Build Advice Parts recommendations for a 3070-based budget PC build ?

[brandonm200]

Hey, I recently got an RTX 3070 for a good price and now I'm looking to upgrade other components as well. Specifically the CPU, and necessarily the Motherboard, Ram, and CPU Cooler. Other parts (i.e. Storage, Monitor, Power Supply, etc.) I am not currently looking to upgrade. Basically, I'm looking to upgrade around the 3070 so that the CPU won't (for the most part) bottleneck the GPU, using the best budget options available.

This is the build I'm currently considering: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Z8Fmfv

These are my current PC parts, including the 3070: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VvGc6r


Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.

 

[Lafong]

"Specifically the CPU, and necessarily the Motherboard, Ram, and CPU Cooler.".

You want to upgrade ONLY those 4 parts as I understand it.

What is the maximum you can spend for those 4 parts?

Current total for those 4 parts on your "considering" list is $462.

Can you buy from anywhere other than Amazon?

 

[brandonm200]

Those are the only 4 parts I want to upgrade, correct.

I'm really looking for reliable options that I can pair with the RTX 3070 that would be LESS expensive than the parts I currently am looking at. I would consider better/more reliable parts if they're similarly priced. The max price I'd consider would be $500 among the upgrades. I'm open to different opinions.

I would buy from any reputable or reliable seller.

 

[Lafong]

What led you to that specific $210 motherboard rather than something maybe 40 or 50 dollars less?

Does it have specific features you MUST have that can't be found on a cheaper board?

That 40 or 50 might be better spent elsewhere?

Do you have over-clocking on your mind? You may well do fine with a B series board, rather than Z.

 

[Why_Me]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor ($196.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *Deepcool AG620 BK ARGB 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($159.99 @ B&H)
Memory: *Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $475.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-07-21 23:19 EDT-0400

A better look at that board and cooler.

PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4

PRO series motherboards tuned for better performance by 12 Duet Rail Power System, DDR4 memory with Memory Boost, Lightning Gen4 PCIe, Extended Heatsink, M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, Front Type-C

www.msi.com

AG620 BK ARGB - DeepCool

The DeepCool AG620 BK ARGB is a dual-tower 120mm CPU cooler that boasts impressive 260W cooling power performance that's been stripped down and optimized for terrific efficiency throughout. - DeepCool was founded with the mission of providing professional, innovative, high-performance PC...

www.deepcool.com

 

[brandonm200]

What led you to that specific $210 motherboard rather than something maybe 40 or 50 dollars less?

Does it have specific features you MUST have that can't be found on a cheaper board?

That 40 or 50 might be better spent elsewhere?

Do you have over-clocking on your mind? You may well do fine with a B series board, rather than Z.

I chose the motherboard while searching for the ideal MOBO to pair with the i5-12600k and RTX 3070 and found that the Z690 was recommended, so I chose one on the cheaper end. Though I am certainly willing to switch to a B series.

I won't be overclocking.

 

[brandonm200]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor ($196.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *Deepcool AG620 BK ARGB 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($159.99 @ B&H)
Memory: *Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $475.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-07-21 23:19 EDT-0400

A better look at that board and cooler.

PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4

PRO series motherboards tuned for better performance by 12 Duet Rail Power System, DDR4 memory with Memory Boost, Lightning Gen4 PCIe, Extended Heatsink, M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, Front Type-C

www.msi.com

AG620 BK ARGB - DeepCool

The DeepCool AG620 BK ARGB is a dual-tower 120mm CPU cooler that boasts impressive 260W cooling power performance that's been stripped down and optimized for terrific efficiency throughout. - DeepCool was founded with the mission of providing professional, innovative, high-performance PC...

www.deepcool.com

Thanks.
I like the motherboard.
Is there any particular reason you went with that CPU Cooler over the Hyper 212? Considering that the Hyper 212 Black is slightly cheaper.

 

[Lafong]

You have several ways you could go at under 500.

Maybe a 13400 and DDR 5?

Maybe a 13500 and DDR 4.

16 or 32 gb RAM

Somewhat better coolers than Hyper 212?

mATX rather than ATX.

It's just a matter of where you want to spend the 100 above 400. Reasonable minds can differ....considering your use case.

Does the term "benchmarks" pass through your mind frequently?

