I'm working with a setup that includes an ROG STRIX B360-G GAMING motherboard, an Intel I7-8700 processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, an RTX 3080, and a couple of SSDs along with an HDD. I'm noticing that newer games seem to be heavily CPU-bound, so I think it's time for an upgrade. Unfortunately, the best I can do with my current motherboard is to swap in an i7-9900, which feels outdated and barely upgrades my experience. Therefore, I'm considering changing both my CPU and motherboard, but I really don't want to lose my existing RAM. Additionally, I need to keep virtualization support for my work. What options do I have?
6 Answers
The best route is to go for a 12th or 13th-14th gen Intel CPU along with an LGA 1700 motherboard that supports DDR4. That way, you can keep your RAM while getting a solid upgrade for gaming.
That i5 14600K people mention is within my range, too! Always good to check for deals before heading out.
If you're looking at Intel, an i5 13/14-14600K paired with a B760 DDR4 mobo works well and is budget-friendly. It's also a great gaming combo!
When you get your new Intel 13th or 14th gen CPU, remember to update the motherboard BIOS as soon as you get it set up. Otherwise, it could potentially damage the CPU!
Wait, that's a bit concerning. How do I update the BIOS safely? Should I start the motherboard without the CPU just to update it?
For LGA 1700 motherboards, you should check that they can use DDR4 RAM for 13th and 14th gen Intel CPUs. But switching to AMD would mean using the AM4 socket, which limits options.
I've always used Intel. Is there a real advantage in switching to AMD, or should I just stick with what I know?
Keep an eye out for sales! The 14600K has been going for around $150 during sales, especially around Christmas. If you're outside the US, the 12th-14th gen platform is still a solid choice, but you might consider a Ryzen 5600/5600X if price is a bigger factor.
Perfect! I’ll be watching for that Christmas sale. Thanks for the heads up!
What's the MHz rating of your DDR4 RAM? Download CPU-Z and take a look at the memory and SPD tabs, then share that info. It helps in making sure everything is compatible.
Gotcha! Here's the info I found! [Check it out here.](https://imgur.com/a/WcZ0QYb) Thanks for the tip!
Sounds great! Just keep in mind to check your budget, as those LGA 1700 motherboards and the newer CPUs can be quite affordable right now. Is there anything particular you need from the motherboard besides RAM compatibility?