[SOLVED] Recommend me a compatible COOLING SYSTEM, 32gb RAM, CPU, MOBO, Full-Tower Case, please.

piranha45 · Mar 23, 2023

I'm gutting a 2015-era desktop pc. I want to keep the 1 tb SSD (its been at 50% capacity and likely will remain at that indefinitely), and build a new system around it. My main complaint is the CPU (i5-4690) bottlenecks badly. My GeForce 1660Ti has been doing fine. The system's focus has always been Modded Skyrim, but I'm not about 2k+ graphics. I'm happy playing at 1920x1080 resolution, and I always keep all shadows off b/c I hate shadows. I want bigger draw distances and less big-battle slowdown. Skyrim is a single-threaded game, so processors should be about high speed right? I do like to tab out of game and browse; this makes my present 16gb RAM bottleneck.

Approximate Purchase Date: 2 weeks from now

Budget Range: $2k USD. I already have a new 850-watt PSU, monitors, a 1tb SSD with win10, a backup 3tb HD, and a GeForce 1660Ti (which I may upgrade later if it bottlenecks too hard, but let's not worry about that for now).

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (Modded Skyrim, MOBAs)

Parts to Upgrade: A strong aftermarket COOLING SYSTEM, 32gb RAM, CPU, MOBO, Case (I want FULL TOWER case suggestions pls, i like the space. The system's present case is 2008-era ). I do NOT want RGB lights, it annoys me. I want a plain barren monolith of a case. Did I forget anything? I already have the SSD w/win10, PSU, 3d card, monitors.

Do you need to buy OS: No. I have retail win10.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: no.

Location: Austin Texas

Parts Preferences: Emphasis on aftermarket cooling system, to keep the fans running on low speed... I need a quiet PC. And it's just running a mildly-buffed graphical Skyrim and some MOBAs.

Overclocking: No. I'm too lazy.

SLI or Crossfire: No.

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Lafong · Mar 23, 2023

A strong aftermarket COOLING SYSTEM,

32gb RAM,

CPU,

MOBO

FULL TOWER case

You have 2000 dollars to spend on those 5 parts.

RAM would be under 200.

Leaving over 1800 for 4 parts.

You say you want quiet. Are you totally averse to liquid coolers?

Offhand, I'd think spending 1800 on those 4 parts would be extravagant and well into diminishing returns, but maybe you are OK with getting the last 3 to 5 percent in performance and features you may never "need".

piranha45 · Mar 23, 2023

I'm fine with liquid coolers, assuming a PC shop can put it in for me. Cuz that's how itll be getting assembled.
Yeah if I can get by fine with $1k, or whatever, I'm fine with that. $2k is my ceiling, is all.
I'd rather save $500 or $1k and miss out on 10% improved performance, I agree with you.

I'm ignorant of the present state of PC parts, if $1k does the job well enough, lets make the budget 1k.

Why_Me · Mar 23, 2023

Pistolpackin · Mar 23, 2023

Hello!

My main complaint is the CPU (i5-4690) bottlenecks badly. >>> this cpu is a four core\four threads, no hyperthreading. Do you notice all cores maxing out during gameplay? Does the cpu 4 cores still max out with only the game running, and zero browsers open, and no other cpu cycle stealing programs running?

Skyrim is a single-threaded game, so processors should be about high speed right? >>> If it doesn't take advantage of multicore cpus'...
The latest 13th Gen i5's are monsters; up to 20 threads and 5Ghz? Hyperthreading, yes. You can go i7\i9 but honestly these are sick:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-24m-cache-up-to-4-80-ghz/specifications.html

1tb SSD with win10 >>> With new intel chipset mobo you should be able to just plug it in. At worst it will do a Windows Repair during boot. Or do you plan on a clean install?

piranha45 · Mar 23, 2023

Pistolpackin said:
Hello!

My main complaint is the CPU (i5-4690) bottlenecks badly. >>> this cpu is a four core\four threads, no hyperthreading. Do you notice all cores maxing out during gameplay? Does the cpu 4 cores still max out with only the game running, and zero browsers open, and no other cpu cycle stealing programs running?

Skyrim is a single-threaded game, so processors should be about high speed right? >>> If it doesn't take advantage of multicore cpus'...
The latest 13th Gen i5's are monsters; up to 20 threads and 5Ghz? Hyperthreading, yes. You can go i7\i9 but honestly these are sick:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-24m-cache-up-to-4-80-ghz/specifications.html

1tb SSD with win10 >>> With new intel chipset mobo you should be able to just plug it in. At worst it will do a Windows Repair during boot. Or do you plan on a clean install?

observing Task Manager's Performance tab, my CPU hits 100% routinely in Skyrim, with subsequent FPS drop. My 1660Ti seems to max around 60%.

I haven't attempted to see if all cores are getting maxed, or not. I'm not sure what program allows me to observe that.

Lafong · Mar 23, 2023

piranha45 said:
observing Task Manager's Performance tab, my CPU hits 100% routinely in Skyrim, with subsequent FPS drop. My 1660Ti seems to max around 60%.

