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The Hardware Myths Everyone Repeats (and Why They Aren't True)

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The world of PC hardware is full of information passed on by word of mouth, often without foundation. Some myths persist for years, influencing purchasing and design decisions. We're going to debunk some of the most common ones and explain why they're not true, based on data and experience.

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Myth 1: “4 RAM slots cause incompatibilities and worse performance”

Reality: Four-slot RAM configurations work perfectly in the vast majority of cases, as long as you use quality, compatible modules. The idea that this causes problems probably comes from experiences with generic or low-quality modules (such as generic DDR3 RAM from years ago). In modern DDR4 and DDR5 configurations, filling all four slots can even increase performance, although not by a huge difference (approximately 10%).

Advice: If you plan to fill all four slots, try to use modules of the same model and frequency. This can also be useful if you plan a future upgrade.

Myth 2: “The CPU is the most important thing for gaming”

Reality: While the processor plays an important role, the graphics card (GPU) has a much bigger impact on gaming, especially at resolutions like 1440p and 4K. Investing in a high-end CPU to go with a low-midrange GPU just doesn't make sense. For example, between a Ryzen 5600 and a 7800X3D, the difference in gaming with an RTX 4090 doesn't exceed 18% at 1440p, and drops to 7% at 4K.

Advice: Prioritize a powerful GPU if your goal is to play games. At 1080p, a more powerful CPU can make a difference in specific games (like LoL or Escape from Tarkov), but in general, it costs more for the graphics card and less for the processor.

Myth 3: “AM4 is dead, AM5 is always better”

Reality: While AM5 is AMD's newest platform, AM4 is still a great option, especially with CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which offers gaming performance similar to the Ryzen 7 7700X. Plus, AM4 allows for more budget-friendly configurations with more affordable motherboards and RAM.

Advice: AM5 only makes sense if you plan to use high-speed DDR5 RAM and upgrade your CPU in the future. Otherwise, AM4 is a mature, reliable, and more affordable platform.

Myth 4: “From 120Hz or 144Hz there is no difference”

Reality: The difference between 144Hz and higher refresh rates (like 240Hz) is noticeable, especially in competitive shooters. 240Hz monitors, when paired with systems that can achieve those frames per second, offer improved fluidity and response times.

Advice: If you play competitive titles, a higher refresh rate monitor can be a good investment. However, make sure your PC can consistently hit those FPS before prioritizing a 240Hz monitor.

Myth 5: “For a powerful GPU, you need a 1000W or larger power supply”

Reality: Modern GPUs and CPUs have significantly improved in power efficiency. For example, an RTX 4080 with a 360W TDP runs perfectly with a good 750W power supply, even with headroom for overclocking.

Advice: Calculate your system's actual power consumption (including CPU and peripherals) and choose an efficient, high-quality power supply with adequate protections. Consult reliable lists, such as the PSU Tier List, to identify good models.

Myth 6: “The limit for Ryzen AM4 is 3600MHz and for AM5 6000MHz”

Reality: While these numbers are recommendations for optimizing stability and performance, they are not absolute limits. You can find faster DDR4 and DDR5 memory kits at competitive prices. For example, a 6800MHz DDR5 kit can cost the same or less than a 6000MHz kit and offer a slight performance boost.

Advice: Don't rule out higher frequencies if the price is similar, especially in DDR5 configurations.

Myth 7: “8GB of RAM is useless, and 16GB is insufficient for gaming”

Reality: Windows and modern games can run perfectly with 8GB of RAM, although for more demanding tasks and recent games, 16GB is the ideal amount. Many people mistakenly believe that if Windows uses more RAM on a 32GB system, this means that systems with less memory aren't viable, which is false.

Advice: For low-end or mid-range PCs, 16GB of RAM is more than enough for most modern games. Only consider 32GB if you're working with professional applications or playing at extreme graphics settings.

Myth 8: “It’s always better to buy the cheapest motherboard”

Reality: A low-end motherboard may be sufficient for basic configurations, but in countries like Argentina, where ambient temperatures are high, poor-quality VRMs can be a problem. Furthermore, cheaper motherboards often have less support for high-speed RAM and poorer connectivity options.

Advice: Choose a motherboard with good heat dissipation and features that suit your needs. There's no need to spend money on high-end models if you're not going to use them to the fullest, but avoid extremely basic options.

Conclusion

Hardware myths can negatively influence your decisions when building or upgrading your PC. By educating yourself and debunking these misconceptions, you can optimize performance and save money. Always check up-to-date data, real-world tests, and consult reliable sources before making a decision. Knowledge is your best tool!