 

[Why_Me]

Thanks.
I like the motherboard.
Is there any particular reason you went with that CPU Cooler over the Hyper 212? Considering that the Hyper 212 Black is slightly cheaper.

Much better cooler than the CM.

 

[brandonm200]

You have several ways you could go at under 500.

Maybe a 13400 and DDR 5?

Maybe a 13500 and DDR 4.

16 or 32 gb RAM

Somewhat better coolers than Hyper 212?

mATX rather than ATX.

It's just a matter of where you want to spend the 100 above 400. Reasonable minds can differ....considering your use case.

Does the term "benchmarks" pass through your mind frequently?

Well, I'm looking for the best possible value/budget options. My thought process is: RTX 3070->Cheapest CPU that can reliably support RTX 3070->Cheapest MOBO that can reliably support CPU->Cheapest 16GB Ram. I'm willing to consider slightly more expensive options if it will boost performance and/or last noticeably longer, but I don't want to build with a focus on a set budget. I understand that may make it more difficult to help, I tried to make that clear in my initial post.

That being said, I like the pricing of the 13400, why do you think I should choose it over the 12600k?
DDR5 could win me over if the Corsair Vengeance 16gb loses it's $40 price.
32gb shouldn't be necessary
I like the Deepcool AG620 that was recommended.
If it is a cheaper option that isn't a significant decrease in quality, mATX could be the way I go.

Benchmarking has generally guided my decision-making process in terms of what quality parts I'm looking for.

 

[Lafong]

Name brand 2 x 8 kit of DDR 5 begins around 46 (Crucial).

https://www.newegg.com/crucial-16gb-288-pin-ddr5-sdram/p/N82E16820156286?Item=9SIA12KJ9U7383

If you want a wide variety of name brand 2 x 8 kits, you are forced to DDR 4. Maybe you are fine with relatively few choices.

DDR 5 2 x 8 kits are relatively rare at any price. Most brands simply don't make it as of now.

"Cheapest MOBO that can reliably support CPU"............that points toward micro ATX. If you accept micro, you likely would get superior components on the board when compared to full ATX at the same price point.

If push came to shove in a budget jam, I'd probably stay with the Hyper 212 UNLESS you are very nervous about temps or unless something better is virtually the same price.

Not saying you should go with 13th gen CPUs....it's simply an option.

12600 rather than 12600K is an option.

"...........significant decrease in quality........" well that's a can of worms. Even if you could define it, bad luck and sheer randomness can overwhelm you. I wouldn't get bogged down in reliability concerns generally assuming you're not picking rock-bottom price points.

I would pay attention to features on the motherboard........what USB ports; how many and what type M.2 ports; audio provider, case fan connectors; etc.

F series Intel processors might attract you if you are willing to forego integrated graphics.

 

[artk2219]

Question, do you live near a microcenter?

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D, ASUS TUF Gaming B550 Plus WiFi II DDR4, G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200 Kit, Computer Build Bundle - Micro Center

Get it now! Find over 30,000 products at your local Micro Center, including the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D, ASUS TUF Gaming B550 Plus WiFi II DDR4, G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200 Kit, Computer Build Bundle

www.microcenter.com

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D Review: New Mid-Range Gaming Champ Is a Micro Center Exclusive

95% of the 5800X3D’s gaming performance for 20% less cash

www.tomshardware.com

 

[brandonm200]

Name brand 2 x 8 kit of DDR 5 begins around 46 (Crucial).

https://www.newegg.com/crucial-16gb-288-pin-ddr5-sdram/p/N82E16820156286?Item=9SIA12KJ9U7383

If you want a wide variety of name brand 2 x 8 kits, you are forced to DDR 4. Maybe you are fine with relatively few choices.

DDR 5 2 x 8 kits are relatively rare at any price. Most brands simply don't make it as of now.

"Cheapest MOBO that can reliably support CPU"............that points toward micro ATX. If you accept micro, you likely would get superior components on the board when compared to full ATX at the same price point.

If push came to shove in a budget jam, I'd probably stay with the Hyper 212 UNLESS you are very nervous about temps or unless something better is virtually the same price.

Not saying you should go with 13th gen CPUs....it's simply an option.

12600 rather than 12600K is an option.

