Builds are priced according to the components you possess.
Builds are priced according to the components you possess.
Budget (including currency):
Max budget is $700 before tax, not counting the items I already own.
Country:
US, open to visiting MicroCenter but prefer not to due to its 4-hour distance.
Games, programs or workloads it will serve:
No specific use beyond gaming mostly.
Additional information:
I need several build options at various price levels so I can compare and decide on the best fit. 1080p at 144Hz is sufficient for me, but I don’t require a monitor. I plan to purchase as soon as I finalize my choice. I’m upgrading from a 750 Ti and an i5-3470, which isn’t ideal.
List of parts I already have:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/krpZ4s
The price range for builds around $700 that include the parts I own should be about $900 to $1K (including what I already have).
(Unusual request, just want to explore what would suit me best)
The air cooler has received positive feedback recently, especially if the model you're considering is one of them. Pairing it with good case ventilation would be a solid starting point. Buying a PSU upfront can be restrictive, but it seems like a reasonable choice given the price range. The choices ahead will likely depend on whether you prefer AMD or Intel processors, DDR4 or DDR5 memory, and whether you're interested in ray tracing capabilities. I wouldn't suggest Intel graphics at this stage.
I should note that I understand you chose DDR4, which may limit performance improvements compared to newer generations. I’m not certain if AM5 boards support DDR4, though I might be mistaken.
It should be possible to build a solid mid to high-end system from this budget. I’d suggest dedicating roughly half your budget to the GPU within your PSU constraints, then using the remaining funds for other components. Micro Center provides excellent pricing and attractive CPU/motherboard bundles, but keep in mind the time and effort required to reach your goal.
I favor Intel but am okay with AMD as well. I already own DDR4 RAM. I've checked out AMD and Nvidia GPUs a few times, and it seems AMD provides better pricing compared to Nvidia. I've noticed MicroCenter has really good deals that could be worth the 4-hour drive.
So, to me, here is the 'rub', as it were.
AM5 is supposed to be supported in a similar way that AM4 was. So, even if you bit the bullet, returned the RAM you have to get a low/mid level R3/R5 rig with a GOOD motherboard, decent RAM and a decent GPU, then come around next year or so you have a nice possible upgrade path. Things to consider would be this BIOS snafu thing about burning CPU/mobo. I hear it is fixed but worth consideration.
IDK if 14th gen Intel is supposed to be supported by the current chipset. Intel's traditional methodology would indicate not so. That makes 13th gen a question as to whether it is a dead end product. (same as always with Intel). This would lead into questions about whether it was smart to wait and as it said all over this forum, if you are waiting on the next thing, there is always a next thing.
If you wanted to save some money and stay a touch behind the curve there are some smoking deals around for AM4 and with the release of the new "3D" Ryzen 5 it would seem to indicate support from the manufacturer for some time forward.
My normal scheme is stay behind the curve. Buy the best product you can for a fraction of the launch price, bugs known and likely resolved. I think Ryzen 5xxx and Intel 12th gen fit that bill.
14th gen is supposed to be a refresh of RaptorLake, so yes, one last hurrah for socket. No longer going to be Meteor/Arrow Lake. Probably see mobile next gen chips with the new naming scheme and 15th gen Arrow Lake on the desktop.
$1000
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor
($299.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(Purchased For $20.00)
Motherboard:
ASRock B550M PG RIPTIDE Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
(Purchased For $50.00)
Storage:
TEAMGROUP Cardea Zero Z440 Graphene 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(Purchased For $50.00)
Video Card:
ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card
($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 205M MESH MicroATX Mini Tower Case
(Purchased For $80.00)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(Purchased For $75.00)
Total:
$1014.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2023-07-17 16:57 EDT-0400
$900, just drop the CPU to a regular 8 core.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor
($205.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(Purchased For $20.00)
Motherboard:
ASRock B550M PG RIPTIDE Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
(Purchased For $50.00)
Storage:
TEAMGROUP Cardea Zero Z440 Graphene 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(Purchased For $50.00)
Video Card:
ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card
($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 205M MESH MicroATX Mini Tower Case
(Purchased For $80.00)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(Purchased For $75.00)
Total:
$920.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2023-07-17 16:58 EDT-0400
$700
Drop CPU to Ryzen 5500, you could stretch for the 5600X.
Drop down to the RX7600 or possibly RX6600XT if you can find a decent one.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor
($99.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(Purchased For $20.00)
Motherboard:
ASRock B550M PG RIPTIDE Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
(Purchased For $50.00)
Storage:
TEAMGROUP Cardea Zero Z440 Graphene 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(Purchased For $50.00)
Video Card:
MSI MECH 2X CLASSIC OC Radeon RX 7600 8 GB Video Card
($269.99 @ Amazon)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 205M MESH MicroATX Mini Tower Case
(Purchased For $80.00)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(Purchased For $75.00)
Total:
$753.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2023-07-17 16:59 EDT-0400
Intel would be closer to $900, or you could drop down to something like the i5-12400F and get it around $825
I would not bother replacing an i7-12700K at a later date, that is a pretty decent gaming chips for many years to come.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-12700KF 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor
($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(Purchased For $20.00)
Motherboard:
ASRock B760M Pro RS/D4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
(Purchased For $50.00)
Storage:
TEAMGROUP Cardea Zero Z440 Graphene 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(Purchased For $50.00)
Video Card:
MSI MECH 2X CLASSIC OC Radeon RX 7600 8 GB Video Card
($269.99 @ Amazon)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 205M MESH MicroATX Mini Tower Case
(Purchased For $80.00)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(Purchased For $75.00)
Total:
$894.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2023-07-17 17:02 EDT-0400
Which of these configurations might sustain 1080p at 144Hz for three to four years before needing an upgrade?
It's good to hear! I'll take a closer look and let you know when I have a build to share my thoughts.
@Eximo demonstrates considerable consideration and experience in his suggestions. I would rely on any of those configurations for several reasons. The only adjustment I’d make would be opting for Intel, adding the $25-30 premium to include the skew WITH integrated graphics. Ryzen models don’t offer that choice on 5xxx boards except for the G skew, which wouldn’t fit this setup. If the 14th generation is compatible with that motherboard, it’s just a plus in my opinion.
The suggested 5800X3D build seems perfectly suitable for a high-performing system at a reasonable price. It provides ample VRAM capacity for future upgrades, even on the older RX card.
I heard the 7600 isn't that good, so if you choose one of those builds, should you consider swapping it for a 6700xt or a 6750xt because it fits your budget? Also, would you prefer an i7 or a 5800X3D if you plan to boost productivity on the side, since Intel chips are said to be better for that?
Here is your review rephrased:
This is my assessment
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor
($138.00 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
(Purchased for $20.00)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M Phantom Gaming 4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($86.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
(Purchased for $50.00)
Storage: TEAMGROUP Cardea Zero Z440 Graphene 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
(Purchased for $50.00)
Video Card: MSI MECH 2X CLASSIC OC Radeon RX 7600 8 GB Video Card
($269.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 205M MESH MicroATX Mini Tower Case
(Purchased for $80.00)
Power Supply: Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(Purchased for $75.00)
Overall Total: $769.98
Prices encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2023-07-17 19:07 EDT-0400