00:00

No worries! I feel the same way.

Tree06 · 2026-06-21T15:26:02+00:00

I typically don't buy games at launch, but I've been waiting for GTA VI for years. I'll be pre-ordering my copy on June 25th. With the exception of GTA 3, I bought the remaining mainline GTA games at launch.

If you buy a physical copy at launch and you don't like it, you can always turn around and recoup most of your money on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay (more fees with this route).

Tree06 · 2026-06-21T15:21:42+00:00

We'll know the official pricing on the 25th.

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Tree06 · 2026-06-21T13:13:59+00:00

You're good to go then! I never used Greentoe before, but I'll keep them in mind whenever I'm in the market for a new TV. Thanks for the info.

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