Question Component upgrade around CPU

Mar 30, 2023
5
3
15
Following are my current specs:
CPU = i7-4790
Motherboard = Asus B85M-E
RAM = DDR3 1600MHz 32GB
GPU = GTX 1070
PSU= RM 750x Gold
Storage = 256GB SSD / 1 TB SSD + Internal SATA HDD slot/frame
Monitor = LG Ultrawide 34inch QHD 60 FPS.
Case = Fractal Design Focus G Black ATX Mid Tower

As you can see, my CPU and motherboard has survived long enough.
I want to upgrade it, and after 3 days of research and shopping... I have i5-13600K in my mind.

My daily activity/usage, in priority:
  1. Productivity (1080p editing with 1440p footage on Davinci Resolve / Photoshop / light coding)
  2. Steam games
  3. Netflix

I am trying to save as much money as I reasonably could, to buy RTX 4070 Ti ~ 4090... Maybe next year when the price calms down more.
Meanwhile, I would like to get the upgrade on CPU and motherboard this year. I have ordered M.2 WD Black SN870X, as the new motherboard I am getting will 100% get a slot for it.

My question and concerns are:

1. Is 13600K enough for 4090? Surprisingly I am seeing mixed answers for this on the internet :/

2. I am trying to go for a B- type motherboard (mainly because I haven't done CPU overclocks - are they much powerful for extra $ you are spending?) with DD4 to save more bucks for the coming GPU change. Will this be good decision for the future? I wouldn't be changing it for another 5-6 years after it is built.
What would be a good motherboard for this case? B660 Tomahawk is first in my list... or should I spend about $100 more for Z790?

3. Will M750x be enough for power? I use a lot of storage (now planned at 1 M.2 and 3 SATA to be occupied)... Also planning to get a second monitor with 4K UHD at one point.

4. How much cooling would I need for 13600K? Will an upgraded air cooler with 2 default 120mm fans on the Fractal Focus G be enough?

Let me know if what I have planned is sufficient, and throw any recommendations please!
 
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PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($299.84 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($33.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B760M GAMING X AX DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-4000 CL18 Memory ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM750e 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $778.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 16:43 EDT-0400
 
Last edited:
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Following are my current specs:
CPU = i7-4790
Motherboard = Asus B85M-E
RAM = DDR3 1600MHz 32GB
GPU = GTX 1070
PSU= RM 750x Gold
Storage = 256GB SSD / 1 TB SSD + Internal SATA HDD slot/frame
Monitor = LG Ultrawide 34inch QHD 60 FPS.
Case = Fractal Design Focus G Black ATX Mid Tower

As you can see, my CPU and motherboard has survived long enough.
I want to upgrade it, and after 3 days of research and shopping... I have i5-13600K in my mind.

My daily activity/usage, in priority:
  1. Productivity (1080p editing with 1440p footage on Davinci Resolve / Photoshop / light coding)
  2. Steam games
  3. Netflix
I am trying to save as much money as I reasonably could, to buy RTX 4070 Ti ~ 4090... Maybe next year when the price calms down more.
Meanwhile, I would like to get the upgrade on CPU and motherboard this year. I have ordered M.2 WD Black SN870X, as the new motherboard I am getting will 100% get a slot for it.

My question and concerns are:

1. Is 13600K enough for 4090? Surprisingly I am seeing mixed answers for this on the internet :/

2. I am trying to go for a B- type motherboard (mainly because I haven't done CPU overclocks - are they much powerful for extra $ you are spending?) with DD4 to save more bucks for the coming GPU change. Will this be good decision for the future? I wouldn't be changing it for another 5-6 years after it is built.
What would be a good motherboard for this case? B660 Tomahawk is first in my list... or should I spend about $100 more for Z790?

3. Will M750x be enough for power? I use a lot of storage (now planned at 1 M.2 and 3 SATA to be occupied)... Also planning to get a second monitor with 4K UHD at one point.

4. How much cooling would I need for 13600K? Will an upgraded air cooler with 2 default 120mm fans on the Fractal Focus G be enough?

Let me know if what I have planned is sufficient, and throw any recommendations please!
1. While you will get some speedup going to a 4090, the 4070Ti offers 75% the gaming performance & 84% the DaVinci performance for 50% the cost. The biggest question will be if 12GB VRAM is enough for what you are doing right now or in the future. If you think the additional VRAM is needed then it make sense to get the 4090. For gaming with a 4090 the 13600k offers 89% the performance of the 13900k in Tomshardware geometric mean at 1080p. Note that difference will shrink as the resolution increases. When it comes to DaVinci, the 13600k is very close to the 13900k so overall you won't notice much difference even with a 4090.

