Hey everyone! I'm trying to refresh my old PC setup a bit. I've already got a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD and a PNY GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GPU to start with. My current rig is about 10 years old and includes an Intel i6700 CPU (not K), MSI Z170A Gaming M5 motherboard, 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM running at 2400 MHz, plus a couple of SSDs and a HDD. I also have a Define 5 case and two monitors (a 31.5" 4K BenQ and a budget Acer 24").
I'm looking at upgrading to a Fractal Define 7 case with soundproofing, some be quiet! Silent Wing 4 fans, and maybe a Noctua NH-D15 G2 cooler for the CPU. For the power supply, I'm considering an 850W or higher Corsair unit. I might also add another M.2 drive.
Due to the recent RAM price hikes, I'd prefer to stick with DDR4, especially since I already have a decent amount. I've read suggestions to get an Intel i7-14700K, i5-14600K, or i5-13600 CPU, varying from high to low cost. I'm looking at an LGA1700 motherboard that supports DDR4 now and could potentially upgrade to DDR5 later.
I hear mixed opinions about AMD versus Intel, but for my everyday tasks, coding, browsing with a ton of tabs (I know, I have a problem!), and some gaming, it seems like a decent CPU and RAM will suffice. I typically play games like Spider-Man, Horizon Forbidden West, and Jedi Survivor casually. I'm also contemplating whether it's better to invest in a DDR5 build now or wait for prices to settle. How significantly will sticking with DDR4 limit me if I want to upgrade to a 5080 or 60xx GPU later on? Also, since I build gaming PCs professionally, I know I can put this together easily. Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
The RAM might hold you back a little when you upgrade. I’d recommend the 14600K if you want to stick with your current setup. It’s great for general use and doesn’t carry as much of a DDR4 speed penalty as some of the older chips, plus it's easier to find than the latest models. Regardless, upgrading will be a huge performance boost over your current rig!
I’d say go with an Intel 12th gen CPU and keep your DDR4 for now. It’s a solid budget-friendly option. If you can swing it, selling your current RAM and upgrading to something like 3600 CL16 could also be a good move, but I get that the current RAM market is a bit tricky.
Totally get that! Flipping RAM can be a hassle, especially if prices are spiking. Since you’re planning to move to DDR5 eventually, it might be better just to ride it out with what you have.
Right? I was bummed to see how slow my RAM is now, but maybe it's not worth swapping for slightly better ones. The CPU and M.2 limitations hit harder right now than the RAM speed.