I found a brand-new Core i5-14600K for $150 and now I'm reconsidering my original build: a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB of DDR5, and a B850 motherboard. I also bought an RTX 3070 from a friend for $170, so the graphics card is covered. Choosing the Intel platform with a DDR4 motherboard and memory would save me nearly $400 compared with the AM5 setup. Is the 14600K the better value for this build, or is AM5's upgrade path worth paying extra for?
4 Answers
I’d go DDR4 with the Intel option and put the savings toward the GPU, games, or another part of the build. Current performance should be excellent, and the 14600K has plenty of power to pair with a 3070. Its integrated graphics can also be useful for troubleshooting or media tasks.
The deal is good, but double-check that you’re buying a DDR4-compatible motherboard. Also update the motherboard BIOS before installing the processor if the board requires it. Depending on your workload, the 7800X3D may still be faster in some games, but the difference is unlikely to matter much with this graphics card.
I’d take the 14600K here. With an RTX 3070, you probably won’t notice much difference between it and the 7800X3D in most games, and saving $400 is significant. The 14600K is still a very capable processor, especially at that $150 price.
The main reason to choose AM5 is future upgrades. If you expect to replace the CPU in four or five years, AM5 gives you a better path, while LGA 1700 is effectively at the end of its life. If you plan to keep the system as-is for several years, the cheaper Intel build makes more sense.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload