[SOLVED] Budget friendly upgrade suggestions

JCarax

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Dec 21, 2016
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Hi.

My 7700k(oc @4.9ghz) finally hit a wall. I bought BF 2042 and it is borderline unplayable with all the stutter and constant fps dips. I know the game isn't very well optimized but 7700k is a 4core cpu and most games demand more than that.
Now I don't have much to spend on a brand new pc, so I'm thinking about a PCU and MOBO change. I might get a new SSD or a new ram kit but I'm torn in between 12600k and Ryzen 5800x
With the new DDR5 rams on the horizon and low cost I'm leaning towards 12600k but I'm not sure if I can use a 1700 socket mobo with my old ram.
I'm open to all suggestions and config alternates. But I'm mostly wondering if the new alderlake architecture is worth it.
 
Solution
Your i7-7700K may have 4 cores, but it has 8 threads.
Today, it is more useful to count threads vs. cores.

The i5-12600K you are looking at would be a wonderful upgrade.
It has 6 Performance cores, each capable of dispatching two threads.
It also has 4 E or efficiency cores that can dispatch 4 more threads.
Without checking, I think they would each be comparable to a thread from your 7700K. That is a total of 20 threads.

12th gen needs a lga1700 motherboard.
That will be a Z690 based motherboard.
You can get them with support for DDR4 OR DDR5.
You can reuse your DDR4 ram.
DDR4 motherboards and ram are now less expensive than DDR5, and the performance is the same.

One other thing, lga1700 chips are lower and require a different...

Zerk2012

Titan
Ambassador
Hi.

My 7700k(oc @4.9ghz) finally hit a wall. I bought BF 2042 and it is borderline unplayable with all the stutter and constant fps dips. I know the game isn't very well optimized but 7700k is a 4core cpu and most games demand more than that.
Now I don't have much to spend on a brand new pc, so I'm thinking about a PCU and MOBO change. I might get a new SSD or a new ram kit but I'm torn in between 12600k and Ryzen 5800x
With the new DDR5 rams on the horizon and low cost I'm leaning towards 12600k but I'm not sure if I can use a 1700 socket mobo with my old ram.
I'm open to all suggestions and config alternates. But I'm mostly wondering if the new alderlake architecture is worth it.
The Z690 boards come in both DDR4 or DDR5.
The DDR5 is not really even out that I can find but you can buy a DDR5 board for some reason.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/motherboard/#c=152
 
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Your i7-7700K may have 4 cores, but it has 8 threads.
Today, it is more useful to count threads vs. cores.

The i5-12600K you are looking at would be a wonderful upgrade.
It has 6 Performance cores, each capable of dispatching two threads.
It also has 4 E or efficiency cores that can dispatch 4 more threads.
Without checking, I think they would each be comparable to a thread from your 7700K. That is a total of 20 threads.

12th gen needs a lga1700 motherboard.
That will be a Z690 based motherboard.
You can get them with support for DDR4 OR DDR5.
You can reuse your DDR4 ram.
DDR4 motherboards and ram are now less expensive than DDR5, and the performance is the same.

One other thing, lga1700 chips are lower and require a different cooler. Cooler makers all offer conversion kits. Some free, and some for $10 or so. New coolers from noctua will include lga1700 support if they are recent stock.

Alder lake is definitely better. The performance per clock is some 19% better than 11th gen, which in turn was similarly improved over 7th gen.
Here is a review:
https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/core-i5-12600k-processor-review,1.html
 
Solution

JCarax

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Dec 21, 2016
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What's your GPU?
I have a rtx 2060 but I'm financially in no position to upgrade it atm. I live in Turkey and even the 3060 is pretty expensive here(around 1000 dollars).

Your i7-7700K may have 4 cores, but it has 8 threads.
Today, it is more useful to count threads vs. cores.

The i5-12600K you are looking at would be a wonderful upgrade.
It has 6 Performance cores, each capable of dispatching two threads.
It also has 4 E or efficiency cores that can dispatch 4 more threads.
Without checking, I think they would each be comparable to a thread from your 7700K. That is a total of 20 threads.

