Build Advice Upgrade/New Build

[iSpextor]

Approximate Purchase Date: this weekend in light of Black Friday / Cyber Monday

Budget Range: Up to ~700€, if absolutely needed and/or very worth could be more

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Streaming
Are you buying a monitor: No
Parts to Upgrade: CPU (therefore potentially everything else except PSU and GPU)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: geizhals.eu (favorite price comparison site for vendors around Germany)
Location: Germany
Parts Preferences: I do not mind an upgrade to an AMD CPU as they seem to be far more budget-friendly and/or performing.
Overclocking: Preferably
SLI or Crossfire: Not sure
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/RMZhJM

CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($146.44 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($109.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B660 GAMING X AX DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($349.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($39.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB Video Card ($349.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair RM750 (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($206.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1202.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 08:33 EST-0500

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Hey guys,

this weekend I would like to explore some upgrade possibilities. I currently play mostly MMORPGs such as Lost Ark or Black Desert Online, the latter running only on the lowest of settings. It is known that the game's optimization is horrible and very picky, but it is also known that AMD CPUs are usually performing better there and that the game is quite CPU-heavy in the first place. I also own both NVMe and SATA SSDs, the SATA SSD is running through an adapter plugged into a PCIe slot. An upgrade to the motherboard that would support both types of SSDs would be an ideal "extra" but not exactly necessary..

The goal of my upgrade is essentially being able to improve my gaming experience in CPU-heavy games like the ones I am currently playing while staying at an affordable price. I believe the GPU is sufficiently performing and wouldn't need an upgrade.. Also looking to get more RAM and upgrading to DDR5 (which I may have to do regardless because of the CPU upgrade). A CPU in particular I've been interested in is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, it's known to be also really good running the games I'd like to run.

Sorry for the lengthy post, I'm hoping you could help me out here as I am not very familiar with the hardware market right now..

 

[Hellfire13]

Your post is a bit confusing. You have listed all the parts with price details yet you seem to have mentioned that you already have the Storage, PSU and GPU. Assuming the later, I would do something like this...

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor (€319.00 @ Amazon Deutschland)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool ASSASSIN IV 79.1 CFM CPU Cooler (€79.90 @ Alternate)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard (€165.64 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory (€71.98 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Case: Corsair 3000D AIRFLOW ATX Mid Tower Case (€69.90 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Total: €706.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 15:24 CET+0100

 

[iSpextor]

Your post is a bit confusing. You have listed all the parts with price details yet you seem to have mentioned that you already have the Storage, PSU and GPU. Assuming the later, I would do something like this...

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor (€319.00 @ Amazon Deutschland)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool ASSASSIN IV 79.1 CFM CPU Cooler (€79.90 @ Alternate)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard (€165.64 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory (€71.98 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Case: Corsair 3000D AIRFLOW ATX Mid Tower Case (€69.90 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Total: €706.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 15:24 CET+0100

Sorry I didn't mean to be confusing; the copy pasted PCpartpicker list is my current loadout.

 

[Hellfire13]

Sorry I didn't mean to be confusing; the copy pasted PCpartpicker list is my current loadout.

Gotcha...
In that case I would just chuck out the i5 and keep the reset as it is. Since you are into CPU intensive games, get the 12900k and another 16gb of that RAM...

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i9-12900KS 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor (€401.90 @ Alza)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory (€41.49 @ Alternate)
Total: €443.39
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 15:46 CET+0100

Should get you by for quite a few years.

 

[iSpextor]

Gotcha...
In that case I would just chuck out the i5 and keep the reset as it is. Since you are into CPU intensive games, get the 12900k and another 16gb of that RAM...

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i9-12900KS 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor (€401.90 @ Alza)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory (€41.49 @ Alternate)
Total: €443.39
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 15:46 CET+0100

Should get you by for quite a few years.

Does Intel happen to have any 3D Cache processors? BDO performs faaar better with 3D Cache processors and even while, after looking at some benchmarks, the i9 you suggested seems to be similar or even better than the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, is lacking the 3D Cache.

Is there an affordable alternative using one that has that?

 

[Hellfire13]

Does Intel happen to have any 3D Cache processors? BDO performs faaar better with 3D Cache processors and even while, after looking at some benchmarks, the i9 you suggested seems to be similar or even better than the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, is lacking the 3D Cache.

Is there an affordable alternative using one that has that?

The 3D cache on the AMD chips do perform pretty good for most games but it is not universally superior. It depends on how the game is optimized for PC and what kind of API architecture it uses. Most games do use the bigger cache optimally though. Also, the difference with the games it preforms well is not earth shattering from Intel chips.

