F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop What is the most affordable option for someone who isn't a gamer?

What is the most affordable option for someone who isn't a gamer?

What is the most affordable option for someone who isn't a gamer?

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PheonixMMC
Member
174
08-26-2022, 03:57 PM
#1
I own a ten-year-old 4th generation Intel i5-4430 processor, an Asus Z87 motherboard, 32GB DDR3 RAM, a 1TB Samsung SATA SSD, three monitors, and run Windows 10. The system performs well and is reasonably fast, mainly because I handle multitasking with Office applications, Zoom calls, music streaming, and using Brave with 40 to 80 open tabs (which is the main memory consumer, even though I’ve enabled tab suspension).

I’m considering an upgrade only because my current hardware won’t work with Windows 11, and the upcoming Microsoft deadline in October is creating concerns. I worry about potential trade tensions with China, which could lead to high prices and supply issues, so I’m thinking it might be better to switch sooner rather than later.

I’m evaluating whether to replace just the motherboard, memory, and CPU. I’ve looked into possible workarounds, but they seem risky and Microsoft often finds ways around them, so I’d rather not waste time trying to bypass them.

The best deals I’ve found so far are:
a) AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, ASUS B650M-A Prime AX II, G.Skill 16GB DDR5 6000
vs
b) Intel Core i7-12700K, MSI Z790-P Pro WiFi DDR4, G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200

My questions:
Is the old saying “AMD better for gaming, Intel better for productivity” still valid?
As someone who isn’t a gamer, would I notice any difference between DDR5 and DDR4?
Which system would require less cooling and power? (I’m hoping to keep using my older Antec VP-450 power supply.)
And the two bundles above are only $20 apart... is there a strong reason to choose one over the other?
If you have more suggestions, I’d appreciate them. Thanks in advance!
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PheonixMMC
08-26-2022, 03:57 PM #1

I own a ten-year-old 4th generation Intel i5-4430 processor, an Asus Z87 motherboard, 32GB DDR3 RAM, a 1TB Samsung SATA SSD, three monitors, and run Windows 10. The system performs well and is reasonably fast, mainly because I handle multitasking with Office applications, Zoom calls, music streaming, and using Brave with 40 to 80 open tabs (which is the main memory consumer, even though I’ve enabled tab suspension).

I’m considering an upgrade only because my current hardware won’t work with Windows 11, and the upcoming Microsoft deadline in October is creating concerns. I worry about potential trade tensions with China, which could lead to high prices and supply issues, so I’m thinking it might be better to switch sooner rather than later.

I’m evaluating whether to replace just the motherboard, memory, and CPU. I’ve looked into possible workarounds, but they seem risky and Microsoft often finds ways around them, so I’d rather not waste time trying to bypass them.

The best deals I’ve found so far are:
a) AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, ASUS B650M-A Prime AX II, G.Skill 16GB DDR5 6000
vs
b) Intel Core i7-12700K, MSI Z790-P Pro WiFi DDR4, G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200

My questions:
Is the old saying “AMD better for gaming, Intel better for productivity” still valid?
As someone who isn’t a gamer, would I notice any difference between DDR5 and DDR4?
Which system would require less cooling and power? (I’m hoping to keep using my older Antec VP-450 power supply.)
And the two bundles above are only $20 apart... is there a strong reason to choose one over the other?
If you have more suggestions, I’d appreciate them. Thanks in advance!

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whatarethose1
Junior Member
22
08-26-2022, 05:16 PM
#2
The old saying "AMD better for gaming, Intel better for productivity" still holds some relevance.
For tasks similar to what it's used for, DDR4 remains a limited option, while Intel's 12th Gen platform is already three generations behind. The AM5 platform offers more flexibility for future upgrades.
Which system would require the least cooling and power? I was considering keeping my older Antec VP-450 power supply.
Honestly, you should replace that PSU—pairing it with any of those builds isn't advisable.
What are your plans for recycling parts from your current setup? You'll need an aftermarket cooler if you're using the Intel version.
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whatarethose1
08-26-2022, 05:16 PM #2

The old saying "AMD better for gaming, Intel better for productivity" still holds some relevance.
For tasks similar to what it's used for, DDR4 remains a limited option, while Intel's 12th Gen platform is already three generations behind. The AM5 platform offers more flexibility for future upgrades.
Which system would require the least cooling and power? I was considering keeping my older Antec VP-450 power supply.
Honestly, you should replace that PSU—pairing it with any of those builds isn't advisable.
What are your plans for recycling parts from your current setup? You'll need an aftermarket cooler if you're using the Intel version.

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grzeesiieek
Junior Member
13
08-28-2022, 03:47 AM
#3
I just aim for a build that lasts ten years, matching my present setup. That means keeping MS from pushing Windows 12 and forcing users to switch from Win 11 to Win 10 again like they are now with Win 10 users.

For my basic non-gaming requirements, would DDR5 really offer any noticeable speed improvement over DDR4?

I want to stick with my existing case, its extra fans, the current power supply, and the three monitors I’m using right now.

Is 450 watts enough for either of these builds, or are you more worried about the fact that the Antec is ten years old and might eventually fail, possibly harming the whole system?
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grzeesiieek
08-28-2022, 03:47 AM #3

I just aim for a build that lasts ten years, matching my present setup. That means keeping MS from pushing Windows 12 and forcing users to switch from Win 11 to Win 10 again like they are now with Win 10 users.

For my basic non-gaming requirements, would DDR5 really offer any noticeable speed improvement over DDR4?

