[SOLVED] Good CPU/MOBO bundle for an RX 6900 XT ?

[aymantarek436]

I have recently bought the RX 6900 XT for a good deal. I almost have got all of my build except for the CPU(+Cooler) and MOBO. CPU+MOBO prices nowadays are very high reaching $1000 for 12700k bundle here in Egypt and I'm currently limited with the budget and I only have 2 choices; i5 12400f bundle for ~$450 ( CPU alone for $200) or Ryzen 7 5700X bundle for at least $490 (+$40 for cooler) (CPU alone is for $325).Is the difference (including the SAM technology for the AMD processors) really worth the 100 bucks (knowing that I might upgrade my monitor to 4k next year)?
Here is my build:- https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VQTmpH

One more thing, I want your opinions about which motherboard should I choose for each CPU and here is some MOBOS which are available for me:
Intel:
ASUS PRIME B660-PLUS D4 ($200 +$40 for wifi)
MSI MAG B660M BAZOOKA DDR4 ($217+$40 for wifi)
MSI PRO B660-A DDR4 LGA 1700 ($240+$40 for wifi)
MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 ($250) (would rather get a full ATX mobo to avoid cpu cooler incompatibility)
MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 ($280) (preferred)
ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI DDR4 ($270) ( not sure if it's in stock but if it's and I decide to get the 12400f and I will choose this for sure)
AMD:
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI ($165)
GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 ($170 + $40 for wifi)
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS ($190 +$40 for wifi)
MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS ($230+ $40 for wifi)
Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO AX ($260)
ASUS TUF GAMING B550M-PLUS WIFI II ($263)
MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI ($282)
MSI MAG X570S TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ($282)
ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING ($245) ( not sure if it's in stock but I think it's the best one)

P.S:1. The 12400f comes with a stock cooler so I won't need to buy one for now (also I have this version of Corsair H60 it shouldn't be compatible but is there anyway around?)
2. I might get a sound card later that's why I need an extra PCIE for it.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Upgrading to a 4k monitor will REDUCE your need for a faster CPU, not increase it, especially if you are playing at high or ultra settings, because it's going to take your GPU a lot longer than it currently would take it with a 1440p or 1080p display.

In reality, since the majority of games still run better even today, with a few strong cores, than tons of weaker cores, the 12400f is likely the better performer in a lot of games unless they are games that really like to use and are optimized well for using a lot of multithreading. Or, if you plan to do even moderately complex multitasking along the lines of recording, streaming or running a bunch of mods. Simultaneously running a bunch of Chrome tabs, etc. In which case, THEN the 5700x is probably worth the extra 100 bucks.

And for the record, I wouldn't pay a dime extra if it was necessary to get SAM (Or resizable bar) working properly because all the evidence and reviews I've seen so far show extremely limited gains in all but a select few titles, if that.

I'd say save the money, put it towards a better power supply. Which, by the way, what is the model of power supply that you went with because it's going to be extremely important with that graphics card?

 

[Lutfij]

The H60 is pointless in either platforms.

FYI, your PCPP link takes me to this;
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($166.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler ($109.95 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory (Purchased For $100.00)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (Purchased For $100.00)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 2 TB 3.5" 5400 RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $47.00)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 4 TB 3.5" 5400 RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $65.00)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 6900 XT 16 GB Video Card (Purchased For $740.00)
Case: Lian Li Lancool II Mesh ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $85.00)
Power Supply: MSI MPG A850GF 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $120.00)
Monitor: BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24.0" 1920 x 1080 144 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $200.00)
Headphones: Logitech G PRO Headset ($79.98 @ GameStop)
Total: $1873.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-12-13 02:06 EST-0500

...so I'm confused on why you're asking about an AIO when you have a Noctua D15 air cooler listed in your PCPP list + look into a DDR4-3600MHz dual channel ram kit as opposed to a 4x16GB DDR4-3200MHz setup + I'd also spend a little more and get the non-F variant of the processor as it comes with an iGPU, this comes in handy when you need to troubleshoot your platform with discrete GPU or PSU related issues + if you do decide on an AMD platform, you won't get an iGPU on the Ryzen.

