Thank you for your request. Here is the revised version:Please offer some guidance on constructing my computer.
Thank you for your request. Here is the revised version:Please offer some guidance on constructing my computer.
Greetings!
Since Black Friday is approaching, I've been researching and planning on buying components to build a new computer that will serve me well for at least the next five years or so while moving my older i7-9700K downstairs to my den for gaming. Here are my questions:
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop - Is there enough difference between an i7-12700K and the 13700K-14700K to justify paying the extra cost? Also, is an i9 just expensive overkill? I mostly plan to use this computer for web browsing, video editing (Just 1080p currently), word processing and playing the newest games (1080p, 60fps Max) that my old i7-9700K won't support as well.
GPU: MSi RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8GB OC - I was originally going to get the same GTX 1660 Ti that I use with my old computer but it's actually MORE expensive than just getting the newer and more powerful RTX 4060. Is this card overkill or is it the best way to go for the next five years? Right now I only game at 1080p max and that's the maximum resolution my current monitor can handle as well. 4K doesn't seem worth it until the technology catches up where I can play 4K at 60fps and it doesn't cost a fortune.
PSU: Corsair RM850e 80 Plus Gold
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX - I'm really not familar with Motherboards at all, my last one for my i7-9700K was a Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro that was recommended. Is this Z790 Motherboard ideal for my setup or is there a cheaper better alternative? I don't mind spending the money if it's worth it but I don't want to get ripped off either.
Cooler: The cooler for my old computer is a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO. I have NO idea which cooler would be sufficent for this new computer but I can say I plan to use Turbo but not Overclock. Any suggestions are appreciated.
RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro SL DDR4 2x16 GB - I figure 32GB of RAM is enough, I can always upgrade later if need be, right?
SSD: Samsung 990 EVO 1TB PCIe 4.0 x 4 / 5.0 x 2, NVMe 2.0, Speeds Up-to 5,00MB/s
HDD: Seagate BarraCuda 4TB Internal HDD
- Is it ideal/necessary to use a SSD with a new computer, using the SSD for Windows and all applications and then a HDD for videos/files/etc? Or can I just use a HDD/SSD for both? I'm asking because my old computer used a Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe M.2 Internal SSD for Windows and some applications while a Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal HDD handled the rest. This would sometimes result in a video freezing for several seconds or folders/files taking several seconds to load properly. Will the additional Cores/Threads of the computer solve these issues or is this some separate issue that has nothing to do with SSD?
OS: Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - Do I need to buy Windows 11 or can I just put this on the new computer and get a free upgrade to Windows 11 when it finally becomes necessary?
Whew, I think that's everything. If I missed something, please let me know and any advice/help you can give me is very much appreciated, thank you.
Choosing an i9 for 1080p is certainly excessive. For higher resolutions like 2K or 4K, opt for a more powerful CPU and GPU to maintain balance. I recommend going with a 12th Gen or AM5 platform, avoiding the 13th and 14th generations. You should consider models that list X.M.P on them, preferably with DDR5-6600MHz or faster speeds.
For storage, most builds benefit from two SSDs—one smaller for the operating system, apps, and launchers (especially if you're building a gaming rig), and another larger one dedicated to your game library.
Regarding the operating system, it depends on the license key you have. If it's an OEM key (often found at a lower price), migrating it to another platform might not be feasible. I haven't migrated any OS before; I've installed it on every new system I've assembled myself. Someone with more experience can offer better guidance.
If you want to follow up similar discussions, consider this thread:
*How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice*
This was created to address the frequent requests for upgrade suggestions on forums and CPU discussion boards, aiming to help you build a solid system this year.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU options:
- Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core – $111.34 (Amazon)
- Intel Core i5-12600KF 3.7 GHz 10-Core – $149.97 (Amazon)
- Intel Core i7-12700KF 3.6 GHz 12-Core – $191.14 (Amazon)
Motherboard selections:
- ASRock B760 Pro RS/D4 ATX LGA1700 – $109.99 (Amazon)
- ASRock Z690 Steel Legend ATX LGA1700 – $129.99 (Newegg)
- ASRock Z690 Steel Legend ATX LGA1700 – $129.99 (Newegg)
Memory:
- Silicon Power XPOWER Turbine 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 – $44.97 (Amazon)
- Silicon Power XPOWER Turbine 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 – $44.97 (Amazon)
Total cost: varies by item, all prices reflect shipping and applicable taxes with discounts where available
*Selected lowest-priced components based on the criteria set
Generated by PCPartPicker
Date: 2024-11-17 18:54 EST-0500
Date: 2024-11-17 18:55 EST-0500
Date: 2024-11-17 18:56 EST-0500
I suggest adhering to the outlined structure, with a few additional notes included.
When it comes to CPUs:
Steer clear of the 13th/14th generation top-tier models. These i9s often face significant stability and reliability issues, and the current platform isn’t worth the investment at this time. The newest "Core ultra" chips are also quite costly and average in quality, so it’s best to skip them.
Opt instead for a 12th generation system or an AMD AM5-based board, which offers strong performance and makes future upgrades much simpler. You might also consider an i5 processor or a similar AMD Ryzen model, and use the savings to upgrade your GPU—such as moving from a 4060 to a 4070—rather than splurging on an i7 or i9. This approach will enhance gaming performance and improve video encoding speed.
For cooling options:
The Hyper 212 Evo was a solid choice in its time, but it may not handle the heat generated by today’s CPUs well. Additionally, it might lack the necessary mounting points for modern sockets like LGA1700, which require different hole spacing compared to 1151. If you prefer air cooling, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin provides top-tier performance at a great price. For liquid cooling enthusiasts, the Arctics Liquid Freezer lineup is outstanding.
When it comes to RAM:
Begin with 32GB as a safe starting point. If your motherboard supports four slots, you’ll be able to upgrade easily later. For 12th generation systems, the type of RAM you select will determine whether you need DDR4 or DDR5. If you opt for an AMD AM5 chipset, DDR5 is essential. In either case, DDR5 is recommended.
For storage:
I’m comfortable with a full SSD setup if budget allows. A single drive simplifies management, and a Samsung 990 Pro will outperform any traditional mechanical drive significantly.
With Windows:
If you’re already logged into a Microsoft account on Windows, the license might be tied to that account, so simply signing in on your new machine could activate it. If not, you can buy a new key. I’d suggest installing a fresh Windows 11 on a new device, though you can always upgrade to Windows 10 later if needed.
Initial Response Notes: Thank you for your prompt replies. I will adhere to the format provided, incorporating the information gathered from my research and prior knowledge before addressing each question.
Please note the adjustments made to maintain consistency in style and structure while ensuring clarity.
The tone remains professional and aligned with the original intent.