[SOLVED] Upgrade around my Intel i7 4790k or build up around AMD's Ryzen 5 3600

[SatelliteEmpire]

Hey all,

Just to preface this thread, I'm currently running;

CPU	Intel i7 4790k
CPU Cooler	(refurbished) Corsair H60
RAM	Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600
GPU	EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition
Motherboard	ASRock z97e-itx/ac
Case	Thermaltake Core V1
PSU	Corsair TX650M
Storage	1 x SSD 1TB, 1 x HDD 1TB
Usage	1080p 144hz gaming (Apex Legends, Witcher 3, PUBG); Standard gaming, no OC on any components.

So this past month I've decided to try and cram everything into a Nouvolo Steck SFF case (8.7L) because … reasons lol. As I was researching/googling sizing, compatibility, cost; I found myself wondering if it would be worth it to build around the 4790k so the rest of the parts will be small form factor friendly or to completely jump ship and go to a more current generation of parts.

From personal experience and other’s reviews, the 4790k is still not only viable but a contender to current mid-range CPUs. Or at least that’s what I can tell.

If I built around the 4790k, I would have replace these parts;

CPU Cooler	NH-L12S
RAM	Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB DDR3 1600 for low profile CPU Cooler clearance
PSU	Corsair SF600 80 PLUS Gold/short PSU cables

I’ve estimated the cost to replace the 3 components at around $230-$270.

If I jumped ship and went to new generation; I decided on the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 for its solid mid-range performance and cheap price point. For this, I would essentially replace the whole system minus the GPU (for now).

CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3600
CPU Cooler	NH-L12S
RAM	Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 CL16
Motherboard	Asus ROG Strix B450-I
PSU	Corsair SF600 80 PLUS Gold/short PSU cables

I’ve estimated the cost to do that to be around $560-$600.

So, what are your opinions? Should I jump ship for new gen, or should I stick with tried and true?
Also I was considering using the NH-L9a chromax.black for the CPU cooler so that I wouldn't have to replace my old RAM but based on the their website, it wouldn't be able to handle the 4790k due to the TDP? I'm curious why that is so?



Also, some facts about the Nouvolo Steck case if you’re interested;


Steck v1.1 ($169)
(h)215mm x (w)142mm x (d)315mm
(h)8.46" x (w)5.59" x (d)12.40"
Includes PCIe 3.0 16x riser cable
CPU Cooler Height Limit: 70mm
GPU Max Length: 300mm (L) / double slot 40-43mm (W)
Can support SFX PSU only
1 x 120mm Fan on bottom
Can support 2 x 120mm fans or 1 x 240 AIO unit if you get the expansion bay that goes on top

 

[Flayed]

I guess my thoughts are because the 4790k is a fast CPU to replace it would need something that won't feel like a sidegrade or small improvement. Go big or go home?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

I'd go with the 3600, it'll give better performance in games (getting more out of your 1070). I would also maximize your case cooling by adding the maximum number of fans

 

[Flayed]

You will get more fps but will be up to 15% improvement I think.