CPU bundle for RX 6900 XT with top performance options
CPU bundle for RX 6900 XT with top performance options
I recently acquired the RX 6900 XT at a favorable price. Almost everything in my setup is ready except the CPU (with cooler) and MOBO. Right now, the market prices are quite steep—around $1000 for a 12,700k bundle in Egypt. My budget is tight, so I have just two options: an Intel i5 12400F package for about $450 (CPU alone $200) or a Ryzen 7 5700X bundle for at least $490 plus the cooler ($40 extra).
Do you think the added cost of the CPU and cooler is justified, especially considering I might upgrade my monitor to 4K next year?
Here’s my current configuration:
- Intel: ASUS PRIME B660-PLUS D4 ($200 + $40 for WiFi)
- MSI MAG B660M BAZOOKA DDR4 ($217 + $40 for WiFi)
- MSI PRO B660-A DDR4 LGA 1700 ($240 + $40 for WiFi)
- MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 ($250)
(Prefer a full ATX motherboard to prevent cooler issues)
And here are some MOBOS available: Intel, MSI, ASUS, and AMD options listed.
Lastly, I’d like your thoughts on which motherboard suits each CPU best, and if you have any recommendations for the ones mentioned.
SAM represents AMD's Resizable Bar, a versatile tech that Intel CPUs can also adopt. Among the options, 12400F and MSI PRO B660M-A stand out as top choices. The B660 board offers strong performance at a good price. While 12400F works with budget B660 boards, you have flexibility. If you don’t intend to upgrade to more powerful CPUs, any B660 model suits. However, if you plan to keep the same CPU, opt for MSI PRO. Keep in mind that 12400/5700X may limit your 6900 XT in demanding games like CP2077 or Spider-Man Remastered. Ensure your cooler fits the new socket—check for adapters if needed, and consider using the original cooler for best results. Sound cards are rarely necessary these days.
The problem with the MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 is that it’s micro ATX, which might cause trouble when installing any CPU cooler later. The LIAN LI LANCOOL II MESH case offers ample space, so you can make the most of it. Comparing this MOBO to the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 is tricky—beyond more slots, it’s unclear what makes one better than another. If you stay on a tight budget, upgrading later to something like the 13600KF could be smart. I enjoy music and competitive gaming, and I noticed that a Sound Blaster Z enhances audio quality, which is important for high-end headphones.
Well, the tomahawk is a better motherboard but also more expensive, performance wise it performs the same, but the features should be different. If you prefer the tomahawk, then why not. Generally, to judge a board, the features of the board is the first priority, then VRM cooling performance, then looks.
I’d choose the tomahawk if the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A was unavailable. Luckily it was available and I purchased it for $270, which was $10 less than the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4. According to a Hardware Unboxed Thermal Test, the VRMs on the tomahawk perform exceptionally well with the B660 motherboard. I selected the ASUS model mainly because of its superior sound, aesthetics, RGB features, and the Flash Bios button option—it was $175 more expensive elsewhere, making it a better value. I also own an ASUS ROG STRIX Z270i and am quite happy with those boards. I can still cancel the order if you notice any issues.
The point remains consistent because the impact becomes more significant at higher tiers like i7 and i9. It's not a major issue for 12400 or 13600k models, but once you reach i7-i9, performance really starts to count. Nothing too bad about it, since ROG boards have always been premium. Just a lot pricier for a B660 board—at that cost I’d have chosen a mid-range Z690 option like Gigabyte or MSI models.
Well I got the ROG B660-A cheaper than the MSI anyway which was a very good deal. Thanks for your help a lot. I also bought the 12400f today and the technician in the shop installed the build for me. Meh, I can't believe I finally did it .