[SOLVED] Upgrading CPU, MB, RAM

gamepassion

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My MB broke (Asrock H97 Pro4) so I need to upgrade my entire MB+CPU+RAM as I hardly find any 1150 socket MB and I would have upgraded anyway in 6-12 months.

My PC is for gaming (60%, GTA5, FIFA, Skyrim modded, The Witcher 3, CIV6, EU4) and photo/design (40%, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe CS5). Of course, some media streaming to TV but I believe once primary goals are sustained, these secondary ones are also checked.

I have quite a few options but can`t really decide what is the better one.

Intel solution.
1. CPU i5 8400 + MB with z370 chipset + RAM 2x 8gb DDR4@2666

= the cheapest solution (here in my country around the equivalent of 520$)

2. CPU i7 8700 + MB with z370 chipset + RAM 2x 8gb DDR4@2666

and

3. CPU i5 9600k +MB with z390 chipset +RAM 2x 8gb DDR4@2666

= both the more expensive solutions (equaly around the equivalent of 670$)

[Would i59600k work on a z370 MB? Then solution 3 would be a medium cost solution of around 620$.
Should I consider just the z390 MB for any of the 3 CPUs? It is the better chipset but why is it better? Would rise the cost for about 50$ more]

AMD solution.
4. CPU Ryzen 7 2700k + MB with x470 chipser + RAM 2x 8gb DDR4@3200

= the most expensive solution (around 730$)

[In this last case, an Intel solution with i7 8700K instead of non k 8700 won`t be better for the same price?]

MB recomandations would also be very helpful as my last 2 MB broke well before their moral retirement. I would like that CPU+MB+RAM kit to drive my PC for at least 4-5 years before a new upgrade.

Thanks!
 
Solution
The only real compromise between x470 and b450 is no sli, and maybe less ports. But a decent b450 board will still oc the 2600 to 4-4.2 with no issues you might need a new cooler if you want all 12 threads over 3.9


It's lightly threaded speed is basically identical to an 8400 but kicks it in the shin if you ever use all the threads.

gamepassion

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2600 (w/ K) is around 25$ more expensive than i5 8400.
b450 MB would be about 50$ cheaper than z370 MB
So in total about 25$ cheaper than solution 1. For me, doesn`t seem to worth as there is a major compromise MB wise. and not much cheaper. Am I wrong?
 

Supahos

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The only real compromise between x470 and b450 is no sli, and maybe less ports. But a decent b450 board will still oc the 2600 to 4-4.2 with no issues you might need a new cooler if you want all 12 threads over 3.9


It's lightly threaded speed is basically identical to an 8400 but kicks it in the shin if you ever use all the threads.

 
Solution

gamepassion

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I have read that Adobe suite doesn`t get well with AMD cpus.

Also I watched or read lots of benchmarks and the comparison of 8400 with 2600(K) gets them quite equal (as performance/price ratio). In this case, Intel still wins, as I`m used to it. For AMD to win, it must get a real better performance/price ratio than intel.

So, I would say, a AMD solution seems rather out of discussion.

Right now I favour a 8400 along with a z370 chipset and some good ddr4 rams as best price, not worse performance and for the fact I know Intel. Also, I have an aftermarket cooler (scythe kotetsu) that goes with 1151 socket but not with AM4 socket.

I keep the i7 8700 solution in mind, but I am not convinced that 50% price diference vs 8400 is worth it to only gain around 10% in games and some better productivity. I had i5 4690 and never felt I need more.

I completly drop the K solutions, I won`t actually do any OC, so would be waste of money.

I keep the Z370 not for OC but for better conectivity and quality compared to H370 at the same price (surprisingly, H chipsets are more expensive than Z)