[SOLVED] Need Help Upgrading my motherboard and processor?

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
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I currently have Core i5-2500k and Msi-Z68A-G45 (G3)
I have budget around 500$ was looking to upgrade to latest gaming processor and motherboard under that budget.
 
Solution
Since i would be buying parts over span or a month or so.
What would be the best final Processor/motherboard/ram/cooler within 500$ to 600$ in your opinion that would set me up for next 5 years or more?
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X570 PHANTOM GAMING 4 WIFI ax ATX AM4 Motherboard ($153.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $615.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-14 10:31...

fiftyseven57

Honorable
Dec 24, 2016
75
3
10,535
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock X570 PHANTOM GAMING 4 WIFI ax ATX AM4 Motherboard ($153.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $508.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:13 EDT-0400
Thanks alot for the response.
Any combination with Intel processor and Asus motherboard?
 
What is your graphics card?
Wat kinds of games do you play?

Are you certain that a cpu upgrade is what you need most?
Have you overclocked your 2500k?

A modern cpu is not only going to need a new motherboard, but also DDR4 ram.
Perhaps a better cooler also.

A new motherboard will be some $150.
a 2 x 8gb DDR4 ram kit will be about $75.
That leaves about $275 budget for a processor.
That will buy you something like a ryzen 3600X or a 9600K.
Either is a nice boost from the 2500K.
Such an update would be appropriate to pair with a $500 class graphics card.
 
Intel without new PSU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-9700F 3 GHz 8-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B365M DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $501.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:34 EDT-0400


Intel with new PSU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-9600KF 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($206.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B365M DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $492.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:35 EDT-0400


AMD with new PSU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B450M/AC Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $454.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:38 EDT-0400
 

fiftyseven57

Honorable
Dec 24, 2016
75
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What is your graphics card?
Wat kinds of games do you play?

Are you certain that a cpu upgrade is what you need most?
Have you overclocked your 2500k?

A modern cpu is not only going to need a new motherboard, but also DDR4 ram.
Perhaps a better cooler also.

A new motherboard will be some $150.
a 2 x 8gb DDR4 ram kit will be about $75.
That leaves about $275 budget for a processor.
That will buy you something like a ryzen 3600X or a 9600K.
Either is a nice boost from the 2500K.
Such an update would be appropriate to pair with a $500 class graphics card.
True. I play games like Metro Exodus, Witcher 3, Battlefield V, Rocket League, Tomb Raider, Need for Speed etc.

Actually i been having issues with boot loop.
Sometimes it works fine. Most of the times i have to re-seat the rams to make work properly.
And overclocking made pc hang right after windows load up.
I have msi Rx480 8 gigs at the moment. Corsair Vengeance 4x2 Ram.
 

fiftyseven57

Honorable
Dec 24, 2016
75
3
10,535
Intel without new PSU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-9700F 3 GHz 8-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B365M DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $501.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:34 EDT-0400


Intel with new PSU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-9600KF 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($206.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B365M DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $492.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:35 EDT-0400


AMD with new PSU.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B450M/AC Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $454.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-13 13:38 EDT-0400
Thanks alot for recommendations. Means alot. Gives me wider perspective.
 
Thanks alot for the response.
Any combination with Intel processor and Asus motherboard?
I7-9600KF
https://www.newegg.com/core-i5-9th-gen-intel-core-i5-9600kf/p/N82E16819117996
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi)
https://www.newegg.com/asus-tuf-z390-plus-gaming/p/N82E16813119153

Your 2500K has 4 cores and a passmark rating of 4416 and a single thread rating of 1689. More with overclocking.
The 9600KF has 6 cores and a rating of 11109/2710.
If you have a decent cooler, most K suffix parts will oc to about 5.0
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
75
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I7-9600KF
https://www.newegg.com/core-i5-9th-gen-intel-core-i5-9600kf/p/N82E16819117996
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi)
https://www.newegg.com/asus-tuf-z390-plus-gaming/p/N82E16813119153

Your 2500K has 4 cores and a passmark rating of 4416 and a single thread rating of 1689. More with overclocking.
The 9600KF has 6 cores and a rating of 11109/2710.
If you have a decent cooler, most K suffix parts will oc to about 5.0
Hmmm i dont have a good cooler with 2500k its actually fan still.l haven't upgraded in long while. So i am planning to start slowly by picking up parts after parts.
 
To test ram, run memtest86. It does not use windows.
You should be able to complete a full pass with NO errors.
Most ram has a lifetime warranty if you should find it defective.
8gb may not be sufficient but, I do not think I would invest in DDR3 today.

Try this test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.
 
What is the make/model of your case?
Most good cases for air cooling will have 160mm available for a good air cooler.
A popular cooler is the cm hyper212, about $40
The top of the line would be a noctua NH-D15s for $78.

What is the make/model of your psu?
If you are thinking of a graphics card upgrade, the psu may impact your decision.
But, since the rx cards are a bit power hungry, you are likely ok with most upgrades.
 
Hmmm i dont have a good cooler with 2500k its actually fan still.l haven't upgraded in long while. So i am planning to start slowly by picking up parts after parts.
The ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler is a very good mid-range cooler. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/arctic-freezer-34-esports-duo-cooler,6352.html

If you go the Ryzen route you won't need to buy an aftermarket cooler as the included one is plenty if you aren't over clocking. Honestly right now you will get a lot more for your money going Ryzen than Intel.
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
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What is the make/model of your case?
Most good cases for air cooling will have 160mm available for a good air cooler.
A popular cooler is the cm hyper212, about $40
The top of the line would be a noctua NH-D15s for $78.

