I'm currently running an i9-9900K on a Z370 motherboard with 32GB of 3600MHz DDR4 RAM, and I'm thinking about upgrading. My platform feels outdated, and I'm looking into options like the AM5 or LGA 1851, but RAM prices are crazy right now. I found some decent deals on the i7-14700KF and i7-14700F, but I've been unable to locate a Z790 motherboard that supports DDR4. I'm particularly interested in the MSI PRO B760-P WIFI motherboard since I usually prefer MSI for their UEFIs. However, I have some concerns about pairing an i7 with a B motherboard. What do you think about the combination of the i7-14700F and the MSI PRO B760-P WIFI? Should I leap into this upgrade or stick with my old setup until RAM prices drop, which I doubt will happen soon? My goal is to avoid overpaying for RAM while still getting a reliable CPU for the next five years or so.
3 Answers
Your RAM is solid, and if you can score a good deal on the motherboard and CPU, it sounds like a smart upgrade, especially with DDR5 prices being so high. The power delivery on the MSI board is good, so I wouldn't stress about that too much. Just remember, B motherboards limit overclocking unlocked ('K') chips, but stock performance is still solid, and for gaming or less demanding applications, the 14600K is worth a look too.
I had the same dilemma recently! I was running an i5-10600K and just got the i5-14600K bundled with a B760 board. I suggest checking out YouTube reviews on the power and thermal management of B-series motherboards. I found a great review that covers thermal performance, which could help gauge if the MSI board can handle the heat from the 14700. Better thermals can be essential for the higher power draw CPUs.
Consider looking at the i5-14600K as well; it might be a better option. Just keep in mind that the i7-14700F and the i7-14700KF are quite different regarding boost clocks and power consumption. The KF version has higher specs, which is worth considering if you want performance.
The 14600K is tough to find, which is why I'm leaning towards the 14700KF. Just not sure how well it pairs with that motherboard.
I'm planning to get the 14700KF since it's only slightly more expensive than the 14700F. I work on my PC and multitask heavily, so I think the i7 will serve me better long-term than the i5.