Consider purchasing new parts and seek my guidance.
Consider purchasing new parts and seek my guidance.
My i5-10400 has served me well but it's time to upgrade. I know roughly what I want, and my budget, but I'd like your help to pick specifics. I'll be buying either tomorrow or next week. Components: CPU: I want a new gen Intel/AMD (I'd rather intel to re-use my DDR4 memory, maybe even upgrade my 2x8 3200 to a 4x6 - but I'm willing to get AMD if u guys think DDR5 is worth the investment), probably an i7 or i9? MOBO : I don't really know or care about MOBO functionalities to be honest. I guess one that doesn't hurt the performance of my other components ? Cooler: Again, I have no idea about coolers. If it's a tower, I'd like it to be black. If I had to pick without your help i'd get an i9, the cheapest compatible MOBO, and a black noctua cooler. Probably not the smartest purchase, so that's why I decided to come ask. What do I use my PC for? I play VR games (I gave up on good frames for VRChat, but I'd like the best I can get for other titles), and regular games. Mostly indie, some triple A. Paradox and the upcoming KSP2 are some of the most intensive ones i thin. I have a 4k screen (someone told me that was relevant). Budget ~700€, though if you convince me I could go higher (like 100€ more). Obviously I don't mind spending less, if it's not at the expense of the CPU. Current build https://es.pcpartpicker.com/list/vG4qRv
This PSU is famous for... sudden failures. I wouldn't suggest using it, so I'll also upgrade that. What features does the 10400 lack? It seems suitable for my needs right now... around €700 for just the CPU or all? It looks like pairing it with a decent Z690 would push me over budget. I might look at something like this, but verify the cooler compatibility. Maybe even lower to 13600KF. PCPartPicker's list includes: CPU – Intel Core i7-13700KF 3.4 GHz 16-Core (€509.89 @ PC Componentes), Cooler – ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 (€119.99 @ Amazon Espana), Board – MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ATX LGA1700 (€225.99 @ Amazon Espana), PSU – BitFenix Whisper M 850 W (€94.89 @ PC Componentes). Total comes to €950.76, including shipping and taxes. Prices are listed as of October 22, 2022.
If the budget allows, the top choice would be an i5. https://es.pcpartpicker.com/list/z3DtsL The 13600K offers impressive performance, outpacing the previous i9 in gaming settings and providing ample overclocking potential while maintaining comparable multithreaded speed to the last-gen i7. The motherboard should be a budget-friendly Z790 or B660/Z690 model with BIOS flashback support (13th gen requires an update on B660/Z690). A dual-tower cooler should suffice for this processor, and it’s better than the NH-D15 in cooling efficiency. You’ll also need a new power supply to handle the increased load from the CPU upgrade. The GP750GM is known for reliability under heavy loads, making it a safe option despite its reputation for occasional issues when paired with high-end graphics cards like the 3080. Upgrading both the CPU and PSU at once would be ideal.
Excellent construction possible at a lower cost using a B660 board with a compact cooler. Budget option around 710EUR works well. The CPU performs adequately at default settings, while overclocking offers minimal benefits.
PC Parts List: https://es.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZkQpRv
CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-core (€379.90 @ PC Componentes)
Cooler: Deepcool AK400 66.47 CFM (€34.90 @ PC Componentes)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B660-A DDR4 ATX LGA1700 (€170.79 @ Neobyte)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 (free purchase)
Storage: Kingston A2000 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVMe SSD (free purchase)
Video Card: Zotac GAMING Trinity OC GeForce RTX 3080 10GB (10GB VRAM) (free)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850 (2019) 850W, 80+ Gold certified, modular ATX (€124.90 @ Amazon Espana)
OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro, USB 32/64-bit (free)
Monitor: AOC U2879VF 28.0" 3840 x 2160, 60Hz (free)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CK550 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard
Mouse: Logitech G903 HERO Wireless Optical
Total Cost: Approximately €710.49
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts.
Generated by PCPartPicker on 2022-10-22 22:01 CEST+0200
I understand you're considering a B660 board, but BIOS flashback is essential for updating it, especially since Intel doesn't offer a CPU loaner program like AMD does. Unless you're also getting a G6900 or have someone with a 12th-gen setup, you'll need BIOS flashback to make the board functional. The Z690-A Pro is the most affordable option that supports this feature.
Regarding cooling, the 13600K can consume 150-200W when fully loaded, so a dual tower air cooler makes more sense to keep it running efficiently.
You're right about the BIOS and possible problems. For cooling, it looks like you'll reach TJMax around 100°C regardless of power limits, so better cooling won't help much—just lower clock speeds by a few hundred MHz or push the PL to around 90°C (maybe 120W). That's usually not an issue for a gaming rig.
To save some cash, op could return the board for a BIOS upgrade if it lacks the newest version. The issue is it would likely take around three weeks with MSI, which isn’t ideal. However, it might be preferable to a cheaper CPU that still functions, or to have the local store perform the update. This is my suggestion when it’s feasible and not too costly compared to online purchases.
Uncertain about whether we're comparing different reviews, the pair I've checked (TechPowerUp and Guru3D) have achieved solid thermal performance on the 13600K, 90C stock in an NH-U14 and 60-70C on a 360mm AIO. You might manage with a 120mm tower cooler if you're okay running at 100C under full load, but considering the AK620 costs just $30 more, it seems quite justified.