What to upgrade?
What to upgrade?
I have been thinking about upgrading my computer again and was wondering what I should upgrade?
Here are the specs:
Mainboard: MSI Pro Z690-A wifi
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z690-A-WIFI
CPU: Intel Core i5-12600KF
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FXF...=UTF8&th=1
Cooling: Noctua NH-U12S Redux
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WPD...UTF8&psc=1
There is also 2 other fans, one on the front to suck air in and one on the back for exhaust. I wouldn't mind going with water cooling, but I do not trust myself to install it. Any mistake and I could ruin everything.
GPU: AMD Radeon RX7900 XTX
https://www.microcenter.com/product...d-...phics-card
RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RW6...=UTF8&th=1
PSU: EVEA 1000w
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Supernova-Mo...108&sr=1-4
Storage:
Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SN550 NVMe Internal SSD - Gen3 x4 PCIe 8Gb/s, M.2 2280, 3D NAND, Up to 2,400 MB/s - WDS100T2B0C
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YFF...=UTF8&th=1
I also have 2 other hard drives, an SSD and an older platter drive.
Monitor: 24" AOC
Case: NZXT HS10
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TD9...=UTF8&th=1
I thought to maybe change the CPU to something better.
Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help!
Now, I live in Ohio, in the USA. Preferred seller? I'm not picky. I mainly buy off of Amazon or go to Microcenter in Columbus.
My budget is, preferably less than 1k.
I use my computer for gaming, browsing the web, listening to music and watching movies.
Why do I want to upgrade my computer? Because I want to. I wouldn't mind it being cooler and the entire PC a little more future proof. I have no real complaints or problems with it. After 30+ years of having to 'make do' with what I can get, I finally have a job that affords me the luxury of having a good computer!
I do not want a bigger monitor and I already have a good new chair and new desk, so those aren't needed. Yes, you can upgrade 'just because'!
You could go with an unlocked i7 or even an i9 then again, what are you using to cool that processor? I would opt for a K suffix processor as opposed to a F SKU since a iGPU is invaluable to have when you need to diagnose display related issues. What is the make and model of your case, the number of fans in said case and their orientation? RAM: 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX Got a link to this kit? Just an FYI, you should stylize your post with info asked of in this thread; *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel... forums. including your location, your preferred site for purchase, your use case scenario and your budget for said upgrade.
For what purpose?
This is the situation where your computer fails to perform what you need it to.
You improve for a specific goal.
Upgrading isn’t just about wanting to upgrade—it’s about achieving something meaningful.
If no clear reason exists, consider replacing other items like a monitor or chair.
I'm not sure how the K suffix processor differs from the F. To be honest, when constructing my computers, I usually compare various 'Top 10 Gaming Builds' to see what fits within my budget while ensuring compatibility among all parts. I don't focus on the details. You asked for a clearer explanation of the distinction.
I considered upgrading the CPU because it wasn't the priority at that moment. It was something I could afford alongside other essential components. Back then, GPUs were still very expensive (thanks to the pandemic). That meant a larger portion of my budget had to go there. The GPU I'm using now is different from what I previously bought last year as an upgrade—it's quite large and takes up most of my case space.
The 120mm fan is positioned inside the rear section of this case to serve as an exhaust solution.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
- Intel Core i7-12700KF 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($210.30 @ Amazon)
- CPU Cooler: Deepcool AG620 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
- Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ B&H)
- Case Fan: ARCTIC P12 56.3 CFM 120 mm Fan ($8.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $329.27
Shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts are included where available
*Selected lowest-priced items based on specified criteria*
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-05-22 21:46 EDT-0400
https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-2...tions.html
https://www.deepcool.com/products/C...al...5900.shtml
https://www.arctic.de/us/P12-PWM-PST/ACFAN00120A
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/...lear-tint/
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIG4vFQbDn4
There really isn't a compelling reason to proceed with this.
Hope you can figure out what you're looking for without needing it.
You seem comfortable with a 24-inch display?
This would definitely be a better fit for the RX7900 XTX.
A 32" or 34-inch screen (1440p or 4K) would pair nicely with that model.
I get you. I have a 32" and while i'm fond of it now, it felt too big. And still does sometimes.
To your question:
- forget RAM. 64Gb is not likely to be used in years
- water cooling is not going to perform better
- your existing CPU cooler will outlast a water cooler
- as your PSU ages, you should cosider a replacement. Look ar hwbusters.com (i recommend premium efficiency and silence, but it's up to you)
- don't buy a GPU now. Wait until Christmas - Easter next year. Huge number of great choices are coming.
- This is a nice little NVMe to consider:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2V...-4...k002t0c101
- consider a mechanical keyboard but definetly test the different keys in a shop! -
Keychron V6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard – Keychron | Mechanical Keyboards for Mac, Windows and Android
I also like the full size Viper V765, but to each their own. It's butt ugly in promo pictures but looks nice on my desk
So the only thing to upgrade is the CPU really. Or the case if you see one you like.
The ideal CPU is the 14700K. You should update your motherboard BIOS
before
installing a new CPU.
Grab some new thermal paste if you need it, because you will have to re-install the cooler.
The CPU and GPU are the logical upgrade but as i say, don't buy a GPU just yet. Timing isn't right. But you can grab the 14700K. It's expensive but it's the second strongest intel right now, and frankly the 14900K is kinda overkill.
Edit - Maybe nice speakers? A little bit more money than your usual desktop rubbish can make a lot of difference.