12th gen needs a lga1700 motherboard.
That will be a Z690 based motherboard.
You can get them with support for DDR4 OR DDR5.
You can reuse your DDR4 ram.
DDR4 motherboards and ram are now less expensive than DDR5, and the performance is the same.

One other thing, lga1700 chips are lower and require a different cooler. Cooler makers all offer conversion kits. Some free, and some for $10 or so. New coolers from noctua will include lga1700 support if they are recent stock.

Alder lake is definitely better. The performance per clock is some 19% better than 11th gen, which in turn was similarly improved over 7th gen.
Here is a review:
https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/core-i5-12600k-processor-review,1.html

It's good to know that I can use DDR-4 with 1700 sockets. But I didn't know that the coolers didn't work.
I have a corsair h110i. So I'll have to buy a conversation kit for it?

What about a windows 11? I heard that alderlake require or work better with windows 11. Is that true?
 
Hi.

My 7700k(oc @4.9ghz) finally hit a wall. I bought BF 2042 and it is borderline unplayable with all the stutter and constant fps dips. I know the game isn't very well optimized but 7700k is a 4core cpu and most games demand more than that.
Now I don't have much to spend on a brand new pc, so I'm thinking about a PCU and MOBO change. I might get a new SSD or a new ram kit but I'm torn in between 12600k and Ryzen 5800x
With the new DDR5 rams on the horizon and low cost I'm leaning towards 12600k but I'm not sure if I can use a 1700 socket mobo with my old ram.
I'm open to all suggestions and config alternates. But I'm mostly wondering if the new alderlake architecture is worth it.
What country are you located, what is your budget, what gpu do you currently own, what is your resolution and what RAM are you currently running?
 
I'm from Turkey. I can spend around 1000$. I have 2060 and playing on a 1080p 144hz monitor. All of my specs are in my signature.
I think I'd do something like this and then make the next upgrade the gpu to an RTX 3060 Ti.

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...ga1200-ddr4-5066mhz-oc-micro-atx-anakart.html
MSI Mag B560M Bazooka 2.200,46₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...00-2-6ghz-12mb-lga-1200-11-nesil-islemci.html
Intel Core i5-11400 2,676.24₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...wm-fanli-islemci-sogutucu-ar-acfre00060a.html
Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO 679,82₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...cl16-ddr4-best-black-ram-kf432c16bbk2-16.html
Kingston Fury 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz CL16 949,29₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...00mb-pcie-nvme-m-2-ssd-m280cs2130-1tb-rb.html
PNY CS2130 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD 1.205,87₺

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-B560M-BAZOOKA

Reviews of that cpu with benchmarks.

https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/intel-core-i5-11400f-processor-review,1.html

 
Last edited:
I have a rtx 2060 but I'm financially in no position to upgrade it atm. I live in Turkey and even the 3060 is pretty expensive here(around 1000 dollars).



It's good to know that I can use DDR-4 with 1700 sockets. But I didn't know that the coolers didn't work.
I have a corsair h110i. So I'll have to buy a conversation kit for it?

What about a windows 11? I heard that alderlake require or work better with windows 11. Is that true?
Yes, there will be s simple conversion kit:
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/compa...-for-lga-1700-and-intel-alder-lake-processors

Alder lake does not require windows 11.
Windows 10 runs perfectly fine.

But, windows 11 is aware of the two types of cores and can do a better job of dispatching work to the available threads.
It uses hardware in alder lake processors to give windows 11 better info to do it's work. But, even in windows 10, there is knowlege of the difference between main threads and hyperthreads.



Is this a biggie, I think not.
 
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JCarax

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Dec 21, 2016
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I think I'd do something like this and then make the next upgrade the gpu to an RTX 3060 Ti.

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...ga1200-ddr4-5066mhz-oc-micro-atx-anakart.html
MSI Mag B560M Bazooka 2.200,46₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...00-2-6ghz-12mb-lga-1200-11-nesil-islemci.html
Intel Core i5-11400 2,676.24₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...wm-fanli-islemci-sogutucu-ar-acfre00060a.html
Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO 679,82₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...cl16-ddr4-best-black-ram-kf432c16bbk2-16.html
Kingston Fury 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz CL16 949,29₺

https://www.teknobiyotik.com/donani...00mb-pcie-nvme-m-2-ssd-m280cs2130-1tb-rb.html
PNY CS2130 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD 1.205,87₺

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-B560M-BAZOOKA

Reviews of that cpu with benchmarks.

https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/intel-core-i5-11400f-processor-review,1.html


Thanks for the detailed response.