"...........significant decrease in quality........" well that's a can of worms. Even if you could define it, bad luck and sheer randomness can overwhelm you. I wouldn't get bogged down in reliability concerns generally assuming you're not picking rock-bottom price points.

I would pay attention to features on the motherboard........what USB ports; how many and what type M.2 ports; audio provider, case fan connectors; etc.

F series Intel processors might attract you if you are willing to forego integrated graphics.

Crucial 2 x 8 DDR5 certainly catches my eye. Thanks for that. I'll look into it.

Do you have a recommendation for a micro ATX motherboard? I'm looking at Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX DDR5 - seems like a strong choice.

In the case of the CPU, I think I'll stick with the 12600K. It seems like the best option for me and I'm content with the price.

As for the cooler, I'll look a little more into it but if the AG620 does turn out to be "better" than the Hyper 212, I'll likely drop the extra $5 on it.

I understand it can get complicated when talking about differences in quality, I mainly meant that I didn't want to pay for the absolute rock-bottom, as you said. I generally would like to stay above the low-end.

Thanks

 

[brandonm200]

Question, do you live near a microcenter?

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D, ASUS TUF Gaming B550 Plus WiFi II DDR4, G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200 Kit, Computer Build Bundle - Micro Center

Get it now! Find over 30,000 products at your local Micro Center, including the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D, ASUS TUF Gaming B550 Plus WiFi II DDR4, G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200 Kit, Computer Build Bundle

www.microcenter.com

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D Review: New Mid-Range Gaming Champ Is a Micro Center Exclusive

95% of the 5800X3D’s gaming performance for 20% less cash

www.tomshardware.com

Near enough to be intrigued by those bundles.

My question: Intel or AMD?

 

[Lafong]

Poking around at PC Part Picker:

Crucial 2 x 8 kit of DDR 5; 4800 speed; CL 40

12600K

DeepCool AG 620;

Totals 286

3 plausible mATX motherboards for that;


MSI PRO B760M-A WIFI at 170

MSI MAG B760M MORTAR WIFI at 181

Gigabyte B760M AORUS ELITE AX at 207 at Amazon; 170 Newegg out of stock; had been 180 or 190 at Amazon recently; apparently jumped up in the last week because only Amazon has stock.

Personally...I'd lean toward the Mortar or the Gigabyte;

Mortar would put you at 286 plus 181 aka 467; maybe no shipping cost?

Weakest point probably the low end DDR 5. Many would tell you you need 32 GB or you need 5600 speed minimum. But that Crucial should work considering your budget.

Alternative would be to go back to DDR 4 and get the Mortar board in it's DDR 4 variant.

That's my best idea for you right now; subject to your budget OK.

 

[artk2219]

Near enough to be intrigued by those bundles.

My question: Intel or AMD?

Your call honestly, you'll get more threads with the i5, leading to better multicore performance when not gaming. But thats a really good deal and they'll both get you similar gaming performance, and be relevant as gaming CPUs for about as long. If you wanted something a bit longer lasting than either of these options you should take a look at AM5 since AMD is supporting that socket until 2026 or so, giving you some cpu upgrade options for the future if you are so inclined. Here is a build with a Ryzen 5 7600X and 32GB RAM.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mc9nmr

 

[Lafong]

Near enough to be intrigued by those bundles.

My question: Intel or AMD?

That's AMD in that instance, but Microcenter is always worth considering; they usually have sales on various possibilities. Worth phone calls at least.

They will also assemble for a price.

Pick stuff on PC Part Picker and then price that stuff at Microcenter.

Are you the type who wants to build once and forget upgrading for a few years unless something breaks...........or are you the type to swap in just RAM or swap in just another CPU?

 

[brandonm200]

Your call honestly, you'll get more threads with the i5, leading to better multicore performance when not gaming. But thats a really good deal and they'll both get you similar gaming performance, and be relevant as gaming CPUs for about as long. If you wanted something a bit longer lasting than either of these options you should take a look at AM5 since AMD is supporting that socket until 2026 or so, giving you some cpu upgrade options for the future if you are so inclined. Here is a build with a Ryzen 5 7600X and 32GB RAM.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mc9nmr

Right, I should've been more specific, I was referring to the bundles.

