[SOLVED] Partial Upgrade $400ish

[Haakenloob]

Here is my current setup:

i5 4590
ASRock H97 Pro4
2x8 gb Corsair Vengeance
EVGA GTX 1070 SC
250 gb Corsair MX500
123 gb Kingston SSD
300 gb HDD
Corsair AXi 760 PSU
MSI G27C2 monitor
LG 24M47HP monitor

I'm looking to just replace the CPU, mobo, RAM and add an aftermarket cooler. I've already decided (mostly) on an Evo 212 cooler and most likely Corsair Vengeance LPX RAM (2x8). I'm having trouble deciding what CPU is my best option. I've narrowed things (mostly) to an i5 9600k, i5 9400f or i5 10400. From what I could tell, the 9600k out-performs the 10400 at about the same price, but is 9th gen vs 10th. The 9400f wasn't terribly far behind, but was SIGNIFIGANTLY cheaper. I've also thought about a Ryzen 5 2600x or 2600, but they don't seem to perform as well. For reference, I'm looking at cpu.userbenchmark.com's comparison for "performance".

I'm looking to build relatively soon, but thinking I may wait until Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals start running (I've read a lot of merchants are going to run them throughout November because of COVID). As I mentioned in the title, I'm trying to stay in the $400 range (less is not bad at all!) for the components (CPU, MOBO, RAM, cooler).

I really only use my PC for web browsing and WoW. I play a little D3 and will likely pick up PGA 2K21, but that's about it. No video/photo editing/rendering, don't play the newest games, etc.

What CPU is going to give me the best value for my money? I haven't looked a ton at MOBOs yet because I can't make up my mind for CPU.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SteveRX4]

If you are happy to wait, see what happens with new AMD CPUs. So far, it seems like they'll give Intel a run for the money.

For gaming, from existing CPUs I think an i5 10600k would be ideal but you won't get one with ram and motherboard for $400.

So I think you'll have to stick with your i5 9600k. I would have a look at the secondhand market.

You should still be OK with your 2x8gb ram. You might be able to keep it - if it's compatible with the new motherboard.

Of course, you need to choose the CPU before I could give you a motherboard recommendation.

 

[Haakenloob]

The current memory is DDR3, not DDR4, so I don’t think it’ll work.

As I mentioned, I don’t mind waiting a little (potentially for November and Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales). If I’m waiting for the new AMD cards (when are they scheduled to drop?) it would likely be more for the hope that precious gen prices drop. I’m fairly set on that price point of $140-200 and I’m not sure the new Ryzen 5s will come in under that. That’s why I was looking specifically at the i5 9400f, i5 9600k, i5 10400, Ryzen 5 2600x and Ryzen 5 3600 (typo in OP saying 2600).

It seems like of those you’re suggesting the 9600k is my best option? I’m looking for the best bang for buck value that’ll hopefully last me another 5+ years like the i5 4590 has.

 

[SteveRX4]

The i5 9600k is your best bet for your budget right now - out of the CPUs you listed.
You could also consider a Ryzen 3 3300X.
But you would still need more than $400 to buy a cpu, motherboard and ram.

 

[Haakenloob]

I didn’t think the Ryzen 3s were good, which is why I was considering the Ryzen 5 2600x or 3600. Are the 3s worth it?

 

[SteveRX4]

The Ryzen 3 3300x is not as good as the i5 9600k but it is a fair bit cheaper - See https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-9600K-vs-AMD-Ryzen-3-3300X/4031vs4076
and https://nanoreview.net/en/cpu-compare/intel-core-i5-9600k-vs-amd-ryzen-3-3300x

 

[Haakenloob]

I'm curious as to why the Ryzen 3300x over the i5 9400f for about the same price. The 9400f benchmarks slightly better (https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-9400F-vs-AMD-Ryzen-3-3300X/4051vs4076) and I can actually find it (no 3300x on amazon or newegg currently).

How much better performance would I get with the 9600k vs the 2600x or 3600? I know the 10 series i5 and 3000 Ryzens are the newest (though I guess Ryzen is potentially drooping new CPUs soon?) and I'm not sure how much that really matters.

 

[SteveRX4]

At high total resolution you won't see much difference - performance will rely miore on your GPU.
At low resolution (eg 1080p) the different CPUs will show more of a difference.
For gaming, higher speed is more important in your CPU. For creative work (eg video production) more cores helps the most.
You can get an idea by looking at reviews eg https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-core-i5-9400f-cpu-integrated-graphics,6107-3.html

 

[Haakenloob]

Thanks for the help. With the announcement of the 5000 series, I've decided on a 3600/3600x (whichever I can get the best deal on during Prime Day/Black Friday/5000 series release). Now to figure out the MOBO!

 

[SteveRX4]

I'd point you to a B550. The MSI Tomahawk is supposed to be pretty good - especially if you want to OC your CPU.