12900K is available now or you can wait for AMD's new CPUs?
12900K is available now or you can wait for AMD's new CPUs?
Hi all! I'm currently running a 5820k and it's really bugging my whole system down. I recently upgraded my case, gpus and PSU so I'm currently looking into upgrading which is the ram, cpu, probably the cooler and the mobo. I'm in a dilemma atm not knowing if i should get whatever Intel is offering right now or wait for the new socket and cpus from amd. I can get a 12900k for about 620 usd. If I'd be going with the 12900k what mobo should I be getting. I want something that would fit the two GPUs. not sure about ddr5 or ddr4.. as ddr5 is almost double the price of ddr4 and I need at least 48gbs, preferably 64 My main usage isn't gaming. I do 3D rendering and animation. Here's my current specs Motherboard : MSI X99A Gaming 7 CPU : i7-5820K Ram : GSkil DDR4 48GB 2666 PSU : Antec HCG 1000watt GPU : 2X 3070 TI (PALIT GAMINGPRO & EVGA FTW3) Cooler : Cooler Master Nepton 280L
For optimal performance with two GPUs, x8/x8 support is essential. The most affordable boards offering this are the Carbon or Aero D, both DDR5-based. They outperform AM5 in this regard, though only a few announced models currently support x8/x8 for GPUs. Expect this capability to appear mainly on premium systems like Crosshair Extreme or Ace. The best approach is to monitor developments; if you plan ahead, waiting 3 months for AM5 release could be wise. If you're starting now, the 5950X paired with a B550 Taichi seems like the most practical choice.
Evaluating the expenses involved is making my head spin. Around 1500$ seems steep, especially since the socket will become outdated in months. On the other hand, I anticipate needing something comparable on AM5 with DDR5, which could cost between 2000 and 2500$. It's a tough choice—should I hold off or go ahead?
You can significantly reduce the expense of this build. The 5950X works perfectly with an affordable $60 air cooler such as the Scythe Fuma 2, not requiring a costly liquid cooler. The motherboard option also offers good value—the ASRock B550 Taichi is currently under $150 cheaper and provides the same features (just without SLI support), though it lacks x8/x8 compatibility. You can also save on RAM by choosing Patriot products. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/dXL9C6 Still, the Ryzen 7000 series will be about 20% faster than similar parts at comparable prices, except for DDR5, which remains pricier but may become more reasonable as AM5 approaches. Whether to wait or upgrade depends on whether you can manage the current setup for the next 3–4 months. Also, expect steep discounts on AM4 components once AM5 launches, so a $1400 build could drop to around $700 if you wait and opt for older parts.
Thanks a lot for your support. I’m considering waiting to see if the 5950x models come at a reduced price or if the new versions are worth the upgrade. I’d like to make sure availability is good so I can secure what I need once they’re released. Thanks again! Have a great day!
For CPU tasks the 5950X performs better than the 12900K, while the 12900K edges out the 13900K for animation and viewport work. If you're patient, consider waiting until the 13900K arrives and compare then. Generally, AMD will lead in rendering and Intel in viewport performance.
You could wait and upgrade your 5820k to a 4.4ghz processor if you haven't already. It would give you a major boost in performance and help you stay ahead longer. Alternatively, consider getting a used Xeon with a higher core count and better clock speed—those are often affordable and offer solid value.
I haven't set up an OC yet. My main machine has been a bit unstable lately, so I'm avoiding anything that could cause issues. It's my primary PC for work, and if it fails, things could get tough. XEONs aren't easy to find locally. I'm not in the US; I'm only ordering from Amazon US because they clearly outline the costs including taxes and shipping, and they're actually more affordable than buying nearby.