I'm planning to upgrade my system with an i9-14900k, MSI MAG Z790 MAX, and an NVIDIA 4080. I'm specifically looking for recommendations on memory—ideally 64GB of DDR5 at 6800+ speeds. While price isn't a major concern, I don't want to just go with the most expensive option; I'm after something that offers good value and compatibility with minimal issues. I've read it's best to stick with 2 memory sticks, and that 2x48GB (96GB total) is great, ideally with CL40 timing and 6000+ speeds for decent latency. My usage includes Blender for rendering, various Adobe apps, UE5 game development, gaming, some AI work, and more, so I need a setup that can really handle heavy workloads. I'd also like some recommendations for cooling, leaning towards liquid options, and any thoughts on displays would be appreciated too. I'm not rushing this upgrade; I want to pick components that will last. If anyone has any other advice or questions about the mobo, CPU, GPU, or anything else, I'd love to hear it! By the way, I prefer a black aesthetic with no RGB lighting.
2 Answers
You might want to reconsider the i9-14900k since it has had durability issues reported by users. While Intel has said they patched some of these problems, there's still some risk if this is mainly a work machine. Have you thought about the Intel 285K instead? It's worth looking into, considering your use cases.
If you're open to AMD, the 9950x has been a powerhouse for me, handling everything with ease and using less power compared to the current Intel models. I switched from a 13900k to the 9950x after some issues, and it’s been much cooler and faster in most tasks. For cooling, a 360mm AIO would offer solid performance, especially if you're planning to push for maximum clock speeds.
I appreciate the advice! I’ve mainly gone Intel but I’ll definitely explore the 9950x and other AMD options now. Thanks for your help!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll check out the 285K for sure and see if it fits my needs better.