2. If you are going with a B series I wouldn't use the 600 series but instead the 700 series. Going with the 700 series means you will for sure have support for 13th Gen without doing a BIOS update. Not to mention they are the same price or very close to the same price. All that said unless you are on a very tight budget I wouldn't use DDR4. You will spend less than $75 extra for the same motherboard just in DDR5 + 32GB RAM.

3. Worst case with a 4090 and 13600k with other components you are drawing 650-700W (610W for CPU/GPU and 40-90W for everything else). Do note this will never happen so a 750W PSU is the smallest to use with a 4090. That said there can be some pretty big power spike with that GPU.

4. The boost TDP for the 13600k is 181W. Ideally your CPU cooler should be able to handle at least 33% more than max TDP to keep temps lower. You will be looking for a solution that can do 250W.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($299.84 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK500 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B760 GAMING X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL32 Memory ($102.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $757.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 14:44 EDT-0400
 
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Following are my current specs:
CPU = i7-4790
Motherboard = Asus B85M-E
RAM = DDR3 1600MHz 32GB
GPU = GTX 1070
PSU= RM 750x Gold
Storage = 256GB SSD / 1 TB SSD + Internal SATA HDD slot/frame
Monitor = LG Ultrawide 34inch QHD 60 FPS.
Case = Fractal Design Focus G Black ATX Mid Tower

As you can see, my CPU and motherboard has survived long enough.
I want to upgrade it, and after 3 days of research and shopping... I have i5-13600K in my mind.

My daily activity/usage, in priority:
  1. Productivity (1080p editing with 1440p footage on Davinci Resolve / Photoshop / light coding)
  2. Steam games
  3. Netflix
I am trying to save as much money as I reasonably could, to buy RTX 4070 Ti ~ 4090... Maybe next year when the price calms down more.
Meanwhile, I would like to get the upgrade on CPU and motherboard this year. I have ordered M.2 WD Black SN870X, as the new motherboard I am getting will 100% get a slot for it.

My question and concerns are:

1. Is 13600K enough for 4090? Surprisingly I am seeing mixed answers for this on the internet :/

2. I am trying to go for a B- type motherboard (mainly because I haven't done CPU overclocks - are they much powerful for extra $ you are spending?) with DD4 to save more bucks for the coming GPU change. Will this be good decision for the future? I wouldn't be changing it for another 5-6 years after it is built.
What would be a good motherboard for this case? B660 Tomahawk is first in my list... or should I spend about $100 more for Z790?

3. Will M750x be enough for power? I use a lot of storage (now planned at 1 M.2 and 3 SATA to be occupied)... Also planning to get a second monitor with 4K UHD at one point.

4. How much cooling would I need for 13600K? Will an upgraded air cooler with 2 default 120mm fans on the Fractal Focus G be enough?

Let me know if what I have planned is sufficient, and throw any recommendations please!
What's your budget and what country are you located?
 
Mar 30, 2023
5
3
15
1. While you will get some speedup going to a 4090, the 4070Ti offers 75% the gaming performance & 84% the DaVinci performance for 50% the cost. The biggest question will be if 12GB VRAM is enough for what you are doing right now or in the future. If you think the additional VRAM is needed then it make sense to get the 4090. For gaming with a 4090 the 13600k offers 89% the performance of the 13900k in Tomshardware geometric mean at 1080p. Note that difference will shrink as the resolution increases. When it comes to DaVinci, the 13600k is very close to the 13900k so overall you won't notice much difference even with a 4090.

2. If you are going with a B series I wouldn't use the 600 series but instead the 700 series. Going with the 700 series means you will for sure have support for 13th Gen without doing a BIOS update. Not to mention they are the same price or very close to the same price. All that said unless you are on a very tight budget I wouldn't use DDR4. You will spend less than $75 extra for the same motherboard just in DDR5 + 32GB RAM.

3. Worst case with a 4090 and 13600k with other components you are drawing 650-700W (610W for CPU/GPU and 40-90W for everything else). Do note this will never happen so a 750W PSU is the smallest to use with a 4090. That said there can be some pretty big power spike with that GPU.

4. The boost TDP for the 13600k is 181W. Ideally your CPU cooler should be able to handle at least 33% more than max TDP to keep temps lower. You will be looking for a solution that can do 250W.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($299.84 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK500 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B760 GAMING X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL32 Memory ($102.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $757.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 14:44 EDT-0400

Thanks for detailed answer! I will definitely look into the B760.
With your comment, my hand is leaning toward the 4070TI more :D
 
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Mar 30, 2023
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Last edited:
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With a $1500CA budget here are a couple full build ideas, minus the GPU.

