AMD recently released their latest CPU (Central Processing Unit) line-up called Ryzen. Based on newer architecture the Ryzen CPUs give Intel a run for their money. Intel has been consistent unlike AMD when it came to CPU launches each passing year. Although, the lack of competition made Intel lethargic in their approach. There were barely any significant improvements to their new line-up over the earlier generation.
AMD is finally back. They are planning to go head on with Intel’s best offering and challenge their value for money proposition. The eventual winner of the outcome of this war has to be the end consumer. With AMD’s VEGA GPUs (Graphic Processing Units) rumoured to launch soon, an all AMD built is in consideration by many.
With new CPUs come new supporting components. A new and refreshed architecture promises better power consumption with unparalleled performance at a mighty competitive price tag. Building a custom rig is a sane approach to justify the best value for your money. This also requires some research. Do note that AMD Ryzen has no integrated graphics support and a discrete graphics card will be required. We compile some basic things you need to know if you wish to hop on AMD’s bandwagon.
Compatible Motherboard
AMD’s Ryzen CPU is based on AM4 socket architecture. As of now the A/B300, X300, A320, B350 and X370 series of motherboards are compatible with this socket type. Since every Ryzen CPU is unlocked and overclock ready, choose a motherboard that supports overclocking. This may not be relevant today but will help you squeeze out the best of your CPU at the end of its potential life cycle.
The motherboard is one of the most important components of any build. Do not cheap out on it if you wish to use the system for years to come. With several offerings and features, a motherboard purchase has to be a well-thought decision. Choose wisely.
Check RAM compatibility
This may sound weird at first, but is a known issue with most Ryzen builds. Weirdly enough, AMD has restricted RAM frequencies to 3200 MHz and could act up on some factory RAM timings. This is a bummer considering that DDR 4 modules are available in 4000 MHz and could surpass that as well.
Check out the internet for RAM timings and set your setup accordingly. AMD Ryzen CPUs are known to perform stellar with tight RAM timings. We do hope that AMD removes the threshold on their RAM frequency and timings support at the earliest.
Faster Storage
Ryzen is all about speed and your build is only as fast as the data it accesses. SSDs are an expensive deal especially the larger capacity drives. Try to install the basic OS and most accessed software/apps on the SSD while data storage can be handled by traditional hard drives.
Most new motherboards also support the newer M.2 SSDs. These are smaller and faster SSDs with many advantages over the traditional SSDs or HDDs. Early adoption will come at a cost hence proceed as per your budget.
4K or faster refresh rate display
Full HD displays have been a standard for years now. Although crisp enough, 4K details elevate the experience many-fold. These monitors are expensive but as the adoption increases, you can expect better prices in the coming months.
If you are a content creator or a gamer who wishes to get the maximum of his system, a 4K monitor makes sense for you. But if you are a constant media consumer or a gamer and wish the smoothest media/gameplay action, a higher refresh rate monitor is what you should aim for.
Future proofing your build
We as Indians are lethargic when it comes to updating our tech toys. While our primary phone changes in a year or two, our PCs are expected to serve us much longer. It’s true that most of the computing is now a handheld ordeal. But, computers are mean processing machines capable of much more.
Take a careful look at the trend and make your choices accordingly to future proof your build. From a motherboard that supports USB Type-C, wireless connectivity, to GPUs with VR (Virtual Reality) support and many other trends need consideration. Set a usage date and spend accordingly.
Do realise that the computing scenario will see a massive leap and updating your tech is a part of infinity.
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