Choosing the right CPU platform in 2025 can be the difference between a system that lasts you years and one that bottlenecks your productivity. AMD’s AM5 & AM4 CPUs have been at the center of custom PC builds for years, each serving a different purpose and demographic. 

One common question builders ask is whether AM5 motherboards are compatible with AM4 CPUs, a crucial factor when deciding to upgrade or stick with existing hardware. 

We know the decision between sticking with a mature platform or jumping to the future can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth breakdown to help you understand what AM4 and AM5 bring to the table, and which one is better for your build in 2025.

Evolution of AM4 and Introduction of AM5

The AM4 socket supported AMD’s Ryzen CPUs from 2017 to 2022. It revolutionized the industry by offering consistent socket support across multiple CPU generations, giving PC builders unprecedented upgrade flexibility.

But all good things come to an end. Enter AM5, AMD’s next-gen socket built for the demands of the future. It introduced new technologies like DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and higher power delivery—all packed into a new LGA1718 socket format.

This evolution marked AMD’s departure from the pin-on-chip design (PGA) of AM4 to the motherboard-pin layout (LGA) of AM5, aligning with Intel's architecture.

AM5 & AM4 CPUs Performance Benchmarks (2025 Data)

We’ve benchmarked several CPUs to give you real-world context:

Upgrading to AM5: What You Need to Know

Moving to AM5 isn’t just about swapping CPUs—it’s a full platform transition. Here's what you need:

• AM5 motherboard (B650, X670, etc.)
• DDR5 memory (DDR4 is not supported at all)
• LGA-compatible cooler (some AM4 coolers work with brackets)
• Optional: PCIe 5.0 SSD or GPU to maximize performance

If you’re already on AM4, consider this a major investment. That’s why AM4 still thrives among value-conscious users.

Future-Proofing with AM5

AMD has publicly committed to supporting AM5 through at least 2027, which is a major advantage if you plan to upgrade your CPU down the line without swapping motherboards. Expect new Zen 5 and Zen 6 architectures to launch on this platform, keeping your system relevant for years.

In contrast, AM4 has reached the end of its development cycle. No new CPUs will be launched for AM4 after the Ryzen 5000/5000X3D series.

Who Should Buy AM4?

Choose AM4 CPUs if:

• You’re building on a tight budget
• You already own DDR4 RAM and want to reuse parts
• You play 1080p/1440p games and don’t need bleeding-edge speeds
• You prefer a tried-and-tested platform with mature BIOS support

Ideal for:

• Entry-level gamers
• Students
• Office users
• Budget-conscious creators

Who Should Invest in AM5?

Opt for AM5 CPUs if:

• You want next-gen performance and features
• You’re building a new system from scratch
• You do 4K video editing, 3D rendering, or high-FPS gaming
• You want the most efficient and scalable setup for future workloads

Ideal for:

• Enthusiast gamers
• Creative professionals
• Developers and researchers
• Anyone planning long-term upgrades
   

Verdict: AM4 vs AM5 in 2025

We recommend AM5 for users planning high-performance systems or long-term upgrades. The support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, combined with AMD's roadmap, makes it the smarter investment for forward-thinking builders.

However, if you're looking to build a solid PC under $800 or simply don't need the latest and greatest, AM4 still offers a competitive and budget-friendly platform—especially when paired with a Ryzen 5800X3D or 5600.

Final Thoughts

Debate isn’t about which platform is better universally—it's about which is better for you. Each platform has its strengths, and your decision should align with your budget, performance needs, and future upgrade plans.

Whichever path you choose, be sure to follow  Technology Drifts for updated PC build guides, component reviews, and performance analysis you can trust.