AMD:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($568.98 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AG400 75.89 CFM CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($249.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL32 Memory ($179.97 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($164.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850x (2021) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($184.99 @ Best Buy Canada)
Total: $1493.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 21:29 EDT-0400


Intel Build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($548.50 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.50 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B760M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($224.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($159.88 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($164.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850x (2021) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($184.99 @ Best Buy Canada)
Total: $1483.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 21:40 EDT-0400


You can swap out the 13700k for the 13600k. Same as you can use the 7700(X) instead of the 7900. Performance across the board will be similar. However, due to a higher TDP the 13700k will be overall faster. The AMD system will most likely be quieter as it is a lower TDP.
 
With a $1500CA budget here are a couple full build ideas, minus the GPU.

AMD:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($568.98 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AG400 75.89 CFM CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($249.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL32 Memory ($179.97 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($164.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850x (2021) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($184.99 @ Best Buy Canada)
Total: $1493.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 21:29 EDT-0400


Intel Build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($548.50 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.50 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B760M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($224.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($159.88 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($164.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850x (2021) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($184.99 @ Best Buy Canada)
Total: $1483.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-30 21:40 EDT-0400


You can swap out the 13700k for the 13600k. Same as you can use the 7700(X) instead of the 7900. Performance across the board will be similar. However, due to a higher TDP the 13700k will be overall faster. The AMD system will most likely be quieter as it is a lower TDP.
Change the cpu.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/dXmmP6/amd-ryzen-7-7700-36-ghz-8-core-processor-100-100000592box
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 $439.98

https://www.amd.com/en/products/apu/amd-ryzen-7-7700

Better cooler for that AMD build .. same cooler works fine for the Intel build but you want lower latency RAM for that Intel build.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/GCjBD3/deepcool-ag620-6788-cfm-cpu-cooler-r-ag620-bknnmn-g-1
DeepCool AG620 Dual Tower CPU Cooler $59.99

https://www.deepcool.com/products/C...al-Tower-CPU-Cooler-1700-AM5/2022/15900.shtml

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...13700f-21-ghz-16-core-processor-bx8071513700f
Intel Core i7-13700F $489.99

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.html

With the money saved get a case with better airflow.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...ini-air-microatx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-por1m-06
Fractal Design Pop Mini Air mATX Mid Tower Case $129.75

 
Change the cpu.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/dXmmP6/amd-ryzen-7-7700-36-ghz-8-core-processor-100-100000592box
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 $439.98

https://www.amd.com/en/products/apu/amd-ryzen-7-7700

Better cooler for that AMD build .. same cooler works fine for the Intel build but you want lower latency RAM for that Intel build.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/GCjBD3/deepcool-ag620-6788-cfm-cpu-cooler-r-ag620-bknnmn-g-1
DeepCool AG620 Dual Tower CPU Cooler $59.99

https://www.deepcool.com/products/C...al-Tower-CPU-Cooler-1700-AM5/2022/15900.shtml

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...13700f-21-ghz-16-core-processor-bx8071513700f
Intel Core i7-13700F $489.99

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.html

With the money saved get a case with better airflow.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...ini-air-microatx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-por1m-06
Fractal Design Pop Mini Air mATX Mid Tower Case $129.75

The 65W TDP AMD doesn't need a 250W cooler and the AG400 is very good. Sure the review says it can do 250W, I wouldn't want it having the fan spinning so hard as that is too loud. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/deepcool-ag400

The 7900 was because it fit in the budget. Having the extra cores could be useful. That said the savings for the 7700 also makes sense.

The RAM change was to fit in the $1500CA budget with a 13700k. The 13700F does change the pricing. That said it still needs the bigger cooler.

The Define 7 is a good case.
 
The 65W TDP AMD doesn't need a 250W cooler and the AG400 is very good. Sure the review says it can do 250W, I wouldn't want it having the fan spinning so hard as that is too loud. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/deepcool-ag400

The 7900 was because it fit in the budget. Having the extra cores could be useful. That said the savings for the 7700 also makes sense.

The RAM change was to fit in the $1500CA budget with a 13700k. The 13700F does change the pricing. That said it still needs the bigger cooler.

The Define 7 is a good case.
The 7700 has eight cores which is plenty enough. The AK400 is great for a locked six core cpu but not for a 8 core cpu especially if the OP decides to enable PBO. The DeepCool AG620 will work fine for both of those cpu's without breaking the bank. As far the the Define is concerned .. fill me in on that case's airflow seeing how it has a solid front panel.

11-352-128-V21.jpg
 
The 7700 has eight cores which is plenty enough. The AK400 is great for a locked six core cpu but not for a 8 core cpu especially if the OP decides to enable PBO. The DeepCool AG620 will work fine for both of those cpu's without breaking the bank. As far the the Define is concerned .. fill me in on that case's airflow seeing how it has a solid front panel.

11-352-128-V21.jpg
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fractal-design-define-7