I'm looking to upgrade my old rig since my i7-7700K will lose support when Windows 10 ends in October. I know the Core 5 Ultra 245K isn't the best choice for gamers compared to the i5-14600K or 13600K, and I get that AMD is popular too, but their CPUs are quite pricey over here in Australia right now. I'm considering the Ultra 245K mainly for its potential longer OS support, costing around $80 AUD more than the i5. I plan to keep my PC for a long time and would have kept my 7th gen CPU if I didn't have to worry about OS support. I mostly use my PC for casual gaming and everyday tasks. What do you think?
4 Answers
If you're not planning to upgrade soon, just buy what fits your budget and don't stress too much. The Ultra 245K isn't terrible, just make sure you're not overpaying compared to AMD options. Remember that future Intel CPUs might require a new motherboard, while with AM5, you could upgrade more easily in the future.
Honestly, Windows should still work even after the end of life for your CPU. However, for longevity, I wouldn't recommend the Ultra 245K since new Intel chips will use a different socket, limiting upgrade flexibility. With AM5, you'll likely have better options down the line, so that could be worth considering!
What’s your overall budget and what do you mainly use your PC for? Knowing this could help figure out the best options for your needs.
You might want to reconsider AMD options. The Ryzen 5 7600 is only $329 AUD and offers better performance than the Ultra 245K. It seems like you're leaning towards Intel for emotional reasons rather than practical ones. AMD currently delivers better value for the performance, especially if you're not tied to Intel for specific reasons.
Yeah, Intel's future looks a bit shaky with new sockets. AMD has more upgrade paths right now.