Hey everyone! I'm piecing together a new PC and have a 750W PSU, an RX 9060 XT, and a 4-pipe cooler (which might not have been the best choice). I also picked up 32GB of DDR4 RAM at 3600MHz. Now, I'm planning to buy a 14600K processor, but I'm having second thoughts about my build. I've heard some advice to just go for AMD instead, but DDR4 is a lot cheaper than DDR5 and I already have DDR4. Plus, I'm concerned about Intel's LGA 1700 socket not being compatible with future chips. I'm drawn to the 14600K because of its many threads, and although Intel has had its issues, this CPU performs similarly to the 9600X with better multicore execution despite higher power consumption. Would this build be a mistake? I'm currently using a 2700X with 16GB of RAM and a GTX 1070. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
5 Answers
The 14600K is a solid choice, and your DDR4 3600 RAM will work just fine. Just keep an eye on cooling; your 4-heatpipe cooler should be alright as long as it's decent quality. Also, make sure you have the latest BIOS and consider undervolting the CPU to manage power consumption.
If you don’t plan to upgrade during the AM5 lifecycle, then going with the 14600K is a great move. Just make sure it fits your budget and that Intel provides warranty support where you live! One thing to note though is that LGA1700 motherboards may get harder to find and could drive up costs.
I’ve got a 13600K with the same RAM and it runs smoothly. The main question is how often you plan to upgrade your rig. If you’re keeping it for 5+ years, then it’s okay since by then chip sockets will likely be obsolete anyway. But if you upgrade every couple of years, you might want to consider AMD’s AM5. Intel might release new chips for LGA1700, but who knows what will actually happen.
My current rig is 8 years old (2700X), so I’m definitely not upgrading every year. I’m looking at a budget around $1000 or a bit more. Thanks for the insights!
Just so you know, for gaming, 6 to 8 cores (12 to 16 threads) is generally sufficient with modern games, so you should be fine with your choice.
If you want to game, consider getting a 5700X3D, which might save you some cash than buying a whole new motherboard. These older chips can be cheaper and offer great performance.
In my country, those chips are expensive. It’s actually more practical for me to import parts valued under $200 due to taxes. I was eyeing the 5800X3D, but it’s out of my budget right now. I think my motherboard’s also acting up, so now’s probably the right time to switch architectures.
I’m using a Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO, and I totally agree—undervolting is key for me too since my old 2700X drains a lot. I hope this cooler and undervolting will keep the new CPU in check!