F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Looking for input on the upgrade. Please share your thoughts.

Looking for input on the upgrade. Please share your thoughts.

Looking for input on the upgrade. Please share your thoughts.

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HiImAnnabel
Member
238
06-07-2021, 02:54 AM
#1
I have a current setup with an i5-8600K processor, 6 cores, boosted to 4.0GHz and cooled by Hyper 212 EVO. I'm using an MSI Z370 SLI system with 32GB DDR4-3200 RAM in two M.2 slots, a 6600 XT NVMe drive at 8GB, and an ATX mid-tower case. I’m planning to upgrade mainly the CPU, motherboard, and cooling solution. I prefer staying within Intel but am open to AMD if it offers better value. I haven’t explored AMD much yet, so I’m unsure where to start. My budget isn’t tight, but I used PCPartpicker to find this configuration... I also considered an i7-12700KF for extra performance and overclocking potential. The ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-A works fine for now, though I might skip the Wi-Fi if it’s not needed. It fits my plan to keep DDR4 and add more M.2 drives later. The Deepcool AK620 brings the total around $735. If anyone knows a cheaper option that matches this specs, it would be great!
H
HiImAnnabel
06-07-2021, 02:54 AM #1

I have a current setup with an i5-8600K processor, 6 cores, boosted to 4.0GHz and cooled by Hyper 212 EVO. I'm using an MSI Z370 SLI system with 32GB DDR4-3200 RAM in two M.2 slots, a 6600 XT NVMe drive at 8GB, and an ATX mid-tower case. I’m planning to upgrade mainly the CPU, motherboard, and cooling solution. I prefer staying within Intel but am open to AMD if it offers better value. I haven’t explored AMD much yet, so I’m unsure where to start. My budget isn’t tight, but I used PCPartpicker to find this configuration... I also considered an i7-12700KF for extra performance and overclocking potential. The ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-A works fine for now, though I might skip the Wi-Fi if it’s not needed. It fits my plan to keep DDR4 and add more M.2 drives later. The Deepcool AK620 brings the total around $735. If anyone knows a cheaper option that matches this specs, it would be great!

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Glqbal
Member
173
06-07-2021, 11:00 AM
#2
I wouldn't recommend those K CPUs since your GPU is a 6600 XT. A 5700X would fit better in the build. 13600K or 12700K would be too much. If you must go, 13600K offers better value overall. A decent Z690 board could work if it suits your needs—check Hardware Unboxed for suggestions. Ask the seller if BIOS supports 13th gen. I’d look for the Hyper 212 adapter first; it might still handle a 13600K. If not, the AK620 is a solid pick.
G
Glqbal
06-07-2021, 11:00 AM #2

I wouldn't recommend those K CPUs since your GPU is a 6600 XT. A 5700X would fit better in the build. 13600K or 12700K would be too much. If you must go, 13600K offers better value overall. A decent Z690 board could work if it suits your needs—check Hardware Unboxed for suggestions. Ask the seller if BIOS supports 13th gen. I’d look for the Hyper 212 adapter first; it might still handle a 13600K. If not, the AK620 is a solid pick.

S
ScHottie
Member
79
06-07-2021, 11:11 AM
#3
Thanks for your feedback! I wasn't aware there were 13,000 Intel chips. I'll keep that list safe. The 12,700 seems a bit excessive, but I thought I had the funds—still curious if there are other setups with noticeable performance gains that could help cut costs. I'm aiming for a mix of low, mid, and high-end options, and the $700 combo you mentioned was meant to be the top tier. Any AMD Ryzen pairings you'd suggest would be great!
S
ScHottie
06-07-2021, 11:11 AM #3

Thanks for your feedback! I wasn't aware there were 13,000 Intel chips. I'll keep that list safe. The 12,700 seems a bit excessive, but I thought I had the funds—still curious if there are other setups with noticeable performance gains that could help cut costs. I'm aiming for a mix of low, mid, and high-end options, and the $700 combo you mentioned was meant to be the top tier. Any AMD Ryzen pairings you'd suggest would be great!