[SOLVED] $1000 upgrade mobo mem and cpu

[cybo2001]

Approximate Purchase Date: asap

Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) $1000-1300 CAN (or less!)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Content creation, animation, 3d animation, programming, gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No but suggestions for an ultrawide / content creation model are welcome

Parts to Upgrade: CPU, mobo, RAM Power supply existing: Corsair HX650

Do you need to buy OS: Not sure yet
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: canadacomputers.com

Location: Ontario, Canada

Parts Preferences: ASUS, Intel, NVIDIA, Kingston

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire:No

Your Monitor Resolution: Needs tons of REZ, can't afford upgrade yet to monitor.

Additional Comments: Been a while since my upgrade looking for something future ready and very stable. Not so important to have cutting edge for games as it's mostly for 3d animation / content creation. Hoping to use my existing GPU, Geforce GTX 660 for the time being.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I need a system capable of running the new more demanding new adobe creative suite software and maybe I'll play some new games too.

Include a list of any parts you have already selected with descriptively labeled links for parts.

Here are some components I'm leaning towards but looking for some pro nerd guidance. I do like these brands however.

Intel Core i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores

Intel Core i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores Unlocked

Intel Core i7-12700KF Desktop Processor 12 (8P+4E) Cores, 20 Threads up to 5 GHz, Unlocked LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 125W, Support DDR4 & 5, PCIe Gen 5.0, 12th Gen Boxed, Discrete GPU Required (BX8071512700KF)

www.canadacomputers.com

(edited I had a micro ATX here before, removed no DDR5 option, should I consider DD4 mobo as an option to save a buck? Seems not much more for a mobo that supports DDR5)

ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700(Intel12th) ATX motherboard
https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1842_3869&item_id=208676

Kingston FURY Beast (Black) 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL38 Desktop Memory Kit

FURY Beast (Black) 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL38

Kingston FURY Beast (Black) 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL38 Desktop Memory Kit (KF548C38BBK2-32)

www.canadacomputers.com

It's been a while since I upgraded and I'm excited about it! Looking forward to the insight provided by the great community here.

Cheers.

 

[tennis2]

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64_1969&item_id=183431

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1832_1833&item_id=169633

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_1326&item_id=166661

Total = 790 CAD

Saves you 400CAD so you can retire that GTX660 with an overpriced (2x MSRP) current-gen GPU.

 

[cybo2001]

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64_1969&item_id=183431

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1832_1833&item_id=169633

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_1326&item_id=166661

Total = 790 CAD

Thx for the build suggestions! You thinking DDR5 isn't really necessary? And what GPU would you recommend with that hardware?

 

[cybo2001]

Saves you 400CAD so you can retire that GTX660 with an overpriced (2x MSRP) current-gen GPU.

Haha. Well said. Good point that waiting for MSRP to come back to GPUs might not be the best choice value-wise. Thing is decent GPU now if you can get one is like 1200 I can't do that. And then is it worth it to get a low mid $600 one? It's a pickle.

 

[tennis2]

Thx for the build suggestions! You thinking DDR5 isn't really necessary? And what GPU would you recommend with that hardware?

It assuredly isn't going to give you 2.4x the improvement compared to DDR4 (there are DDR4 Intel Z690 boards if you're adamant about going Intel, but the boards are also horribly expensive)

This is why Alder Lake isn't doing well. While the CPUs are good performers at a good price. The mobos are priced far to high, and DDR5 is either unavailable or 2x the cost.

GPU-wise....if you're looking to get an ultrawide monitor (34"?) then you're looking at 3440x1440. Then ideally you're in the RTX3070Ti / RX6800 and up tier.

 

[cybo2001]

GPU-wise....if you're looking to get an ultrawide monitor (34"?) then you're looking at 3440x1440. Then ideally you're in the RTX3070Ti / RX6800 and up tier.

Thx for the sharing the knowledge. You've given me something to think about brand-wise. I'm not a fanatic that way so maybe it's time for me to let go of those prefs. I've just had good stability going that route so far. That being said I wonder the real failure rate differences between these brands and components. I'm going to guess they are not really that drastically different when looking at the price differences.

 

[Why_Me]

Here's another option to consider.

