Consider buying an older MOBO version or opt for a Ryzen configuration instead of a 6th gen i5.
Consider buying an older MOBO version or opt for a Ryzen configuration instead of a 6th gen i5.
I need a bit more context about my situation. My computer stopped working right when the pandemic started, so I've been holding off on shops and other services to get a proper check-up. The main issue is that the motherboard has failed. Right now I'm stuck with a tough choice. My current setup includes an Intel i5 6500, an 8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 2400, a KFA2 GeForce GTX 1060 OC, and a couple of Kingston SSDs (a400 120GB and a400 480GB). I'm not working full-time and my budget is about 200€. I can't wait much longer because this PC is my main one at home, and I've been waiting as long as possible. My options are: buy a used motherboard, specifically an ASRock Fatal1ty E3V5 Performance Gaming/OC for around 67€ (including taxes), which fits with my 6th and 7th Intel CPUs and could work with a Xeon E3 1220 V5 I have from my job or old server. I plan to upgrade it later when time allows. For now, I'm considering a Ryzen 3100 paired with either the Asrock B450M Steel Legend or the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite, both around 200€ including taxes. Please let me know if you can advise and share other possibilities. Thanks ahead for your help. Note: Consider Spain's market and second-hand availability. Edited August 4, 2020 by Vlad Vado"
Consider a 3100 and a new b450 board for the best value. Transitioning to a platform that supports upgrades is ideal, avoiding reliance solely on older chips. The Xeon and LGA1151 boards aren't worth the extra 200 bucks unless you're considering them. If both upgrades total around 200 euros, a 3100 with a b450 would be more sensible. Are there other options beyond these models? A b450 Pro 4 is typically more affordable while offering similar performance.
I only need to cover the board cost. My i5 6500 is ready, and the Xeon E3 1220 v5 is available at no charge (it was set to be discarded). I’m not restricted, but both are under 100€ right now. I’ve looked at the Asrock b450 pro 4 and the price gap is less than 10€ at the moment.
The price would likely be under 200 euros. The 6500 would face many challenges due to being a 4C/4T chip, and it wouldn't handle many tasks well. A 3100 offers similar performance to a 6700 or 7700, and would outperform both the Xeon and the 6500 if upgraded to a 7700/6700. These higher-end options usually cost more than 150-200 dollars, which isn't worth it at this point. I think switching platforms would be better.
It depends on how long you plan to use the system for games or other purposes. Have you considered buying a used motherboard? You could find one at a low cost. However, upgrading to a 3100 or a solid B450 board offers a solid upgrade and several more years of enjoyment.
I’m choosing the 3100 + b450 board because it’s what everyone recommends. I intend to upgrade the graphics card next year if things look promising this year... Thanks to @TofuHaroto, @5x5, and @shaz2sxy for their support.
To the best of my understanding, Xeon CPUs don’t exceed their turbo speed. You can stabilize them at turbo but not beyond it. I own a Xeon E3-1285L v4 (a rare Broadwell desktop CPU in LGA1151, essentially an i7 5775C without the C feature) and its performance is fixed. The same holds true for newer and older models. Upgrading depends on your budget. If you’re tight on funds, consider selling the current unit and buying a replacement motherboard. The i5 6500 is 4 cores/4 threads but still functional now. Alternatively, if you can afford it, switch to an AMD board and opt for Ryzen. This seems like a choice you made for x) You might want to explore used parts—cheap Ryzen 5 CPUs or even Ryzen 7 second-gen are readily available instead of purchasing a new Ryzen 3, which many people buy and resell for upgrades.
I'm not familiar with that topic. From the video you mentioned, it seems Greg and Asrock used a specific motherboard—actually, the E3 1230 V5 works with the 1220 V5. You don't need to buy from the second-hand market because I want the full warranty. I've discussed this with my fiancé, and considering our finances, I plan to upgrade the CPU to a Ryzen 5 3600 first. The next step will be the graphics card, but I won't do that until after 2021 Christmas, since upgrading now would require replacing the current screen (it's 1080p).
This morning both the CPU and motherboard were delivered. As I mentioned before, I’ve decided to go with the Ryzen 5 3600 instead of the Ryzen 3. I’ve already installed them and updated the RAM speed to 2400 using Corsair Vengeance LPX 2400. After restarting the computer and Windows, I’ll handle the cable management and set up a Wi-Fi USB adapter since my new home doesn’t have a router in the same room as the PC.