[SOLVED] Best cpu + motherboard combo under 400$

[Zack_21]

Hi. I am looking for the best cpu and motherboard combination under about $400. This is my current setup. I originally wanted to get an i7-8700k and asus rog z-370 but it was too much.

Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core i5 7400 @ 3.00GHz 33 °C
Kaby Lake 14nm Technology
RAM
8.00GB Single-Channel Unknown @ 1197MHz (17-17-17-39)
Motherboard
HP 82F1 (U3E1)
Graphics
OMEN by HP 25 (1920x1080@144Hz)
3071MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB (HP) 29 °C

Preferably with black friday deals so if it is normally more then its good.

 

[volkgren]

Are you sure CPU and motherboard is what you want to upgrade first? What are you using this system for?

If you are gaming your single-channel RAM and 1060 3GB will still hold you back. You could gain more performance from dual-channel RAM and a better GPU. Then upgrade the CPU and motherboard later.

What kind of games do you play?

 

[WildCard999]

Use your current memory.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-9600K 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z390 GAMING X ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $389.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-11-16 22:39 EST-0500

 

[Zack_21]

Are you sure CPU and motherboard is what you want to upgrade first? What are you using this system for?

If you are gaming your single-channel RAM and 1060 3GB will still hold you back. You could gain more performance from dual-channel RAM and a better GPU. Then upgrade the CPU and motherboard later.

What kind of games do you play?

im not too sure what i want to upgrade first but according to canyourunit my cpu was under the recommended settings. I use the system primary for gaming but a little homework but nothing intense. I play mostly FPS such as battlefield and other games like assassins creed.

 

[Zack_21]

Use your current memory.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-9600K 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z390 GAMING X ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $389.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-11-16 22:39 EST-0500

Thanks.

 

[volkgren]

Ah, well both Battlefield and Assassin's Creed can use more CPU. The combo above is a good choice.

But do realize single-channel RAM can cut ~10% of potential performance vs dual-channel.

 

[Zack_21]

Ah, well both Battlefield and Assassin's Creed can use more CPU. The combo above is a good choice.

But do realize single-channel RAM can cut ~10% of potential performance vs dual-channel.

ok so i would also have to buy a new copy of windows right? and is there a good black friday deal on ram? that's good for the motherboard in the list?

 

[volkgren]

No, you shouldn't have to buy a new copy of Windows. Login to Windows using your Microsoft account. Then link Windows to it. You should be able to reactivate later with your Microsoft account by selecting "Troubleshoot" when Windows doesn't activate, then selecting recent hardware change.

I'm not sure your budget, but you need a new kit of dual-channel RAM. So either you can buy 2x4GB or 2x8GB kit of 3000 or 3200MHz RAM. 2800MHz would work also if you got a really good deal on it.

 

[Zack_21]

No, you shouldn't have to buy a new copy of Windows. Login to Windows using your Microsoft account. Then link Windows to it. You should be able to reactivate later with your Microsoft account by selecting "Troubleshoot" when Windows doesn't activate, then selecting recent hardware change.

I'm not sure your budget, but you need a new kit of dual-channel RAM. So either you can buy 2x4GB or 2x8GB kit of 3000 or 3200MHz RAM. 2800MHz would work also if you got a really good deal on it.

Wouldn't I need to get a new windows because it came with my pre-built pc so its an OEM right?

 

[volkgren]

I think Windows 10 lifted that restriction. But, I've had trouble getting Windows 10 to activate when doing the method I mentioned, even with a retail copy I bought. I had to manually enter the key.

 

[Zack_21]

I think Windows 10 lifted that restriction. But, I've had trouble getting Windows 10 to activate when doing the method I mentioned, even with a retail copy I bought. I had to manually enter the key.

So do you think it would work for me then?

 

[Nirmith Akash Anawarathne]

Also consider this.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113481

This also comes with a decent in built graphic processing unit. if your not looking for a mid or entry level graphic cards this should be what you looking for. Graphically it nearly in level of 1030 GT

 

[volkgren]

Also consider this.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113481

This also comes with a decent in built graphic processing unit. if your not looking for a mid or entry level graphic cards this should be what you looking for. Graphically it nearly in level of 1030 GT

He's got a GTX 1060 he doesn't need the integrated GPU. Plus that Ryzen 3 is about equal to his i5-7400. Would be pointless.