That's also my plan, get the cpu upgrade and then go for something like 3060ti.

Although I don't like the 11400. It is 6/12 alright but the clock speeds are too low. I'm not sure if it is a decent upgrade towards next gen gaming. Also the review you linked is 11400f while the buy option is 11400 which is cheaper. And I'm wondering wouldn't it be wiser to go for 11600k instead because the price difference between 11400f and 11600k isn't big. And while you are at it, 12600k also seems within reach if you are willing to pay for 11600k.
So again, If I'm getting a cpu, I'd much rather get something that is somewhat decent.

For the coolent, I'm planning on using my h110i tbh. As for ram, I'm just wondering if I should use my old or if not, then shouldn't I got for at least 3600mhz ?

I'm also thinking about a 500gb samsung 980 pro pcie which is around 1400 try.
 
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Thanks for the detailed response.

That's also my plan, get the cpu upgrade and then go for something like 3060ti.

Although I don't like the 11400. It is 6/12 alright but the clock speeds are too low. I'm not sure if it is a decent upgrade towards next gen gaming. Also the review you linked is 11400f while the buy option is 11400 which is cheaper. And I'm wondering wouldn't it be wiser to go for 11600k instead because the price difference between 11400f and 11600k isn't big. And while you are at it, 12600k also seems within reach if you are willing to pay for 11600k.
So again, If I'm getting a cpu, I'd much rather get something that is somewhat decent.

For the coolent, I'm planning on using my h110i tbh. As for ram, I'm just wondering if I should use my old or if not, then shouldn't I got for at least 3600mhz ?

I'm also thinking about a 500gb samsung 980 pro pcie which is around 1400 try.

11th gen processors have some 19% better performance per clock; looking at clock rates tells only part of the story.
12Th gen has a similar jump over 11th gen.
The 11400F is the version without integrated graphics, It is otherwise identical to the 11400 and should be cheaper.
The reason why 11400 and 11600K are priced similarly is because the performance is not much different.

Once you get into the $200 and up class of processors, gaming is usually more dependent on the graphics card.
If your budget permits, look at the I5-12600K.
Here is a review, and it includes some 11400 and 11600k processors.
https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/core-i5-12600k-processor-review.html
Intel, unlike ryzen, is not much dependent on ram speeds for performance. Your current DDR4 ram should be fine. At least try it out first. For 12600K, you would want a DDR4 capable motherboard.

Samsung 980 PRO is as good as it gets.
But, the value of pcie4 is not as great as you might think.
The advantage is in sequential processing, but most activity will be random. If budget is an issue, look at a larger 980 EVO
Even with a 2.5" ssd, you can probably not tell the difference.
These guys could not:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DKLA7w9eeA
 
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JCarax

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Dec 21, 2016
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11th gen processors have some 19% better performance per clock; looking at clock rates tells only part of the story.
12Th gen has a similar jump over 11th gen.
The 11400F is the version without integrated graphics, It is otherwise identical to the 11400 and should be cheaper.
The reason why 11400 and 11600K are priced similarly is because the performance is not much different.

Once you get into the $200 and up class of processors, gaming is usually more dependent on the graphics card.
If your budget permits, look at the I5-12600K.
Here is a review, and it includes some 11400 and 11600k processors.
https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/core-i5-12600k-processor-review.html
Intel, unlike ryzen, is not much dependent on ram speeds for performance. Your current DDR4 ram should be fine. At least try it out first. For 12600K, you would want a DDR4 capable motherboard.

Samsung 980 PRO is as good as it gets.
But, the value of pcie4 is not as great as you might think.
The advantage is in sequential processing, but most activity will be random. If budget is an issue, look at a larger 980 EVO
Even with a 2.5" ssd, you can probably not tell the difference.
These guys could not:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DKLA7w9eeA

Wait so the 11400f is the one without integrated graphics ? Shouldn't it supposed to be cheaper then?

