Guidance needed for new build...

riskyfrisky

riskyfrisky

riskyfrisky

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Joined
23 Mar 2012
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SY13
Hello all,

I'm looking to move to the AM5 platform on a tight budget, though I'll be selling off my AM4 parts to help fund it. I could do with some help with which RAM kit to buy though.

I'm looking at getting the following:

Ryzen 5 7500F
Asus TUF Gaming B650 Plus.

I have built a few systems over the years and have never overclocked any of them, and I'd like to keep it that way but I'm struggling to find a memory kit that's on the QVL list at the rated speed. AMD's website claims the 7500F can support memory up to 5200MT/s, yet I've seen people recommend kits that are 6000MT/s.

I know not every kit is tested with every board, but can I expect to just enable EXPO in the BIOS and hope that it sorts it out or is there more to it than that? I do not want to have to mess about with voltages and timing if I can help it.

I don't mind being schooled here - any help is appreciated, thanks.
 
riskyfrisky said:
but can I expect to just enable EXPO in the BIOS and hope that it sorts it out or is there more to it than that? I do not want to have to mess about with voltages and timing if I can help it.
Click to expand...
There's never a 100% guarantee, but your odds are good @ 6000.

5200 is not terrible, but you do lose a chunk of performance (especially with a non-X3D CPU) and if you really don't want to overclock at all you'd have to choose JEDEC memory which is even slower (due to loose timings).
 
Tetras said:
There's never a 100% guarantee, but your odds are good @ 6000.

5200 is not terrible, but you do lose a chunk of performance (especially with a non-X3D CPU) and if you really don't want to overclock at all you'd have to choose JEDEC memory which is even slower (due to loose timings).
Click to expand...
Ugh, it looks like I'm committed then. I'd like to get a good amount of improvement from the upgrade so aiming for 6000 does make sense.
 
riskyfrisky said:
Ugh, it looks like I'm committed then. I'd like to get a good amount of improvement from the upgrade so aiming for 6000 does make sense.
Click to expand...
If you want to see the difference, have a look here (for games), at the 7700X results:

For other workloads:
www.pugetsystems.com

Impact of DDR5 Speed on Content Creation Performance (2023 update)

DDR5 memory has kits rated for up to 8400 Mbps, while desktop CPUs only officially support up to 5600 Mbps. How much does running at official specifications actually impact performance in common content creation applications?
www.pugetsystems.com www.pugetsystems.com

X3D results don't count, because the huge cache mitigates the slower memory.

The performance loss would be less than shown in most circumstances, because I assume you wouldn't play games at 1080p with a 4090, but you'd definitely be in a minority of DIY users.
 
Tetras said:
If you want to see the difference, have a look here (for games), at the 7700X results:

For other workloads:
www.pugetsystems.com

Impact of DDR5 Speed on Content Creation Performance (2023 update)

DDR5 memory has kits rated for up to 8400 Mbps, while desktop CPUs only officially support up to 5600 Mbps. How much does running at official specifications actually impact performance in common content creation applications?
www.pugetsystems.com www.pugetsystems.com

X3D results don't count, because the huge cache mitigates the slower memory.

The performance loss would be less than shown in most circumstances, because I assume you wouldn't play games at 1080p with a 4090, but you'd definitely be in a minority of DIY users.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tips - I'll check the video out.

I actually bought a 5800X3D when I bought the 4070, but after looking at benchmarks I thought I'd be okay with the 5600X, especially at higher resolutions, so I returned it. I kinda wish I'd held onto it now.
 
What's the overall best bang-for-buck AM5 motherboard out there right now?

I've been looking at the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk max wifi, but it's £200, is there a better option for the same price?
 
riskyfrisky said:
What's the overall best bang-for-buck AM5 motherboard out there right now?

I've been looking at the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk max wifi, but it's £200, is there a better option for the same price?
Click to expand...
You can run a 7500F on anything, including the £100 (or less) boards.

But, compared to an entry-level B650 ATX board you get:
- Less M.2 slots (2 or worst case, 1).
- Less USB ports (& they start turning into USB 2.0).
- It'll be gen 4 PCIE everywhere (graphics & M.2).
- 2 less RAM slots (..it depends).
- Lower VRM quality (increases temps, might be unsuitable for later high draw CPUs).

Given the compromises, the B650 Eagle is where I would draw the line and even that has some cost cutting (1Gb LAN, for example).
 
Tetras said:
You can run a 7500F on anything, including the £100 (or less) boards.

But, compared to an entry-level B650 ATX board you get:
- Less M.2 slots (2 or worst case, 1).
- Less USB ports (& they start turning into USB 2.0).
- It'll be gen 4 PCIE everywhere (graphics & M.2).
- 2 less RAM slots (..it depends).
- Lower VRM quality (increases temps, might be unsuitable for later high draw CPUs).

Given the compromises, the B650 Eagle is where I would draw the line and even that has some cost cutting (1Gb LAN, for example).
Click to expand...
So what would you recommend for a AM5 board for the 7500F?
 
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Tetras said:
What matters to you from the above list?

Will the CPU be upgraded?

Is there any PCIE device other than graphics card to fit?
Click to expand...
I'd like PCIE gen 5, and I have the Samsung M2 drive installed, that'll move across to the new motherboard.

I'm not sure if the CPU will get changed in the future, though it's a definite possibility as I'm looking to keep the new system running for at least 5 years.
 
riskyfrisky said:
I'd like PCIE gen 5, and I have the Samsung M2 drive installed, that'll move across to the new motherboard.

I'm not sure if the CPU will get changed in the future, though it's a definite possibility as I'm looking to keep the new system running for at least 5 years.
Click to expand...
If you want pcie5 then a b850 is a good option, check board specs.

 
riskyfrisky said:
I'd like PCIE gen 5, and I have the Samsung M2 drive installed, that'll move across to the new motherboard.

I'm not sure if the CPU will get changed in the future, though it's a definite possibility as I'm looking to keep the new system running for at least 5 years.
Click to expand...
If you want PCI-E 5 graphics, the least expensive boards are B850 and B650E, but they start around £170.

The only way (I'm aware of) to get a cheaper one is to go MATX, since Gigabyte's micro-atx boards like B850M D3HP & DS3H still have PCI-E 5 graphics. Not sure about other brands.
 
When you decide on the board go to it's website page and check the supported ram lists for the board. The Gskill I got is rock solid though. :)
 
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