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1842_3869&item_id=213291
ASUS ProArt B660-Creator D4 $299.99

ProArt B660-CREATOR D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

Every aspect of ProArt Series motherboards is built to remove barriers and deliver optimal performance to content creators who work in 3D modeling and rendering, animation or media production. The series empowers you to concentrate on your creativity and expand what is possible.

www.asus.com

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1842_3869&item_id=213299
ASUS TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4 $289.00

TUF GAMING H670-PRO WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1842_3869&item_id=214002
GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER DDR4 $269.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660-AORUS-MASTER-DDR4-rev-10#kf

https://www.newegg.ca/intel-core-i7-12700f-core-i7-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118359
Intel Core i7-12700F $429.99

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2700f-processor-25m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz.html

Review of that cpu w/benchmarks.

https://www.techspot.com/review/2391-intel-core-i7-12700/

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydgN4W97Esk&t=708s

 

[cybo2001]

https://www.newegg.ca/intel-core-i7-12700f-core-i7-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118359
Intel Core i7-12700F $429.99

I had actually just switched to this exact cpu in my cart! Thanks for the great options and the video link!

 

[Karadjgne]

I'd go with the standard 12700, not the F. For the price difference, the igpu is cheap insurance. It's a gtx660, basically a grandpa. Intel graphics might not be the best, but they'll get you by should anything happen before the gpu upgrade.

DDR5 isn't worth it unless you absolutely need to have the ram bandwidth, otherwise DDR4 is going to be the better option atm.

Nothing wrong with mATX boards, they are essentially the same as full atx, with less connectivity. Since you won't be overclocking, they are a viable option.

 

[Zerk2012]

I had actually just switched to this exact cpu in my cart! Thanks for the great options and the video link!

Are you making a living doing this or more just on the side?
What video card do you have right now?

Most of the newest boards need either a 8 pin +4 pin or the better boards need 8 + 8 pins for the CPU power that your power supply don't have how old is that one? Those processors have a large power draw at times.

 

[cybo2001]

Are you making a living doing this or more just on the side?
What video card do you have right now?

Most of the newest boards need either a 8 pin +4 pin or the better boards need 8 + 8 pins for the CPU power that your power supply don't have how old is that one? Those processors have a large power draw at times.

Thanks for your reply!

I have a gtx 660. It's overclocked I got it from some young gamer to replace my real old card that blew.

What's making a living these days? j/j. I work with computers for a living but I don't need a high end render farm as I'm not always doing 3d animation, sometimes I'm doing programming that I could of done on my cellphone from decades ago (not smart phone). Good point re. the power supply. After some advice I think I will be upgrading my power supply with the new hardware as good measure. It's not super old, but def a few years so and only 650w, so $100+ or so probably a good investment w/ all the new hardware.

 

[cybo2001]

I'd go with the standard 12700, not the F. For the price difference, the igpu is cheap insurance. It's a gtx660, basically a grandpa. Intel graphics might not be the best, but they'll get you by should anything happen before the gpu upgrade.

DDR5 isn't worth it unless you absolutely need to have the ram bandwidth, otherwise DDR4 is going to be the better option atm.

Nothing wrong with mATX boards, they are essentially the same as full atx, with less connectivity. Since you won't be overclocking, they are a viable option.

Thanks for the advice. I was going to ask if the integrated graphics on the asus tuf will outperform the old gtx660? The 660 is overclocked and 4 gig though.

Ya I think I'm set on DDR4 board and ram.

Good point re mATX. I have an existing case that's a full tower so I figured... The guy I got the gtx660 who overclocked it had a crazy mATX build. I had never seen one. I was like, "wow that's cool!", I think he said ya, "cooling can be an issue though". It was fully open with no sides to the case and cable management looked like spaghetti but there was something neat and sci-fi looking about it like that.

 

[Why_Me]

Here's a few less expensive boards worth having a look at.

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1842_3869&item_id=213297
ASUS TUF GAMING B660M-PLUS WIFI D4 $229.99

TUF GAMING B660M-PLUS WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX00119879
B660M AORUS PRO AX DDR4 $244.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660M-AORUS-PRO-AX-DDR4-rev-1x#kf

 

[cybo2001]

Here's a few less expensive boards worth having a look at.

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_1842_3869&item_id=213297
ASUS TUF GAMING B660M-PLUS WIFI D4 $229.99

TUF GAMING B660M-PLUS WIFI D4｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX00119879
B660M AORUS PRO AX DDR4 $244.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B660M-AORUS-PRO-AX-DDR4-rev-1x#kf

Thanks! I'll check those out. I've been liking the Asus Tuf line w/ the wifi on board.

 

[Zerk2012]

Thanks for your reply!

I have a gtx 660. It's overclocked I got it from some young gamer to replace my real old card that blew.