I should commend your choice of boards shortlisted above, they all have a BIOS Flash Button option for the AMD platformed motherboards. Only the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI DDR4 has that feature when looking at the Intel boards.

 

[aymantarek436]

what is the model of power supply that you went with because it's going to be extremely important with that graphics card?

As mentioned in my PCPartPicker Part List . It's an MSI MPG A850GF 850W GOLD it was the only choice available for me back then when I bought the GPU. Also, I heard it's quite good PSU.

I'm confused on why you're asking about an AIO when you have a Noctua D15 air cooler listed in your PCPP list

Sorry I forgot to mention that only the components marked as purchased in my PCPartPicker Part List is the only components I already have. I currently have the H60 and I don't have enough budget for the Noctua cooler so I postponed to buy it for the next year maybe (only if I needed it though).

look into a DDR4-3600MHz dual channel ram kit as opposed to a 4x16GB DDR4-3200MHz setup

Alright, then. I already have 2x8gb G.skill TridentZ. I think 16gb will suffice me for now until I upgrade to 2x16gb 3600MHZ as per your advice. Thank you

I'd also spend a little more and get the non-F variant of the processor as it comes with an iGPU, this comes in handy when you need to troubleshoot your platform with discrete GPU or PSU related issues

Unfortunately the merchant who will install my build only has the 12400F . I will ask them though if they have got ten non-F variant back in stock. Also, I always have a low end GPU in spare in case if anything happens to my GPU.


So, from what I concluded to your responses:
1- I should stick with 12400(F) since I don't do multi-tasking and SAM is not worth the extra bucks. Also, if I needed to upgrade later I can get the 13600KF on the same motherboard (even thought it wouldn't be overclockable). Anyway from the benchmarks I've seen I think 12400f can do quite good job in games for the next few years.
2- According to the mobo I should go for the ASUS ROG B660-A if it's in stock (because of the FLASH BIOS button option) . Also if I couldn't get the ASUS one would the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 be a good alternative?

 

[aymantarek436]

I ordered the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI DDR4 for $270 (10$ cheaper than the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4) but I checked that the VRMs for the tomahawk are the best for b660 motherboards according to as per Hardware Unboxed Thermal Test . The reason I ordered the ASUS one is because it was better sound quality and RGB and the Flash Bios button option and it was $175 more expensive in another store, so I think this makes it better value for money. I also have in my previous build the ASUS ROG STRIX Z270i and I'm very satisfied with ASUS ROG motherboards really. I still can cancel the order so if there is anything bad about this , please tell me.

 

[Darkbreeze]

The H60 is not sufficient for either of those CPUs really. If you can't budget for a better cooler then I'd wait until you can as that is simply a waste of your money. It performs no better than many, not terribly good, budget air coolers. And is not particularly great quality either.

Neither of your CPU options are very high TDP so the VRM configuration isn't as big of an issue as it might be with a higher end model. It's always important, it's just not AS important. Either of those boards will do fine with the CPU in question for it. The 12400F in particular will run fine on practically ANY of the compatible boards whether B660 or one of the other chipsets that support it.

 

[aymantarek436]

The H60 is not sufficient for either of those CPUs really. If you can't budget for a better cooler then I'd wait until you can as that is simply a waste of your money. It performs no better than many, not terribly good, budget air coolers. And is not particularly great quality either.

Neither of your CPU options are very high TDP so the VRM configuration isn't as big of an issue as it might be with a higher end model. It's always important, it's just not AS important. Either of those boards will do fine with the CPU in question for it. The 12400F in particular will run fine on practically ANY of the compatible boards whether B660 or one of the other chipsets that support it.

Alright, then. I will stick to the stock cooler of the i5 12400F and will upgrade later to a good Liquid AIO or a good air cooler. Thank you, now I don't have to worry about the motherboard and I will wait till MOBO arrives and install my build 😊 . I also want to thank all Tom's Hardware members for helping me with picking the right components for my build.

 

[Darkbreeze]

You don't need to buy an expensive cooler to get good performance. This cooler is more than you could ever possibly need for the 12400f. In fact, it would work just fine for a 12700k. And is less than half the price of the H60 in most markets right now plus is a much better option.

https://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-Peerless-Assassin-Aluminium-Technology/dp/B09YTL3JT5