Looking for MBO/CPU suggestions?
Looking for MBO/CPU suggestions?
Hi there, short summary: CPU AIO leaked on my X99 Pro motherboard and it won’t boot now. I’m planning an upgrade and need advice since I’m not familiar with the latest parts. My PC was built in 2015. I have roughly $700 USD for a new CPU, cooling solution, and a new motherboard. My main use is gaming. I currently have a Rift graphics card, an RTX 2070 Armor 8G, a Silent Mid Tower case with three FP120 fans, and a Master V1000 power supply. Thanks for your help!
I’m taking it in. Probably you didn’t want another AIO after that situation. Here’s the list of items with their details.
For gaming, the best choice among @Mateyyy's picks is likely the top FPS performer. AMD stands out strongly, especially in heavily multithreaded tasks, while Intel still leads in raw GHz. A 10600 offers solid performance, but GHz remains the dominant factor. The 3700x CPU is powerful, making either option a solid selection.
Considering this, I’m thinking about upgrading again with a different brand. The previous model lasted five years—time to try something new. The liquid cooler isn’t the same as before, and I skipped the kf version of the CPU. I boosted speed and memory, plus swapped the motherboard. What do you think? The CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L RGB V2 looks promising with its 3rd Gen pump and 120mm radiator. It fits well for AMD Ryzen or Intel 1200 chips. The other items are solid too—great specs overall.
120mm AIOs deliver disappointing results for their cost. At the same budget you'd find a NH-U12S chromax black that's quieter, far more dependable, and significantly cooler. The 4000MHz CL19 offers higher latency compared to the 3200MHz CL14, and it seems this model isn't even as robust as the 3200 C14 variant. I chose the KF because the standard K was unavailable on PCPP. If you manage to acquire the K, that's ideal. The Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI outperforms the Aorus Elite; given their similar prices, opting for the Elite isn't necessary.
I think 120 AIO units aren't the best choice... 240 marks the minimum worth considering. I'd prefer a Noctua air cooler every day (if it fits your setup, 120 AIOs are ideal for your case where you can't fit a larger one... you're not an ITX user). Going over 120 AIO or even 140 AIO, RAM performance drops significantly after around 3600 MHz. If you manage to get a solid low-latency unit in the 3200, 3400 or 3600 range, it would be a great option without breaking the bank. A good RAM price isn't cheap today.