I haven't attempted to see if all cores are getting maxed, or not. I'm not sure what program allows me to observe that.

I think HWInfo64 can do that.

Pistolpackin · Mar 23, 2023

piranha45 said:
observing Task Manager's Performance tab, my CPU hits 100% routinely in Skyrim, with subsequent FPS drop. My 1660Ti seems to max around 60%.

I haven't attempted to see if all cores are getting maxed, or not. I'm not sure what program allows me to observe that.

In task manager go to View\UpdateSpeed\select High. Then observe performance tab, you should see all four cores.

piranha45 · Mar 23, 2023

Here's my PC with Skyrim only running, no other programs besides task manager
Right-clicking and opening in new tab makes the pic bigger.

https://imgur.com/a/janBslw

View: https://imgur.com/a/janBslw

piranha45 · Mar 23, 2023

What about this i7-13700k processor? It's just $200 more, for something that seems considerably faster than that i5-13400f.
Your mid tower suggestion is still a couple inches smaller in height+length than my current full tower, a HAF 980. I like open mesh designs. This Corsair 7000d full tower seems more alluring to me.
Do you have suggestions for a compatible MOBO+RAM with those 2 items, if they're worth it?

and ill look for liquid cooling. It seems RGB crap is installed on every liquid cooler, ugh.

I feel like you guys are trying to save me too much money

Having a quiet system is important to me. I hadn't thought of this before, but isn't over-building for a game an easy way to ensure things stay quiet?

Pistolpackin · Mar 23, 2023

I see you've tweaked your processes already, well done. Your cpu indeed is running the game at average 70% on core0, I assume.
What's interesting is you only have the game running and all four cores are engaged like crazy. I guess the aggregate OS and 3rd party programs are eating up the remaining three cores. That 30MB cache i7 you listed is very nice. You deserve it, get it.

piranha45 said:
Here's my PC with Skyrim only running, no other programs besides task manager
Right-clicking and opening in new tab makes the pic bigger.

https://imgur.com/a/janBslw

View: https://imgur.com/a/janBslw

Lafong · Mar 23, 2023

piranha45 said:
What about this i7-13700k processor? It's just $200 more, for something that seems considerably faster than that i5-13400f.

Standard current generation Intel CPU recommendations for your budget level would be:

13600k

13700

13700k

Price range roughly 300 to 420. All 3 have integrated graphics. F processors DO NOT. Neither requires exotic cooling unless you are the type that would freak out at 70 degrees. These Intels push the clock speeds and watts up near max levels by default (if needed for work load), but they can be de-tuned if temps bother you.

Performance differential relatively small. You'd be the judge on "worth it"....do you spend the 120 difference on the 13700k or do you have a better use for the money?

Above those is the 13900 group, but that would likely require very high level cooling for little performance gain.

sonofjesse · Mar 24, 2023

Texas has two microcenters can’t beat their deals and they will assemble

piranha45 · Mar 24, 2023

Yeah but they're in Dallas+Houston, both are about 400mi from me.
Austin used to have a Fry's Electronics.... You remember Fry's don't you?
RIP

@Pistolpackin: I had a knowledgeable friend guide me on the tweaks, some years back

After 6 hours of additional research, using the helpful data here as a base, I just ordered much of what WhyMe suggested:
Intel Core i5-13400F (thanks Lafong, I was totally ignorant on the differences. Your comment settled the cpu issue right there, lol!)
Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX
G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5-5600 32GB (2x16GB) CL28

I swapped the DeepCool AK500 CPU Cooler $44.99 suggested for a Dark Rock Pro, at 2x the price. The Dark Rock is said to be considerably more quiet, and silence is golden. EDIT: The Dark Rock wouldnt fit over my cpu. I just ordered a noctua u12a to replace it.
I swapped the Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case $88.98 for a Corsair 4000D. The Corsair's open mesh appearance pleases me.
I bought 2 Arctic p14 140mm fans, for the case. I figure 2 extra fans w/ the cases's 2 fans can only keep things quieter.

Came out to $785 on newegg.

All other components I have already. I'm throwing an existing SSD w/win10 retail, 850w PSU, geforce 1660Ti, 2 monitors into what I just ordered. Since the demise of my local Fry's, I found a smalltime PC guy to pay for the dirty work.

EDIT: my old SSD was corrupted, i purchased a USB win11 Home and the 2tb m.2 SSD that why_me suggested

sonofjesse · Mar 24, 2023

Peerless 120 cpu cooler for 40 is great and basically the same as a deep cool AK620 if your looking to save money/.

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[SOLVED] Recommend me a compatible COOLING SYSTEM, 32gb RAM, CPU, MOBO, Full-Tower Case, please.

piranha45

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Why_Me

Lafong

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piranha45

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Why_Me

Polypheme

Pistolpackin

piranha45

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Lafong

Honorable

Pistolpackin

piranha45

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piranha45

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Pistolpackin

Lafong

Honorable

sonofjesse

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piranha45

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sonofjesse

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