B760 or z790
B760 or z790
Hello, I'm working on assembling a PC for a friend and wanted to know if getting an i7 13700K without overclocking would work better. Should I pair it with a B760 instead of a Z790? Thanks in advance!
Technically, as long as the b760 you choose offers solid VRM power, cooling, and enough slots/connectivity (USB/pci-e lanes), it should still function well. With Z790/Z690 you can overclock and undervolt, which may help maintain similar or improved performance while using less power. I’ve seen some videos about overclocking with b660/b760 boards, but it’s unclear if they work on all of them. If you really need the b760, consider checking prices for alternatives like 13700f/13700. Another idea is to look at CPUs with an integrated GPU that cost less—especially if they support up to $50 savings. It’s usually better to diagnose and fix issues first, especially when an integrated GPU is available.
I looked up the specifications but found mixed info. The B760 gaming model supports 8+1+1 VRM while the Z690-P offers 14+1. It seems capable of handling the 13700kf, though a Z690 might perform similarly. You may want to read reviews before deciding. On Amazon I noticed the B760 AORUS Elite AX is only $10 more than other options, which could be a better value overall. However, cheaper alternatives exist—like the Z790 or Z690 models available for lower prices. For DDR4, performance gains are minimal at this socket, so sticking with your current RAM might be smarter. If you already have a 3200MHz or higher DDR4, it’s probably worth keeping that budget for better GPUs or CPUs instead.
I also wanted to choose DDR4 because it's essentially the same as DDR5 but much cheaper, thanks for your assistance!