No, the Intel K series does not have an "auto" overclocking feature.
No, the Intel K series does not have an "auto" overclocking feature.
I’m checking the 12700k for you. It’s unlocked, so you’re good there. For the Z690, it should work fine with the 12700k, but you might need to ensure everything is properly seated. If you want a plug-and-play setup, the 12700k with a compatible Z690 should be sufficient. No complicated tweaks needed.
It comes with a higher base clock speed and features a more intricate boost system. For overclocking, you'll need to adjust it yourself manually. This setup is likely your top choice. Ensure you install a reliable cooler and a motherboard with robust VRM to prevent power throttling, which will keep performance close to expectations.
This board looks solid, though I’d steer clear of DDR5 unless you’re handling heavy professional tasks. Generally, it matches or underperforms DDR4 in most scenarios, mainly due to higher latency costs. The memory controller on Alder Lake CPUs isn’t great either, so the extra price for early adoption doesn’t seem justified. The MSI B660M-A Pro stands out as a solid choice for less, and it’s my top recommendation.
Z-series boards have an edge over B-series in IO support thanks to the newer chipset, but whether you get the most depends on your specific needs. If you require many USB ports or multiple M.2 drives, the Z690 setup is necessary; otherwise, the B660 should suffice. A decent dual tower cooler will handle the heat effectively.
Options like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 are affordable and perform well, while the Scythe Fuma 2 Rev. B is another solid alternative (though currently out of stock). The Deepcool AK620 remains a popular and budget-friendly option.
The controller appears to be faulty because it's not delivering the expected performance improvements. Despite using a newer generation, you're still experiencing subpar results, which suggests the hardware isn't functioning properly. It might be wise to wait and consider alternatives before upgrading further.
Unless you have a camera that shoot bRAW, I wouldn't go for ddr5 on alderlake, as the performance differences are too small to justify the price difference, you could just get the next processor up and ddr4 ram for same price and come out on top. You can check for yourself in the "raw results" columns: Spoiler We don't know if you should wait. If your current computer works fine, then why not? AMD zen4 is coming this fall, and intel raptor lake is Q2 2022, so at the same time about. Definitely wait for them if you can.
It's a basic memory controller and it has trouble handling decent memory configurations. Most of the problems are minor unless you're really focused on memory speed. If it improves by about 15% in performance, I'd be more open to trying it. Using low-end kits like the 4800MHz CL40 or 5200MHz CL40 should work fine without much adjustment. Sticking to 2x16GB or 2x32GB units is recommended, especially with four sticks—DDR4 usually performs better at those capacities. A 4x32GB setup is unlikely to run at 4800MHz unless the motherboard supports it. Next-generation chips from AMD and Intel are expected later this year, with early releases around August to September, possibly October to November. If you wait, these should address some of the more unusual DDR5 issues, though building now is still a solid choice.
Hey everyone, I’m not someone who jumps into new things right away. I think it’s better to hold off and let my 3400g and rx570 stay for a while longer. Thanks again for your help!
Upgrade to a 5600 or 5600x [zen3] for a noticeable speed increase without spending money. You’ll notice around a 50% improvement in single-core performance, though it won’t add extra cores. Since the 5600 is already affordable, you should be able to find it on the used market. Just confirm your motherboard is compatible first.
For future planning, sharing information about your current setup is quite useful and should be included in your first post. Understanding that your CPU is under 3 years old changes my perspective compared to someone with a 6-year-old Skylake processor. I concur with the previous remarks – it’s best to hold off until you have an AM4 or Raptor Lake chip, which are expected to be released between September and November. DDR5 adoption will likely accelerate sooner (probably with AM4, possibly with Raptor Lake, but definitely with 14th Gen Intel). In general, it makes sense to wait if your machine is less than five years old and you’re comfortable with delays.
When considering memory, remember that supported DDR5 speeds will probably rise as new chipsets arrive. For reference, I’ve examined the Asus Z170-I (6th Gen Skylake with DDR4 support) and Z590-I (11th Gen Rocket Lake, last Asus ITX board with DDR4 support). The Z170 can handle DDR4 speeds up to 3,400MHz in XMP, which climbs to 5,133MHz on the Z590-I.
A similar trend applies to DDR5, though it’s a bit slower to adopt. This is why it’s wise to wait another generation or two before jumping in. Also, being an early adopter can be risky – I tried DDR3 with LGA775 but the original DIMMs only supported 1.8V, which didn’t work with my first Intel Core HTPC (max voltage was 1.65V). DDR4 avoided that issue, and there’s no current evidence it will either. Still, it’s a valid reason to delay the first-gen upgrade of any new platform.
Keep this in mind, especially since you have a GPU – your 3400G’s integrated graphics aren’t being used. But if you go with a 5600/5600X, you’d lose the backup iGPU in case your GPU fails or if you plan to sell it.