I want to stick with my existing case, its extra fans, the current power supply, and the three monitors I’m using right now.

Is 450 watts enough for either of these builds, or are you more worried about the fact that the Antec is ten years old and might eventually fail, possibly harming the whole system?

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BUSHIDOBrown01
Junior Member
8
08-28-2022, 12:46 PM
#4
At first I intended to keep using the case and PSU, but now I’m thinking about starting fresh and converting my current setup into a Linux media PC in another room. Because of the higher cost for the new case and PSU, I’m considering the Intel bundle and not planning any upgrades until around ten years from now, when Microsoft is expected to release Win 12 and push people away from W11 as they are doing with W10. Or, the AMD 7700 bundle.
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BUSHIDOBrown01
08-28-2022, 12:46 PM #4

At first I intended to keep using the case and PSU, but now I’m thinking about starting fresh and converting my current setup into a Linux media PC in another room. Because of the higher cost for the new case and PSU, I’m considering the Intel bundle and not planning any upgrades until around ten years from now, when Microsoft is expected to release Win 12 and push people away from W11 as they are doing with W10. Or, the AMD 7700 bundle.

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TamedWolfy
Member
156
08-30-2022, 08:53 AM
#5
Irrelevant. Similar results expected.
Performance variation in non-gaming situations is unlikely to stand out.
You should run tests to confirm any changes.
The AMD setup could offer a slight edge.
I’d pick the Intel choice but opt for a cheaper motherboard.
Reminder – you’ll also need to buy a CPU cooler and upgrade to 32GB RAM.
If you’re browsing the web with many tabs, notice a drop in RAM from 32GB to 16GB.
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TamedWolfy
08-30-2022, 08:53 AM #5

Irrelevant. Similar results expected.
Performance variation in non-gaming situations is unlikely to stand out.
You should run tests to confirm any changes.
The AMD setup could offer a slight edge.
I’d pick the Intel choice but opt for a cheaper motherboard.
Reminder – you’ll also need to buy a CPU cooler and upgrade to 32GB RAM.
If you’re browsing the web with many tabs, notice a drop in RAM from 32GB to 16GB.

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Theoxf
Junior Member
17
08-30-2022, 09:45 AM
#6
No matter the bundle, don't assume 16gb will last that long. For a 10-year device like you're proposing, I'd recommend at least 64gb. The 12700k with DDR4 seems like the best choice in terms of cost.
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Theoxf
08-30-2022, 09:45 AM #6

No matter the bundle, don't assume 16gb will last that long. For a 10-year device like you're proposing, I'd recommend at least 64gb. The 12700k with DDR4 seems like the best choice in terms of cost.

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Pekaaa
Member
206
08-30-2022, 01:31 PM
#7
I would definitely choose at least 32GB RAM, since that’s what I already have. My usage rarely exceeds 40% even when using Brave with many windows/tabs, plus one or two Office apps and Zoom.
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Pekaaa
08-30-2022, 01:31 PM #7

I would definitely choose at least 32GB RAM, since that’s what I already have. My usage rarely exceeds 40% even when using Brave with many windows/tabs, plus one or two Office apps and Zoom.

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TNTJeb1
Junior Member
35
08-31-2022, 05:10 AM
#8
The MSI Z790 is part of the $280 Microcenter Intel package:
Intel vs AMD comparison
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TNTJeb1
08-31-2022, 05:10 AM #8

The MSI Z790 is part of the $280 Microcenter Intel package:
Intel vs AMD comparison

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bloodline88
Member
149
09-03-2022, 02:25 AM
#9
In ten years, DDR4 will be as common as DDR2 is now. It should still function, though upgrading won't be straightforward. Within five years, DDR4 could become outdated if you require a RAM upgrade. DDR5 offers better long-term compatibility. You don't specify the non-gaming applications you plan to use, but for video editing, starting with 64GB is advisable:-
https://www.pugetsystems.com/soluti...be...tions/#ram
How much RAM does Premiere Pro require?
The precise amount needed varies based on your specific tasks, but we have general recommendations based on the resolutions you handle:
Footage Resolution
1080p
4K
6K
8K
12K
Minimum RAM capacity
64GB
96GB
128GB
192GB
256GB
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bloodline88
09-03-2022, 02:25 AM #9

In ten years, DDR4 will be as common as DDR2 is now. It should still function, though upgrading won't be straightforward. Within five years, DDR4 could become outdated if you require a RAM upgrade. DDR5 offers better long-term compatibility. You don't specify the non-gaming applications you plan to use, but for video editing, starting with 64GB is advisable:-
https://www.pugetsystems.com/soluti...be...tions/#ram
How much RAM does Premiere Pro require?
The precise amount needed varies based on your specific tasks, but we have general recommendations based on the resolutions you handle:
Footage Resolution
1080p
4K
6K
8K
12K
Minimum RAM capacity
64GB
96GB
128GB
192GB
256GB

R
RulwenJr
Posting Freak
786
09-04-2022, 05:32 PM
#10
No video or music editing included.
Non-gaming tools: Office, Brave browser, Zoom, PDF reader.
I plan to maintain this updated version for a decade, just like my existing one. So when I upgrade in 2035, everything will be fresh. I think we’ll likely be using DDR8 or 10. 😁
R
RulwenJr
09-04-2022, 05:32 PM #10

No video or music editing included.
Non-gaming tools: Office, Brave browser, Zoom, PDF reader.
I plan to maintain this updated version for a decade, just like my existing one. So when I upgrade in 2035, everything will be fresh. I think we’ll likely be using DDR8 or 10. 😁

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