What is the make/model of your psu?
If you are thinking of a graphics card upgrade, the psu may impact your decision.
But, since the rx cards are a bit power hungry, you are likely ok with most upgrades.
My case is Thermaltake Core V71 (Power Cover edition)
My psu is Corsair Rm750x Gold Edition 2018.
Will cooler bring out better performance in processor or is it better to change processor motherboard and ram?
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
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The ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler is a very good mid-range cooler. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/arctic-freezer-34-esports-duo-cooler,6352.html

If you go the Ryzen route you won't need to buy an aftermarket cooler as the included one is plenty if you aren't over clocking. Honestly right now you will get a lot more for your money going Ryzen than Intel.
Yeah i was thinking about Ryzen also. But i havent used Amd processors ever. So i always ask here on forum. Its really helpful.
Amd Ryzen heard alot about it Will it performance be affected in longer term?
For next 5 years or so.
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
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What is the make/model of your case?
Most good cases for air cooling will have 160mm available for a good air cooler.
A popular cooler is the cm hyper212, about $40
The top of the line would be a noctua NH-D15s for $78.

What is the make/model of your psu?
If you are thinking of a graphics card upgrade, the psu may impact your decision.
But, since the rx cards are a bit power hungry, you are likely ok with most upgrades.
I have yet to run memory tests ill post it as soon as i am done testing games and memory.
 
My case is Thermaltake Core V71 (Power Cover edition)
My psu is Corsair Rm750x Gold Edition 2018.
Will cooler bring out better performance in processor or is it better to change processor motherboard and ram?
You are just fine with your PSU. You could add a HSF to your current 2500k, but there is no good reason to spend any more money on that old system.
Yeah i was thinking about Ryzen also. But i havent used Amd processors ever. So i always ask here on forum. Its really helpful.
Amd Ryzen heard alot about it Will it performance be affected in longer term?
For next 5 years or so.
Performance will probably be better for Ryzen 3000 series than Intel 9000 series over the long haul. Reason is R5 CPUs are 6c/12t vs i5 are 6c/6t and R7 are 8c/16t vs 8c/8t of i7. The extra threads will help for performance as programs get more and more threaded. Plus developers are still learning to program for Ryzen so performance will continue to increase as coding for it gets more refined.
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
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To test ram, run memtest86. It does not use windows.
You should be able to complete a full pass with NO errors.
Most ram has a lifetime warranty if you should find it defective.
8gb may not be sufficient but, I do not think I would invest in DDR3 today.

Try this test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.
Ran those tests.
No errors with memtest.
Games transition fps are smoother with lower resolution and low settings.
Yeah spending on ddr3 and they are expensive also.
What would be your final suggestion. Regarding processor/motherboard/ram? (That would secure next 5 years or so.)
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
75
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You are just fine with your PSU. You could add a HSF to your current 2500k, but there is no good reason to spend any more money on that old system.

Performance will probably be better for Ryzen 3000 series than Intel 9000 series over the long haul. Reason is R5 CPUs are 6c/12t vs i5 are 6c/6t and R7 are 8c/16t vs 8c/8t of i7. The extra threads will help for performance as programs get more and more threaded. Plus developers are still learning to program for Ryzen so performance will continue to increase as coding for it gets more refined.
Since i would be buying parts over span or a month or so.
What would be the best final Processor/motherboard/ram/cooler within 500$ to 600$ in your opinion that would set me up for next 5 years or more?
 
Last edited:
Since i would be buying parts over span or a month or so.
What would be the best final Processor/motherboard/ram/cooler within 500$ to 600$ in your opinion that would set me up for next 5 years or more?
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X570 PHANTOM GAMING 4 WIFI ax ATX AM4 Motherboard ($153.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $615.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-14 10:31 EDT-0400


I would recommend trying the CPU cooler that comes with the 3700x first and seeing if the noise level is OK with you. If it is too noisy then get a different cooler, but it is able to provide good cooling and is of no extra charge. The CPU will still be good 5 years from now and still provide excellent performance. The 32GB RAM while overkill right now just means you will be set for gaming for a while.
 
Solution

fiftyseven57

Honorable
Dec 24, 2016
75
3
10,535
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X570 PHANTOM GAMING 4 WIFI ax ATX AM4 Motherboard ($153.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $615.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-14 10:31 EDT-0400


I would recommend trying the CPU cooler that comes with the 3700x first and seeing if the noise level is OK with you. If it is too noisy then get a different cooler, but it is able to provide good cooling and is of no extra charge. The CPU will still be good 5 years from now and still provide excellent performance. The 32GB RAM while overkill right now just means you will be set for gaming for a while.
Thanks i will go with AMD. The rating of motherboard wasnt good so i was thinking.
Can you recommend me a motherboard Asus or Msi?
Or will this one work great?
Just wanted to be extra sure before i go through with it.
 
Thanks i will go with AMD. The rating of motherboard wasnt good so i was thinking.
Can you recommend me a motherboard Asus or Msi?
Or will this one work great?
Just wanted to be extra sure before i go through with it.
There are a couple other options:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/XV...ifi-atx-am4-motherboard-x570-aorus-elite-wifi - There is a non-WiFi that is $10 cheaper if you don't need the WiFi
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/q4...plus-atx-am4-motherboard-mpg-x570-gaming-plus
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/gw...atx-am4-motherboard-mpg-x570-gaming-edge-wifi - another one with WiFi included
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/dm...tx-am4-motherboard-tuf-gaming-x570-plus-wi-fi
 

fiftyseven57

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Dec 24, 2016
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Thanks. I will go with Asus Tuf Gaming Wifi one. Hopefully no bottleneck issues.
Again thanks alot for helping me out. Appreciate it alot.