Looking at i9-10900KF again
Looking at i9-10900KF again
I have the case, PSU, and GPU on their way. I keep revisiting parts of this assembly and some small details. Because this looks set to become a primary system for at least the next 5-6 years, maybe longer, it’s hard to predict the future. But I’m imagining putting it together now, possibly swapping the GPU in 2-3 years if things stabilize, and keeping another 3-4 years of solid performance. Considering options like the i5-10600K or 5600X, they’re attractive right now and affordable. Still, this seems like a good time to opt for top-tier CPUs, especially since the market is strong for quality processors. I’m also eyeing the i9-10900KF—it offers ten cores and the chance for high clock speeds with extended Tau. It’s not the latest model, but it has a nice sound profile. Additionally, thinking about an AIO for consistent cooling would be practical if I need to push performance to its limits. My case uses an inverted ATX mount, so I’m curious whether running the fan to a top-mount radiator would be challenging when the GPU sits above the CPU.
AIO isn't trustworthy. The air is almost as dependable as possible.
AIOs can still work well, though they tend to fail more often than air coolers. They offer significantly better cooling unless you're pitting them against a top-tier air cooler like the NH-D15. Keep in mind, they require a particular setup and are a bit trickier to fix. Do you already have a motherboard ready?
The lowest-priced AIOs match the performance of top air coolers, and those air coolers deliver the same quality as premium AIOs. Additionally, air coolers generally last significantly longer than AIOs.
Top specs today, low-end tomorrow. No future planning here... I was impressed by the 2700X at 350 (new), but now no one talks about it anymore. High performance starts with Ryzen 5800X and higher. AMD is struggling with efficiency compared to Intel. (as of late 2021) Custom water cooling works best for high-end builds. The 5600X air cooler is great all day, while AIO is best for beginners. Everyone should consider a larger water loop, especially those running powerful chips.
I realize upgrading a GPU in just a couple of years won't be feasible, so I'll focus on replacing everything else. DDR5 RAM should become available soon, and I expect many new CPU models to launch. I'd opt for a more affordable CPU or motherboard and delay the full overhaul for a few years, then sell my current setup and aim high.
If DDR6 becomes relevant later, consider delaying your upgrade and then selling your current setup to invest in something better. @jasonditz I don’t recall your specific needs. As far as I understand, a 5800x or 10700k should suffice for you. If you’re similar to me, I’m missing the availability of higher-end models when I first got mine. Usually, whether 8 or 10 cores is ideal depends on your workload. If that’s your goal, proceed. A 5600x could also provide comparable performance in some cases.
Extend the tau duration isn't required. Raise both turbo power settings significantly and ensure adequate cooling, and the 10900KF can sustain full Intel turbo boost without interruption. These components can efficiently utilize all 10 cores at speeds ranging from 5.0 GHz to 5.2 GHz with minimal adjustments.