I have a question about the mobo. Say If I were to go for the 12600k, are there differences between mobos in regards to ddr 4 or ddr5 support ? I thought all 690 series supported both.
Would you mind taking a look at some links from some Turkish sites?
Here is one I found with an average price tag : https://www.itopya.com/asus-prime-z690m-plus-d4-5333mhzoc-ddr4-soket-1700-m2-hdmi-dp-matx-anakart/
Does this one support both ddr4 and ddr5?
A few others in the same price range : https://www.itopya.com/msi-pro-z690-a-wifi-6400mhzoc-ddr5-soket-1700-m2-hdmi-dp-atx-anakart/
https://www.itopya.com/asus-prime-z690-p-wifi-d4-5333mhzoc-ddr4-soket-1700-m2-hdmi-dp-atx-anakart/
 
Yes, the F suffix processor SHOULD be cheaper.
Check the prices carefully.
It is very popular so the price might be bid up going to uninformed buyers.

The z690 chipset can handle either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the motherboard(not both at the same time)
It depends on the motherboard.
From top to bottom, from your links:
DDR4
DDR5
DDR4
 

JCarax

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Dec 21, 2016
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Yes, the F suffix processor SHOULD be cheaper.
Check the prices carefully.
It is very popular so the price might be bid up going to uninformed buyers.

The z690 chipset can handle either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the motherboard(not both at the same time)
It depends on the motherboard.
From top to bottom, from your links:
DDR4
DDR5
DDR4

Oh ok thanks that's what I wanted to know whether it can support either or both.

The corsair retrofit kit unfortunatelly doesn't mention h110i so I'm guessing I'll have to get a new cooler as well.
What do you think about the first MOBO? The DDR4 Asus one. That is relatively cheapter compared to rest.
 
Get the 12600K, it's better than the 5800X. Price will be similar as although the i5 is cheaper the boards are not. You can probably get away without reinstalling Windows too if your the lazy type ;)

It makes no sense to get DDR5 at this point you could end up spending more on that than the CPU. Unfortunately the boards are equipped for one or the other. My two cents is don't worry about it and get the i5 with a DDR4 compatible board anyway.
 
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JCarax

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Correct me if I am wrong, but the 12th gen processors are thinner which requires some sort of compatibility adjustment for the older coolers.
Otherwise the mounting pressure may be insufficient.
I was browsing for an answer to that question, and came across this. One person reported back that they didn't need it, with their H100i platinum SE.

View: https://www.reddit.com/r/intel/comments/qiljiq/asus_prime_z690_manual_on_using_lga1200_coolers/

100i platinum se might be a newer model than mine tho. Not sure.
Again, I'm a little skeptic here only because my cooler isn't mentioned among those coolers that retrofit unit is compatible with.

Get the 12600K, it's better than the 5800X. Price will be similar as although the i5 is cheaper the boards are not. You can probably get away without reinstalling Windows too if your the lazy type ;)

It makes no sense to get DDR5 at this point you could end up spending more on that than the CPU. Unfortunately the boards are equipped for one or the other. My two cents is don't worry about it and get the i5 with a DDR4 compatible board anyway.

I'll definitely do a reinstall of the OS :D
I have a corsair 750w 80+gold psu, would it be enough with 12600k? I heard it consumes more power than older cpus.
 
Recent processors, the 12600k, 12700k, 12900k all have a TDP of 125w.
The previous generations were similar.

From Intel spec.
"Thermal Design Power (TDP) represents the average power, in watts, the processor dissipates when operating at Base Frequency with all cores active under an Intel-defined, high-complexity workload. Refer to Datasheet for thermal solution requirements. "

Where much higher power consumption comes in is when these processors are boosting turbo past stock limits.
Some motherboards may allow this, but it will be under user control.
A moot point, these processors are so crazy fast, there is no need for overclocking.

On the cooler compatibility issue, I found this:
https://hothardware.com/news/existing-cpu-coolers-struggle-alder-lake-lga-1700-bracket
 
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