Point being, since you already have a relatively modern platform it would be more value for money going with this upgrade, as it would not only boost the performance close to the 3D chips ballpark but also way cheaper overall while retaining the average FPS.

Here is the other alternative....

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor (€369.00 @ Alternate)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler (Purchased For €0.00)
Motherboard: MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (€179.90 @ Alza)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (€105.90 @ Alternate)
Video Card: Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB Video Card (Purchased For €0.00)
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For €0.00)
Power Supply: Corsair RM750 (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For €0.00)
Total: €654.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 16:30 CET+0100

 

[Why_Me]

Add another set of that RAM for a total of 32GB.

https://geizhals.eu/intel-core-i7-12700f-cm8071504555020-a2660241.html
Intel Core i7-12700F €290,83

Intel® Core™ i7-12700F Processor (25M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) Product Specifications

Intel® Core™ i7-12700F Processor (25M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Are you from the USA? Amazon had the 12600k for $140.

Also on the cooler, check out the Thermalright peerless assassin. It’s a dual tower cooler but only runs 35-40 bucks.

Use the money saved to see if you can move up in gpu perhaps.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

I would say just update the bios and get a 14700k. as simple as that.

Z790 overclocking is not what it used to be. all the chips are binned to a high margin. so there is little to no scope of manual OC.

and DDR5 wont give you a huge performance bump.

DDR5 vs DDR4: Is It Time To Upgrade Your RAM?

Welcome to the new era of DDR5 RAM

www.tomshardware.com

save the cash for monitor and gpu upgrade.

 

[Why_Me]

For everyone suggesting unlocked 12 gen i9's and 14 gen unlocked i7's .. this is the OP's board. It has a 8+2 power design. Thermal throttling is real.

B660 GAMING X AX DDR4 (rev. 1.0) Key Features | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

Lasting Quality from GIGABYTE.GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards bring together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer users the absolute ...

www.gigabyte.com

 

[punkncat]

In this, I agree with the suggestions that you consider a CPU and RAM upgrade on this platform. The 13900K is ~30% faster than your 12400f. This is 'no one has to tell you' level of upgrade by seat of the pants feel.

I do agree with Why_Me above in their concern about the VRM on this motherboard. If possible, I would consider something like a case fan on exhaust mounted right above in the case, as possible or similar consideration for airflow over the motherboard. Even at that, if you found performance too hampered you could then consider a new motherboard with DDR5 and still be in a lower price point than the AMD rebuild.

.02

 

[Hellfire13]

Add another set of that RAM for a total of 32GB.

https://geizhals.eu/intel-core-i7-12700f-cm8071504555020-a2660241.html
Intel Core i7-12700F €290,83

Intel® Core™ i7-12700F Processor (25M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) Product Specifications

Intel® Core™ i7-12700F Processor (25M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Could be a bit of concern there but if you undervolt a bit and definitely not OC, then on stock it might just get you by, specially considering the robust D15....

"Compared to other motherboards in this price range, the Gigabyte B660 Gaming X DDR4 also looks great, with large gun metal grey heatsinks that kept the VRMs below 60°C in my stress tests. You get plenty of fan headers for your cooling setup too - six in total - which is more than enough for your average gaming PC."

Gigabyte B660 Gaming X DDR4 Motherboard Review: An Affordable Way To Own An Awesome Gaming PC

At less than $170, the Gigabyte's B660 Gaming X DDR4 is an ideal choice for an affordable gaming system

www.forbes.com

The other alternate has also been offered above. Can also go for the locked versions but on stock they dont really differ much considering the boost clocks.

 

[iSpextor]

So from what I can gather there is concerns regarding the Motherboard (on top of me not being exactly happy about having to use an adapter to use my M.2 SATA SSD..).

So far I haven't had many problems with heat, the Noctua I have is putting in a whole lotta work and my case has 3 front case fans with 1 extra exhaust in the back.

What I am definitely gonna do is upgrade to 32 GB RAM. Now the question I ask myself is, would I be fine with just the CPU upgrade to a Intel Core i9-12900KS or is the upgrade to AMD (including Motherboard, DDR5 RAM, prob gonna keep the cooler) the better move? 😕

 

[Hellfire13]

So from what I can gather there is concerns regarding the Motherboard (on top of me not being exactly happy about having to use an adapter to use my M.2 SATA SSD..).

So far I haven't had many problems with heat, the Noctua I have is putting in a whole lotta work and my case has 3 front case fans with 1 extra exhaust in the back.

