Hey folks! I'm looking to build a new setup with one of Intel's 12th, 13th, or 14th generation CPUs using an LGA 1700 socket, but I need a motherboard that supports DDR4. My current rig has an Intel i7-8700, 32GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz, and a Thermal Take Lite Power 650W PSU, which I bought a few years ago (2019-2020). I'm keen on competitive gaming, so I'm hoping to find the best CPU for performance without breaking the bank. Will my PSU work with a new motherboard?
5 Answers
Don't worry about bottlenecks too much! As long as you focus on getting a balanced build within your budget, you should be all set for some great gaming experience.
I've tested out the 12400F, 12600K, and now the 14600K. Honestly, all of them showed significant upgrades over the 9th gen. Just make sure to get a motherboard with a good VRM heatsink—at least a 12+1+1 phase setup. If you go for a 12600K, the MSI PRO B760-P DDR4 is a solid choice; it's around $300 USD on Amazon.
What’s your budget like? For a decent setup, consider the MSI PRO B660M-A DDR4 with an i5-13600K. If you're looking to save a bit more, the i5-12600K is also a good pick.
I'm aiming for around $300-$400 as long as it won’t bottleneck my GPU.
How about picking up a used X3D AM4 CPU? They can be pretty good for gaming! Just make sure to check if the prices are still reasonable; they can vary a lot nowadays.
I feel you! If only those prices would normalize!
You might find the 14600KF a bit overkill without any overclocking, but honestly, don't stress too much about bottlenecks. Just choose something that fits your budget while keeping some cash aside for a decent motherboard. You don’t need a high-end one, just something B-series with good VRM ratings and you’ll be fine, especially if you’re not going pro with overclocking. Save a bit for a solid cooler too!
Thanks for the heads-up! That price range works for me.