The Unexpected Resurgence of Older CPUs: Why the AMD Ryzen 5 5800X is Topping Charts in 2024
A five-year-old processor is currently Amazon UK’s best-selling CPU. That’s not a typo. The AMD Ryzen 5 5800X, launched in November 2020, is experiencing a remarkable sales surge, alongside its sibling the 5800XT holding a strong position in the US market. This isn’t about nostalgia; it’s a stark illustration of how the ongoing memory crisis is fundamentally reshaping the PC building landscape, forcing gamers and enthusiasts to rethink their priorities and embrace older, more affordable platforms.
The DDR5 Premium: A Breaking Point for PC Builders
For years, the industry has been steadily transitioning to DDR5 RAM, promising faster speeds and improved performance. However, that promise has come at a steep cost. As of early 2024, 64GB DDR5 kits routinely exceed the price of a PlayStation 5 – even with console discounts. Analysts predict this trend won’t reverse anytime soon, with prices potentially climbing through the first quarter of 2026. This escalating cost is creating a significant barrier to entry for many PC builders, particularly those on a budget.
The result? A dramatic increase in demand for systems that utilize the older, but significantly cheaper, DDR4 memory. AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the first of their X3D chips, has become a particularly hot commodity, even fetching prices higher than newer processors like the Ryzen 9 9800X3D on the secondhand market. Unfortunately, the 5800X3D is discontinued, leaving the 5800X and 5800XT as the primary new options for those seeking to avoid the DDR5 premium.
Why the Ryzen 5 5800X and 5800XT Remain Competitive
While newer processors like the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X undoubtedly offer superior performance in many benchmarks, the total cost of ownership tells a different story. The 9600X requires DDR5 RAM, effectively negating any savings on the CPU itself for budget-conscious builders. The Ryzen 5 5800X, currently available for around $250 (UK £184.19), and the Ryzen 7 5800XT, priced at just $199 in the US, offer a compelling alternative when paired with readily available and affordable DDR4 memory.
Our previous review of the Ryzen 5 5800X highlighted its excellent gaming performance and balanced approach to single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. While initially criticized for its launch price of $450 – comparable to the more affordable Ryzen 5 5600X at the time – its current price point makes it a remarkably attractive option. The 5800XT further sweetens the deal, offering strong performance at an even lower cost.
The AM4 Platform: Longevity and Value
The resurgence of these processors isn’t just about memory prices; it’s also a testament to the longevity of the AM4 platform. Launched in 2017, AM4 has proven to be remarkably resilient, offering a mature ecosystem of motherboards and a wide range of compatibility options. This allows builders to leverage existing components or find affordable upgrades without committing to an entirely new platform.
Looking Ahead: The Future of CPU Demand and Memory Pricing
The current situation highlights a critical vulnerability in the PC hardware market: the dependence on a single memory standard. While DDR5 will eventually become more affordable, the timeline remains uncertain. This could lead to a prolonged period of demand for older platforms like AM4, potentially driving up prices for used components and creating a bifurcated market – one for high-end enthusiasts willing to pay the DDR5 premium, and another for budget-conscious builders sticking with DDR4.
Furthermore, this trend could influence future CPU development strategies. Manufacturers may be incentivized to offer more compelling value propositions on older platforms to cater to the growing segment of price-sensitive consumers. We might even see a resurgence of interest in technologies like chiplet designs that allow for greater flexibility in memory compatibility.
The unexpected popularity of the Ryzen 5 5800X and 5800XT serves as a powerful reminder that performance isn’t everything. Value, affordability, and platform longevity are equally important considerations, especially in a market grappling with fluctuating prices and supply chain disruptions. What are your predictions for the future of CPU and memory pricing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
