What are some suggestions for upgrading?
What are some suggestions for upgrading?
My PC has been experiencing frequent restart cycles every four seconds, even before the fans reach full speed. A technician suggested the problem might lie with the motherboard or the processor. It’s been six years since I purchased it, and the setup is as described: an i7 6700k, Asus Strix 1070 8GB, 750W Corsair Bronze, a 16 Gb DDR3 (2x8) Vengeance memory, an ASUS Z170-PRO-GAMING motherboard, and a cooler matching the one shown. I’m considering upgrading to an i5 13600k for ₹22,900 INR, either the ASUS Prime Z790-P at ₹26,000 or the MSI PRO Z790-P at ₹22,000, along with a 32 GB (2x16) DDr5 6000/5200 at ₹7,350. I’m unsure if this will work given the current configuration and cooler limitations. My budget is between ₹50,000 and ₹55,000, and I need a quick answer so I can decide fast.
You may need to specify the cooler's brand and model as this information isn't supported on your suggested LGA1700 platform or motherboard. The video only mentions it's a DeepCool model, so details are limited. This might be your cooler, perhaps? Consider checking for DDR5-6600MHz dual channel RAM which could improve performance. It seems 13th and 14th generation processors may have problems; you might want to opt for 12th generation or an AM5 setup instead. The 750W Corsair Bronze is a good choice, but note it's labeled as 80+ efficiency. Mentioning the model and age would be helpful. It’s likely you won’t be able to reuse the unit, so a new power supply will be necessary.
Thank you for updating the thread. I own the DeepCool NEPTWIN RGB cooler, and it matches the one you mentioned. The SMPS is a Cooler Master B700 V2 700W 80 PLUS, which may be several years old. The issue is that my budget only allows an i5-13600K. Would it be sensible to pick a processor from the 12th generation instead of the 15th, given that the latter is about to launch? If you have any other processor-motherboard pairings, please let me know.
It all hinges on how you plan to use the machine. Based on the initial reports about the 15th generation Intel, it seems like a slight boost in productivity and a reduction in power consumption, but with a notable rise in cost. We won’t have definitive reviews for a few more weeks, yet it suggests this isn’t going to be an extraordinary must-have product.
For those who mainly play games, the graphics card plays a much bigger role. The CPU usually doesn’t become the bottleneck unless you’re using top-tier cards and high resolutions like 4K. Even then, the card often limits frame rates.
Deciding what to do is tricky. It’s disappointing you can’t wait 3 to 6 months to see how these new Intel and AMD CPUs perform. Rumors suggest the latest AMD CPUs with X3D will arrive soon.
If you need to purchase now and don’t intend to spend a lot—say around $1500—on a high-end card, I’d consider an AMD X3D-based CPU. The older 5800X3D still outperforms many newer CPUs for games, especially when priced reasonably. However, the 5800X3D is becoming harder to find and its prices are rising. The 7800X3D comes with higher costs due to DDR5 and motherboard expenses.
I’d go for what fits your budget and offers a noticeable improvement over your current CPU. You shouldn’t expect major gains in gaming performance until you upgrade the graphics card. Your existing card should suffice for most games at 1080p.
Your intended upgrade appears strong and should work well together. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
Processor and Motherboard Compatibility:
• The i5-13600K is compatible with both the ASUS Prime Z790-P and MSI PRO Z790-P motherboards, as they share the LGA 1700 socket required for this processor.
RAM Compatibility:
• Both motherboards support DDR5 RAM, making them suitable for the i5-13600K. You can use faster RAM speeds such as 6000MHz with XMP profiles if your system supports it.
Cooler and RAM Slot Issue:
• If your existing cooler obstructs the first RAM slot, you may need a cooler with a lower profile or one that offers more space. You can also try placing the RAM in the other slots if possible.
Budget Considerations:
• A budget range of ₹50,000 to ₹55,000 INR should be sufficient for purchasing the i5-13600K, the motherboard, and RAM. Don’t forget to factor in any extra expenses like a replacement cooler if necessary.
Since your PC frequently restarts, it’s likely a hardware-related problem. Upgrading to a new motherboard and processor should fix the issue. Also, verify that your power supply remains in good condition for the stability of your new parts.
I own a 144Hz 2k monitor and mainly use games like deadlock, valorant or dota 2. Given this setup and the available options, would it be sensible to upgrade to an i7 12700k, an asus z790 motherboard with p wifi and a 32gb g skill ripjaws 6000 (2x16gb) with the current cooler and smps? Personally, I don’t prefer amd unless someone can offer a better combo. My total cost for ram, processor, and motherboard is around 53,000 inr.
You may want to explore other brands for a better deal on an ASUS motherboard. A Z690 based board can handle even the 14th generation CPU after a BIOS update. You don’t need to stress about future upgrades from a 12700K; the main upgrade would be to a 14900K, which is unlikely you’d ever consider. Each newer model demands a completely different board, so avoid spending on features you won’t use. Many of these Z-series boards are designed for overclocking at 1x900K CPUs. If you’re not planning to overclock, look for other boards with alternative 690 and 790 chipsets.
Availability and prices in India differ significantly from other regions, making it hard to confirm real savings on a specific brand. Just ensure you’re not overspending on a platform that won’t be useful. If you choose Intel, the new releases are still a few weeks away, so don’t rush.
The most important factor to verify is the cooler compatibility. Check with the manufacturer whether their cooler fits your motherboard. Look beyond the socket—consider how it interacts with heat sinks and memory slots. Also, steer clear of tall memory modules to prevent potential problems.
My thoughts:
Most issues stem from software rather than hardware; Intel processor problems are uncommon, the recent 13/14 generation concerns are isolated and resolved.
Updating bios levels resolves default OC problems.
For a hardware test, execute memtest86+. It launches from a USB drive without requiring Windows.
You can obtain it from: Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
This tool is a sophisticated, free, open-source memory tester compatible with 32- and 64-bit systems (supports UEFI & BIOS).
If you complete the full scan with zero errors, your RAM should be in good condition.
Your suggested CPU, MBOA, or RAM upgrade represents a substantial improvement.
Consider investing in a new cooler; the upcoming motherboard will require an LGA1700 adapter for the cooler, provided one is available.
Alternatively, you might opt for an I5-14500 with comparable performance paired with a reliable stock RM1 cooler.
Current generation processors are grouped, offering minimal overclocking benefits.
Stock turbo mechanisms enhance a few cores beyond what full overclocking can achieve.
A Z motherboard B760 and a MATX-sized board will function effectively and remain more affordable.
Thank you for your helpful feedback.
Yesterday I visited the store to purchase the i5-13600K, Asus MoBo and DDR5 RAM. They informed me that my current cooler wouldn’t work and recommended switching to a liquid cooler. They also hinted that my existing SMPS might not be compatible, possibly due to missing 8-pin connectors needed for the newer motherboard—something I’m still trying to grasp.
I’m considering whether to build a fresh system with just my current GPU or attempt to reuse my SMPS, cooler, and case.
My Memtest86+ test revealed an issue: after pressing the power button, lights brighten, fans start, but within seconds they slow down and restart repeatedly, creating a looping effect.