What's making a living these days? j/j. I work with computers for a living but I don't need a high end render farm as I'm not always doing 3d animation, sometimes I'm doing programming that I could of done on my cellphone from decades ago (not smart phone). Good point re. the power supply. After some advice I think I will be upgrading my power supply with the new hardware as good measure. It's not super old, but def a few years so and only 650w, so $100+ or so probably a good investment w/ all the new hardware.

You will also need a very good cooler (and it must fit in the case you have) Not sure how your set up on drives, but this would spend all your money and you would need to get a LGA 1700 mounting kit for the cooler.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i7-12700F 2.1 GHz 12-Core Processor | $439.99 @ Canada Computers
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler | $109.95 @ Amazon Canada
Motherboard | Asus ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard | $299.99 @ Canada Computers
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory | $177.99 @ Amazon Canada
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $159.99 @ Amazon Canada
Power Supply | Corsair RMx (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $126.95 @ Amazon Canada
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1314.86
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-03 19:55 EST-0500 |

The power supply is overkill right now but would let you upgrade the video card to a good one 3060ti or so easy.

 

[Karadjgne]

Small correction. Integrated graphics hadn't been used on mainstream motherboards for years, all integrated graphics are part of the cpu now.

With Intel, the K class is unlocked for overclocking, the S and T class are low power models, but the F class cpus either had a failing igpu or a deliberately, permanently burned out by the factory igpu.

Difference between a 12700 and a 12700F is a few $ and the F is devoid of graphics output. Meaning total reliance on the gtx660 for any kind of display.

Your current psu is a Corsair HX650. That's a seriously good psu, to replace it with equitable or better will cost more than a pretty penny. It's definitely worth keeping. Don't make the mistake of thinking higher wattage = better. I'd put my Corsair SFX 600w (that's a tiny form factor psu) Platinum up against anything Gold rated and come out ahead against almost all of them, regardless if 650w or 1000w+.

 

[tennis2]

what is this nonsense?
"mATX cant OC" - OC is dependent on the VRM and the potential power draw of the CPU you're using, there are mATX boards with great VRMs. Modern CPUs OC themselves (PBO, TurboBoost) almost to the max anyway, so it's actually easier for mobo manufacturers to design for. If you wanna OC the snot out of your CPU so hard it dies prematurely, have fun.
"mATX has cooling issues" - maybe you meant mITX?
"mATX has insufficient connectivity" - for what? Most people have 1 GPU, more and more boards have integrated WiFi, what else are you putting in our expansion slots?

 

[Karadjgne]

what is this nonsense?
"mATX cant OC" - OC is dependent on the VRM and the potential power draw of the CPU you're using, there are mATX boards with great VRMs. Modern CPUs OC themselves (PBO, TurboBoost) almost to the max anyway, so it's actually easier for mobo manufacturers to design for. If you wanna OC the snot out of your CPU so hard it dies prematurely, have fun.
"mATX has cooling issues" - maybe you meant mITX?
"mATX has insufficient connectivity" - for what? Most people have 1 GPU, more and more boards have integrated WiFi, what else are you putting in our expansion slots?

Haha, wrong side of the bed? MATX oc's just fine, but looking at the current mATX pickings, they are mostly on the uber cheap side, I'd not OC the snot out of those.

Yes, those boards do. Most don't have much in the way of heatsinks or fan headers.

Limited connectivity is self explanatory. You get far less usb in the rear, less Sata, less fans, 1 USB 3.1/3.2 instead of 2 etc, even less pcie x1 and x4 options.

MITX is worse.

 

[cybo2001]

Small correction. Integrated graphics hadn't been used on mainstream motherboards for years, all integrated graphics are part of the cpu now.

With Intel, the K class is unlocked for overclocking, the S and T class are low power models, but the F class cpus either had a failing igpu or a deliberately, permanently burned out by the factory igpu.

Difference between a 12700 and a 12700F is a few $ and the F is devoid of graphics output. Meaning total reliance on the gtx660 for any kind of display.

Your current psu is a Corsair HX650. That's a seriously good psu, to replace it with equitable or better will cost more than a pretty penny. It's definitely worth keeping. Don't make the mistake of thinking higher wattage = better. I'd put my Corsair SFX 600w (that's a tiny form factor psu) Platinum up against anything Gold rated and come out ahead against almost all of them, regardless if 650w or 1000w+.

Thanks for all the information! I'm not seeing a 12700 version without the K or any other letter. I think if there are no cons it makes sense to have the onboard graphics as backup.

