Do you need guidance on setting up your first new build since 2016?
Do you need guidance on setting up your first new build since 2016?
The machine I last assembled was from February 2016 and it still performs well, which is why I keep using it.
I’m currently constructing a new PC and have several queries along with some recommendations. My tasks include programming and development work, mostly done on virtual machines to limit software on the host system. A portion of my projects requires graphic design, so I need Photoshop and Illustrator installed on the main desktop. To support virtual machines, I require ample memory.
My existing configuration includes 32 GB of RAM.
Let’s move forward with the details.
Here are the components I’ve decided for the new build:
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz, 12-core processor
CPU Cooler: ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB, 68.2 CFM
Motherboard: ASRock Z790 PRO RS WIFI ATX, LGA1700
RAM: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB), DDR5-6000 CL36
Video Card: I’m considering the EVGA Superclocked GeForce GT 740 2 GB for graphics needs. Is it feasible to keep using my current one? If not, the XFX GTS XXX Radeon RX 580 8 GB is another option. Would upgrading be worthwhile? I’ll look into other ideas and value your time.
Power Supply: Thermaltake 700W smart series is what I have now. I’m also thinking about whether to upgrade or stick with it, mainly due to lack of modularity and poor cable management. No major issues there.
Case: I currently own a case and am seeking suggestions for a basic model that offers good airflow, cable organization, supports a solid PS, and includes at least four 3.5" drive bays plus two SSDs.
Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-02 Mid-Tower Gaming Case – I truly appreciate your assistance.
Thank you.
You might be concerned about the limitations of your current power supply due to age. Are you leaning more toward Intel or AMD? You didn't specify a budget, but any hints there could help. Regarding the 12700K, are you hesitant about newer Intel models (13 through 15)? It could be that this chip meets your needs, but I'm curious why you're considering the 12th generation. What motivated your choice of CPU cooler? I'm here to understand your thought process.
Agree about the PSU. I can get a new one.
I have always been an Intel guy and have been generally happy.
The 12th gen CPU seems to be a sweet spot for a good price point before it makes a $100+ difference to the next one up for little difference in performance, unless someone tells me otherwise.
Not sure why I selected a cooler. I think the part picker site was suggesting one. I guess I don't need it?
I am trying to stay around $800 if I can help it.
800 for these five components only?
Power supply, CPU, motherboard, cooler, RAM
Which specific drives should be connected to the motherboard?
What factors influenced your choice of this particular motherboard? Could you highlight the key features that mattered most?
Are you uncomfortable with a micro ATX board?
Some recommend 6000 speed RAM paired with a CL of 30.
Consider using Gskill Ripjaws on Intel instead of Flare.
You might want to look into a non-K i5 CPU from the 13th or 14th generation (perhaps 13500 or 14500)... it would be wise to compare performance and pricing at sites like Passmark.com. A cooler could be included, though it may not be crucial. The i5 models might operate slightly cooler?
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007671 601393085&LeftPriceRange=200+250&Order=1
Intel CPUs priced between $200 and $250.
These are just small details. You're on the right track overall.
Thank you for your help. I chose this motherboard because of its price and the number of SATA ports (six drives total—two SSDs and four 3.5"). Not a powerful micro ATX fan since space is limited. Do you think an i5 13th gen performs better than an i7 12th gen? Also, did you see my comments about the case and GPU? Any thoughts there?
GPU: I don't rely on them. They're not necessary for my needs. I haven't used one in over a decade. I think you're thinking that the integrated video from the CPU isn't enough for what you need. So I go with your understanding.
Case: do you have any particular issues with your present setup? If not, it wouldn't be urgent to replace it. You have a budget, and I'd believe that spending 100 on a new one would be better used elsewhere... GPU power, CPU stuff, etc. If 100 new dollars appeared out of nowhere, you'd have about 900 left, maybe then you'd consider a replacement.
"(I have seven drives in my current machine – two SSDs and the other four 3.5")."
Seven plus four equals?
You require seven SATA ports, not six? It doesn't quite match what you said. No M.2 drives at all, and it seems unlikely? Many new boards are moving toward four SATA instead of six because of NVME drives.
7 was a mistake at first, but I fixed it right away before you replied. I already own these drives and plan to keep using them. M.2 is a good choice for the future if any of these fail beyond warranty. One of my WD 4TB 3.5 drives stopped working about a year ago (roughly a year back), and another replacement died last week during its two-year warranty. I just sent it back again this week so I’ll receive a new one. My Segates have held up well, and I also have a Hitachi drive that I wasn’t expecting to last over eight years, but it has.
"Do you think an i5 13th gen is better than i7 12th gen?"
Entirely possible that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference in performance at the same price point. For a typical user.
Are you atypical? Dunno.
I don't know the finer points of your use case........maybe your specific software and tasks could take advantage of an i7. Maybe not.
You may be indifferent to any of the "advantages" that might be seen on 13th/14th gen spec sheets.
12700K: 8 P cores; 4 E cores; 20 threads.
13500: 6 P cores; 8 E cores; 20 threads
14500; same as 13500, but clocked a bit higher.
12700K is about 30 cheaper.
I took a look at Passmark scores for the above 3. The 12700K is slightly above the other 2. That difference may not be noticeable at all in real world use.
Here's an idea; go with the 12700K, but upgrade the cooler to something in the 50 dollar category. Keep the case at least for now and see if it has temp problems after you build the new machine with the improved cooler.
Generally...I'd allot more of the total expenditure to the motherboard than you have (140 dollars), but that's mostly wishful thinking that I'd ever benefit from it. Any motherboard can be a total disaster.
It's all about where to put the last 100 dollars and your opinion is as good as anyone's. Lean toward avoiding buyer's remorse.
I would opt for the 12th and 13th and 14th generation models, as they have faced some degradation problems. Intel assures they are resolved, but it will be seen later. Saving costs might be possible by choosing DDR4 instead. The 12th generation offers little advantage from faster DDR5 unless you're gaming with a 4090 slot. You can also double the RAM capacity for only a slight extra expense compared to the 32GB DDR5 you selected, which is sufficient for your VM. It seems unnecessary to include a GPU since the motherboard I’m picking includes Display Port and HDMI ports.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($209.98 @ GameStop)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM ($39.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Steel Legend ATX LGA1700 ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 ($97.99 @ Newegg)
Case: DARKROCK Classico Storage Master ATX Mid Tower ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 - TT Premium Edition 650 W (80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX) ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel AX200 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax M.2 Wi-Fi ($25.79 @ Amazon)
Total: $673.63
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-11-07 12:36 EST-0500