Upgrade Thoughts: CPU (12/13/14) and Motherboard (B660/B760, Z690/Z790)
Upgrade Thoughts: CPU (12/13/14) and Motherboard (B660/B760, Z690/Z790)
Hello everyone, I’m looking for some guidance on upgrading my CPU while keeping costs low. I plan to buy a used CPU and a budget motherboard. I’m upgrading my Intel 6700K to a 12th, 13th, or 14th generation processor, using DDR4 memory. I’ll be playing games on a 1440p screen with an RTX 3060 Ti, which I intend to upgrade to a 5060 Ti in the near future or within a short time. I’m considering custom liquid cooling.
I have a few questions to help me decide:
1) Should I stick with K models or is it okay to go with non-K versions? This decision affects the price difference between motherboard options like B and Z chipset.
2) If I opt for a non-K CPU, how much does it really matter whether I choose a B660/B760 or a Z690/Z790 motherboard? What practical benefits does each offer?
3) My budget for used CPUs is tight, so I’m mainly looking at the cheapest options. The price differences between the ranges are significant—what should I expect?
For example:
- a) I5-12400f → I5-13400F
- b) I5-12600K
- c) I7-12700K → I5-13600K
Switching to a higher range would cost me about half as much. Can I go with A-range CPUs, or is there another option worth considering?
Thanks.
I would steer clear of the 13th Gen Intel chips because of the oxidation and production problems, but think about the 12th and 14th if you plan to buy Intel's older models. The 14th is only worth considering if your motherboard has the 0x12F microcode. Using older CPUs could mean they’ve already suffered from the same issues—you’re entering uncertain territory, relying solely on what sellers say without any other proof.
That said, for K-series CPUs, match them with a Z series motherboard and a dual-channel setup with fast DDR4-3600MHz RAM. The F-series processors don’t include an integrated GPU, but the latter is useful for fixing display problems.
I mentioned DDR4 because I’m assuming DDR5 isn’t feasible for you. If you’re thinking about DDR5, I’d recommend going with AMD’s AM5 platform.
If you’re upgrading your current power supply, could you share the make, model, and age of your PSU?
Concerning this matter, weren't several CPUs impacted as well? Has the problem already been resolved? I'm curious if adjusting these K CPUs for overclocking would help or if it's unnecessary—then I might consider a cheaper motherboard. The F version works for me since I already have other GPUs at home. I prefer DDR4 over DDR5, considering the costs, and I'm using my 5-year-old Corsair 650M PSU.
Concerning this matter, weren't several CPUs impacted as well? Has the problem been resolved already? The entire 13th and 14th Gen lines were affected. The 13th Gen faced a manufacturing defect, whereas the 14th Gen is believed to be fully fixed through the BIOS updates that included the 0x12F microcode. I prefer my DDR4 setup. Do you have a link to the affected RAM models? Also, would you consider using your 5-year-old Corsair 650M PSU? The Corsair brand is involved, but the 650 indicates the power rating advertised for the unit. The M label refers to a modular design—what series is this PSU from? Did it power the RTX 3060 Ti over the past five years?
Thanks, so I'll go with series 12.
Currently, I don't have enough RAM compared to the 3000Mhz C18 (brand not remembered) and the 3200Mhz Patriot C.
It's the CS series, and it has always worked well with a 1080 and the 3060 Ti.
Hey there,
Just a quick summary of what @Lutfij mentioned.
For the CPU, opting for a 13th Gen like the 13400f provides more cores to manage background work, keeping the main performance cores dedicated to gaming. This setup works well.
Regarding the motherboard, cheaper options usually lack sufficient VRMs to run top-tier CPUs such as the 13700k or 14700k. The 'k' series can boost performance through overclocking, but the gains are limited. You should pick a solid board with good VRM and phases. Non-K models still deliver around 95% of gaming performance compared to K versions. Personally, they don’t justify the extra speed. With budget boards, overclocking K CPUs isn’t feasible. You’ll need a higher-end board with appropriate VRMs to achieve that.
On the power supply, since it only comes with a 3-year warranty, it’s time to replace it and upgrade to something more modern for reliable power delivery.
Considering your advice, here’s what I think:
- For overclocking, I might skip the K versions and choose a B660 or B760 board to cut costs, making sure it has a solid VRM setup for future CPU needs.
- A 12400f seems adequate for gaming right now, but a 13400f would be better if I want to avoid known problems.
- Regardless, using a B660 or B760 would still let me get a 12600k/kf or 12700k/kf if I find them at a reasonable price, since I’m purchasing the CPU myself.
- In short, I’d likely pick a decent B660 or B760 board for the future or a budget model for the 12400f/13400f/12600k, and if I’m feeling bold, a 13400f could work.
Yes.
No risk for the 13400f. The instability and oxidation bug issue only affected the higher end chips, 13700/k : 14700/k :14900k. It was solved with a bios update, which actually took months for intel to arrive at.
This is a good summation, apart from the risk factor for the 13400f
😉
Have all B660 or B760 boards been updated with this BIOS, or should I verify before buying? Also, regarding motherboard selection, is the count of PCI lanes and PCI 5.0 relevant to my needs?
Some reflections on this:
1. There exists a broad range of price levels for performance.
A K suffix processor might offer a clock speed that is roughly 10% higher than the base chip.
For instance, your I7-6700K features 8 processing threads and a passmark score of 8954, which reflects full utilization.
The single-core rating stands at 2523.
In comparison, the base 6700 carries a rating of 8092/2207.
The 12400F would boast 12 threads and a rating of 19538/3531.
For gaming purposes, the single-thread speed is usually the key factor.
Very few titles can handle more than 6-8 threads efficiently.
Some examples include:
13400F – 16/2606/3836
i5-12600K – 16/27564/3975
I5-12600 – 112/20807/3788
i7-13700k – 24/53657/4394
I7-13700 – 24/39153/4397.
When purchasing new, non-F versions tend to cost about $30 more.
That’s an investment I believe is justified.
If you encounter GPU problems, integrated graphics can still keep things running.
2. The differences are minimal; newer motherboards introduced only small adjustments.
3. Consider running a simple test:
Play your games at reduced resolution and lower graphical settings.
This can help the graphics card perform better.
An increase in FPS suggests your CPU is capable of supporting a higher graphics setup.
If your FPS remains unchanged, it likely points to CPU limitations.
For older chips like yours, overclocking could have provided around 30% improvement.
That’s no longer achievable.
Modern chips designed for overclocking often feature enhanced single or dual core support.
On cooling solutions, if your liquid cooler is outdated, plan to replace it.
Mechanical pumps may fail or become clogged; air can enter the system, requiring replacement.
Non-K processors usually come with a suitable cooler.
K models in your category should work well with a decent $50 air cooler.
Purchasing a used 13th or 14th generation processor carries risks, as it might have been damaged.
New units are safer, offering a 5-year warranty.
Your Corsair 650W PSU shows signs of age and may fail soon.
When swapping it, aim for a model with at least a 7-year warranty—10 or 12 is preferable.
And opt for something stronger.
The extra gain between 650W and 850W PSUs is often negligible.
A PSU consumes only the power it needs, not more than its rated capacity.