Thanks! I've been really happy with it. Good psu is vital imo. I was told I should consider getting a new psu if it's even a year or so old with the new hardware. Maybe not necessary? Of course I could always use the extra one so I could potentially keep my current mobo/cpu powered. If I do get a new one was looking at: CORSAIR RM Series RM850, to handle a big video card when they come down in price, if that ever happens.

Again, thanks for the great reply!

 

[cybo2001]

You will also need a very good cooler (and it must fit in the case you have) Not sure how your set up on drives, but this would spend all your money and you would need to get a LGA 1700 mounting kit for the cooler.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i7-12700F 2.1 GHz 12-Core Processor | $439.99 @ Canada Computers
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler | $109.95 @ Amazon Canada
Motherboard | Asus ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard | $299.99 @ Canada Computers
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory | $177.99 @ Amazon Canada
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $159.99 @ Amazon Canada
Power Supply | Corsair RMx (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $126.95 @ Amazon Canada
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1314.86
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-03 19:55 EST-0500 |

The power supply is overkill right now but would let you upgrade the video card to a good one 3060ti or so easy.

That looks like a really solid build! Thanks for the input. I actually bought a cooler a while back I never used. Maybe I can make it fit. I'll have to dig around for it.

 

[Karadjgne]

The Corsair HX class of psus are Platinum rated, and a step Up from the RM class. If you bought the RMx, it'd be a downgrade. I believe the HX has a 10 year warranty, it's definitely worth keeping. Unless you are planning on a 3080/6800xt or higher class of gpu, you'll not need a 850w psu, 650w is sufficient for most. I'd decide later on the psu, you have plenty of time until prices drop from the astronomically absurd to merely outrageous.

The 12700 is around, but a standard 12700k will work the same.

 

[tennis2]

Haha, wrong side of the bed? MATX oc's just fine, but looking at the current mATX pickings, they are mostly on the uber cheap side,

I have a special place in my heart for mATX as fitting the needs of the vast majority of PC users. Especially since multi-GPU fell out of favor and WiFi got integrated onto mobos. Unfortunately, mATX occupies an odd child middle ground between the size of ATX and mITX and it can't seem to gain traction. Because of that, yes, a lot of mATX boards end up being "budget" offerings. There are still good ones out there (the MSI Mortar series that I linked are good, Asus usually makes a good mATX board in their TUF and Strix series).

ATX is like "mall-crawler" trucks.

 

[cybo2001]

Hello,

I was able to delay this but I'm going to have to start this build asap. Wanted to see if any hardware suggestion may have changed for those that gave input now that it's several months later.

Cheers!

 

[Cpt Snake]

I like every thing about my system. You name it. Love it. I am 75 years, you make the call. Built it in Dec, 2021.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z590 Plus Gaming Motherboard (ATX, 11th/10th Gen Intel Core, LGA 1200 Socket, DDR4, PCIe 4, CFX, M.2 Slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DP/HDMI, Mystic Light
Gigabyte GeForce GTX GV-N1080G1 GAMING-8GD
G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin SDRAM (PC4-25600) DDR4 3200
Intel Core i5-10600 (base stroke: 3.30GHz; socket: LGA1200; 65 watt
Monitor: Gigabyte G32QC A 32 " 165 Hz 1440P Curved Gaming monitor 2550 x 1440
1 X HD 1 TB Western Digital Black 7200 RPM
1 X HD 2 TB Western Digital Black 7200 RPM
1 X HD 5 TB Western Digital Black 7200 RPM
2 X ASUS 24X DVD Burner
MS Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
PWR Supply: Ultra 3X 1000W SLI Ready
Antec Twelve Hundred V3 Case "Full Tower"
Logitech Z625 Powerful THX Sound 2.1 Speaker System
Logitech Gaming Mouse MX-518
Logitech G810 ORION Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Gaming Headphones V-2
Logitech HD Pro WebCam C 910
External BackUp Drives:
Fantom Drive G-Forcee Professional 6 TB 7200 RPM USB 3.0
Rockstor Drive 2TB 7200 RPM USB 3.0

 

[cybo2001]

I like every thing about my system. You name it. Love it. I am 75 years, you make the call. Built it in Dec, 2021.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z590 Plus Gaming Motherboard (ATX, 11th/10th Gen Intel Core, LGA 1200 Socket, DDR4, PCIe 4, CFX, M.2 Slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DP/HDMI, Mystic Light

I really like the look of the TUF line. How does it compare to the ROG STRIX line?