What I am definitely gonna do is upgrade to 32 GB RAM. Now the question I ask myself is, would I be fine with just the CPU upgrade to a Intel Core i9-12900KS or is the upgrade to AMD (including Motherboard, DDR5 RAM, prob gonna keep the cooler) the better move? 😕

The AM5 is a relatively newer platform and a new platform is always a better move. Considering the fact that the AM5 socket has just been introduced and going by AM4 socket legacy, there's definitely added longevity there. But irrespective of which way you go and considering the cost difference, in your use case going either way is a win win. Its upto you which path you choose.
Happy hunting....

 

[Lucky_SLS]

For everyone suggesting unlocked 12 gen i9's and 14 gen unlocked i7's .. this is the OP's board. It has a 8+2 power design. Thermal throttling is real.

B660 GAMING X AX DDR4 (rev. 1.0) Key Features | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

Lasting Quality from GIGABYTE.GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards bring together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer users the absolute ...

www.gigabyte.com

True, but the OP can see the performance impact and decide on a new mobo if required.

Gaming loads should be less than 150w. So I was hoping it can handle that.

 

[Why_Me]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3o1Ebk_jCA

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEa0vcJ0lRY

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Again, a valid point. but not a total deal breaker.

the test was 1hr cinebench run which would definitely stress the cpu. gaming? probably half the power draw of that. And i am suggesting this as i dont feel good about spending cash on a dead platform with no upgrade paths.

might as well save some more cash and get 7800X3D and a B650 mobo with DDR5 rams.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor (€369.00 @ Alternate)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler (Purchased For €0.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 Motherboard (€236.19 @ Galaxus)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory (€116.89 @ Alternate)
Video Card: Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB Video Card
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair RM750 (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Total: €722.08
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 22:01 CET+0100

 

[iSpextor]

Again, a valid point. but not a total deal breaker.

the test was 1hr cinebench run which would definitely stress the cpu. gaming? probably half the power draw of that. And i am suggesting this as i dont feel good about spending cash on a dead platform with no upgrade paths.

might as well save some more cash and get 7800X3D and a B650 mobo with DDR5 rams.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor (€369.00 @ Alternate)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler (Purchased For €0.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 Motherboard (€236.19 @ Galaxus)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory (€116.89 @ Alternate)
Video Card: Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB Video Card
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair RM750 (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Total: €722.08
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 22:01 CET+0100

I believe I am planning to settle on upgrading to AMD with the new Mobo and the DDR5s, as it is quite future safe as well and probably money well-spent for the future (tho if im gonna upgrade this it'll just be the GPU hahaha)

The choice being the 7800X3D is clear and the price points right now don't seem to be getting any better so I'm wondering which of the motherboards I could use. You are suggesting in your build Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 Motherboard, the other above is MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (cheaper alternative). Regarding both of those Motherboards, does it really matter or is there any particular differences?

Hoping both of those alternatives can support M.2 NVMe and SATA at once..

 

[Lucky_SLS]

The aorus Elite supports pcie 5.0 ssd. The msi does not.

 

[iSpextor]

Again, a valid point. but not a total deal breaker.

the test was 1hr cinebench run which would definitely stress the cpu. gaming? probably half the power draw of that. And i am suggesting this as i dont feel good about spending cash on a dead platform with no upgrade paths.

might as well save some more cash and get 7800X3D and a B650 mobo with DDR5 rams.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor (€369.00 @ Alternate)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler (Purchased For €0.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 Motherboard (€236.19 @ Galaxus)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory (€116.89 @ Alternate)
Video Card: Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB Video Card
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair RM750 (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Total: €722.08
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-11-24 22:01 CET+0100

I have happily settled on this suggestion and purchased these. Thank you so much for your insight guys!

After a little bit of research I found that this motherboard, when using an X3D processor, needs to have its BIOS updated. I have never done this but by the looks of it it seems fairly straightforward and easy enough.

I have to ask though since I am not sure; now that I am replacing the Motherboard, CPU and RAM what will happen to the Data stored on my device? Since I have a OEM version of Windows, if I plug everything back into place and let it boot through my "old" C: drive will it load into Windows as usual with my data intact and I just need to enter a new product key?

 

[Lucky_SLS]

booting up from the same drive should not be an issue. but windows will detect the change in hardware and throw an activator window at you. only retail license can be activated and reused (single instance usage). OEM version cannot be reused as you have told, hence it is cheaper to buy one.

its better to take backup just in case.