9900k or 9700k
9900k or 9700k
After much debate, I chose to stay with Intel. I aimed for a 3700x with 5700 MB, but after reviewing all choices, I realized it wasn’t the ideal fit. I couldn’t find a suitable RAM size that matched my needs and didn’t lack a chipset fan—something common in X570 models. Now I’m focused on picking the right CPU. I’ve settled on the Asus Rog Maximus XI Hero Wifi for the memory. I understand 9700 series lacks thermal threading, while the 9900k offers a better upgrade path. Regarding future-proofing, I’m unsure. With new 10xx CPUs featuring 1200 chipsets, it’s hard to predict. I’m also considering AMD options soon, and the 3900x could be a strong alternative. However, the memory selection remains a concern, especially if it fails or makes loud noises, which is something I’m particularly sensitive to.
I believe @keavlar refers to Hyper Threading. You can stick with a B550 board unless you really need the X570. Based on pricing, the 9700K and 10700K seem similar, so unless you already own them or they're much pricier, I’d likely choose the 10700K. The performance gap is minimal though.
You're looking at different choices for this MB. The options available don't match what you want. That's why you revisited the Intel option. Why not? It's not just for gaming; I only play a few 3-4 games. I really enjoy building high-end PCs, especially when better games are released in the future, so I can enjoy them.
What do you think about the b550? The lanes linked to the CPU are Gen 4, which is solid. It remains a viable choice. I wouldn't recommend Coffee Lake since it's a less desirable platform. It seems outdated and won't receive updates, making it feel quite stagnant. You might want to hold off on Zen 3 or consider Zen 2 or Comet Lake instead.
Consider the 10700k instead—it might be more affordable than the 9900k. Or opt for a premium B550 board if you prefer a Ryzen setup and want to avoid the cooling issues.
A brief test indicates 10700K is comparable to 9700K, making it significantly more affordable than 9900K in Europe. I also expect that in the coming years a 11700K will fit on a 1200 socket while 1151 won’t receive new CPUs. The same applies to X570/B550—both should support Zen 3 processors later. This means both platforms offer upgrade options, whereas 1151 lacks that flexibility.