Specifically, I was interested in the one you sent as well as this one: https://www.microcenter.com/product...s-v-16gb-ddr4-3200-kit,-computer-build-bundle

 

[brandonm200]

That's AMD in that instance, but Microcenter is always worth considering; they usually have sales on various possibilities. Worth phone calls at least.

They will also assemble for a price.

Pick stuff on PC Part Picker and then price that stuff at Microcenter.

Are you the type who wants to build once and forget upgrading for a few years unless something breaks...........or are you the type to swap in just RAM or swap in just another CPU?

I'm upgrading to not have to worry about upgrading for a few years, definitely. I'm very much interested in the cheaper bundles that Microcenter has.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...s-v-16gb-ddr4-3200-kit,-computer-build-bundle

I can almost hear this one calling my name

 

[artk2219]

I'm upgrading to not have to worry about upgrading for a few years, definitely. I'm very much interested in the cheaper bundles that Microcenter has.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...s-v-16gb-ddr4-3200-kit,-computer-build-bundle

I can almost hear this one calling my name

Honestly thats really solid, you just missed the deal on the 5600X3d for 299, it was going for that much less than 24 hours ago. That said, how is your case and cooling? The 12700K can be a toasty boy, especially when overclocked.

Intel Core i7-12700K Review - KitGuru

Hard on the heels of the amazing Intel Core i5-12600K and the hot, toasty and storming Core i9-12900

www.kitguru.net

 

[brandonm200]

Cooling will need an upgrade. If I get the bundle, I'll probably include a DeepCool AK500 in the order.

Now that I look into it, though, my case might be undersized. I've got a Cooler Master Storm Scout. Hmm.

Edit: Forgot to mention, I don't overclock.

 

[Lafong]

Just did some scouting at Microcenter using Intel

they don't seem to have Intel bundles now; this is all individual parts

$395

DeepCool AK400 Performance CPU Cooler - Black; 4 Direct Touch Copper Heat Pipes; 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing PWM Fans; 220W TDP
$29.99

Gigabyte B660M AORUS PRO AX DDR4 Intel LGA 1700 microATX Motherboard
$129.99

G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB 2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 PC4-25600 CL16 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit F4-3200C16D-16GVKB - Black
$38.99


Intel Core i5-12600K Alder Lake 3.7GHz Ten-Core LGA 1700 Boxed Processor - Heatsink Not Included
$195.98

 

[brandonm200]

Just did some scouting at Microcenter using Intel

they don't seem to have Intel bundles now; this is all individual parts

$395

DeepCool AK400 Performance CPU Cooler - Black; 4 Direct Touch Copper Heat Pipes; 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing PWM Fans; 220W TDP
$29.99

Gigabyte B660M AORUS PRO AX DDR4 Intel LGA 1700 microATX Motherboard
$129.99

G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB 2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 PC4-25600 CL16 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit F4-3200C16D-16GVKB - Black
$38.99


Intel Core i5-12600K Alder Lake 3.7GHz Ten-Core LGA 1700 Boxed Processor - Heatsink Not Included
$195.98

That's pretty strong. Thanks. Honestly, though, I think my mind is set on this bundle: https://www.microcenter.com/product...s-v-16gb-ddr4-3200-kit,-computer-build-bundle

+ a good cooler will be just upwards of $400. It's hard to resist

 

[Lafong]

That's pretty strong. Thanks. Honestly, though, I think my mind is set on this bundle: https://www.microcenter.com/product...s-v-16gb-ddr4-3200-kit,-computer-build-bundle

+ a good cooler will be just upwards of $400. It's hard to resist

Yeah; that looks fine at 350; add 50 to 70 for an above average cooler.

I wouldn't sweat only 16 RAM; the 12700 K version is a mild step up from 12600K; it might want a notch better cooler than 12600K; you need to know your case width to determine how tall a cooler it can accept.

 

[artk2219]

That's pretty strong. Thanks. Honestly, though, I think my mind is set on this bundle: https://www.microcenter.com/product...s-v-16gb-ddr4-3200-kit,-computer-build-bundle

+ a good cooler will be just upwards of $400. It's hard to resist

So long as its in stock at your local store that should do it, regardless, any of those CPU options will be a MASSIVE upgrade from your current FX 8120.