I'm looking for feedback on my gaming PC build. Here's what I currently have planned: an Intel i9 12900k paired with an MSI PRO Z690-P DDR4 motherboard (I have 32GB of DDR4 RAM and don't want to upgrade that) and an RTX 5070ti graphics card. My budget for upgrading the motherboard, CPU, and GPU is $1500 USD, and I already own a 1000W PSU. I'd appreciate any criticism or recommendations on whether this is a solid choice. Also, I'm unsure if I should consider an AMD build instead. Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
I’d actually recommend against your current choice. For $185, the 14600KF will provide similar performance but with a better price point. Pair it with a Gigabyte Z790S DDR4 board for around $140. Also, the cooler you picked (AK400) might be too small for a CPU in that range. Grab a bigger one for about $35 to really unleash its potential; it’ll help you reach higher clock speeds.
I'd suggest going for an AMD CPU instead unless you specifically need Intel's Quick Sync or similar features. The Ryzen 9600X is a fantastic gaming option, and for a bit more, the 9700X is also great—both are solid performers. By the way, if you can return your 1000W PSU, an 850W might save you some cash since it's more than enough for your setup.
Would my setup still work well with an RX 9700 Ti instead?
Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately, I already got the 1000W PSU.