Choose between the 12600K, 14400F or 14600K processor and DDR5 memory.
Choose between the 12600K, 14400F or 14600K processor and DDR5 memory.
Hello, I own an i5 10400f with an RTX 2070 Super and was thinking about an upgrade. I already purchased the motherboard (MSI Z790 Gaming Pro WiFi). From the same retailer they sell CPUs, just the CPU itself, not the case or cooler. I’m comparing the i5 12600k, i5 14400f, and i5 14600k at prices in exchange: i5 12600k $182, i5 14400f $160, i5 14600k $235. I plan to use the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO for $67. I also heard some issues with recent Intel processors, so I wanted to find out if those problems are fixed or how to resolve them. Additionally, I’ve looked into DDR5 RAM and understand that good performance requires around 10ns latency (based on frequency and CAS). Does that matter for my build?
they could have benefited from buying a Ryzen at AliExpress for around 160$, while cheaper boards like the e850m pro-a still had VRMs strong enough for a 16-core setup. If you're okay with the 14600k or 13600k, go for whichever is more affordable. The 14400f is essentially just a weakened version of the 12600k. Most issues have been resolved, so it might even make sense to consider a used i7 if prices are right—just possibly downclocking it slightly. You could also check RAM returns; for the best value, grab the cheapest 6000c30/32 without caring about brand or specs, since they all support 9000+ DIMM. The only real differences are the heat spreader, which is mostly cosmetic (like RGB rams). Performance-wise, the lower-end chips don’t really stand out except for certain models; most power and efficiency come from the VRMs and cooling. The Evo doesn’t significantly outperform the regular Phantom Spirit, so you can save money without sacrificing much in terms of speed.
It's a reasonable cost. Having a Z board already could save you some effort.
You'll need to enable Intel XMP settings before using the system, otherwise it may not function properly.