Upgrading PC from a 3rd Gen Intel

InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 18:16

So, I've had my PC since around 2011-12 and I think 2022 is when I'll need to get some new parts.

I run 1440p on my monitor and I've upgraded what I can to keep me going, like my AMD 7970 to a 1080, new hard drives, SSD and moved it all into a Corsair 450D Obsidian Series case. But now is the time I need to upgrade the CPU + Cooler Motherboard and RAM.

I haven't kept up with the latest in the PC world since I left working my previous job in computers (not long after I got the PC) and I see that the Ryzen 5600X and B550 tomahawk seem to be an OZB favorite.

If I had a budget of about $1k is there something that might take me a bit further before I need to upgrade again? Or is that combo pretty good value for money?

TL:DR- Have a case and 1080, looking to spend 1k on a CPU, Cooler, MOBO and RAM. What should I get to keep me going?

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Pelicannn on 12/12/2021 - 18:21
    +2

    Something like a bundle deal here:

    https://www.pccasegear.com/bundle/200447/msi-pro-intel-11600…

    Plus a Noctua will easily come in under $1000.

    11600k is an awesome value for money chip when it comes to gaming.

    • InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 18:26

      That's a great suggestion, I appreciate you helping out and I'll keep this in mind going forward!

      • Pelicannn on 12/12/2021 - 18:36

        Apologies just realised that is discontinued. I’d personally look at 11600 or 11400 for gaming, and you should be able to find a bundle deal for a mobo and RAM as an easy buy, alternatively wait on here for specific deals on each and you might save more overall. In any case under $1,000 is certainly east to achieve.

        • InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 18:39

          I did see that, but still the board for the cpu is good to know also. I'll keep an eye out for upcoming deals

  • Diverse on 12/12/2021 - 19:50

    What are you planning it on using it for? Here's a quick list within your budget.

    https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/gkXqYg

    You can get a cheaper CPU cooler like the CM Hyper 212 or stick with the stock cooler if you're not planning on OC. Look around for a tray version only to save some money if you don't want to use the stock cooler.

    • InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 20:40

      Mainly gaming, possibly Blender too but that would be very little.
      Thank you for the link!
      I have heard Noctua are great coolers, do you know how they compare to closed loop coolers? I currently have one in my rig, just a 120 though

      • Diverse on 12/12/2021 - 20:42

        Water cooling > air

        • InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 22:05

          As I expected, I can't get past how unsightly the Noctua CPU fans are. Not that I, or anyone else, ever admires the inside of my PC haha

          • TheBird on 12/12/2021 - 22:30

            @InsertCrow: The beige/brown fans are dog balls ugly. They do have black versions too, and they also have a dash of color in some of their silicon holders.

            Performance wise, Noctua fans are in the ball park of the water cooling solutions. Some a little better, some worse. It can depend on your use case to what's best for you. Lifespan & noise wise, they're hard to beat. They may be a little too pricey/overkill for your price range.

          • ItsMeAgro on 13/12/2021 - 10:08

            @InsertCrow:

            Not that I, or anyone else, ever admires the inside of my PC haha

            Actually, that's one of the big changes a decade ago: a big move to RGB lighting inside the case and big glass/perspex windows so you can see them.

            • InsertCrow on 13/12/2021 - 10:13

              @ItsMeAgro: Oh don't get me wrong, I've got the perspex window in my case and some beautiful blue LEDs to match the rings of my fans.
              But I more meant if I'm the only one who sees it I can live with that haha

        • 7ekn00 on 13/12/2021 - 00:20
          +2

          Except air cooling will see it last the next 10 years, water he will be replacing in under 5 ;)

        • freefall101 on 13/12/2021 - 02:34
          +1

          Not really. Water cooling just allows for a greater surface area of which to push air through, when all you need is to keep your CPU under a certain number of degrees it hardly makes a difference past a certain point.

          Plus a piece of metal with a fan stuck on it will always be more reliable. You can always replace a fan (and it's easy to tell when it stops working).

  • Transient on 12/12/2021 - 21:19

    I'll be upgrading from an i5 4690. Waiting for the i5 12400 and B660 motherboard to be released in the next few months. Uses a new socket (LGA 1700) which is likely to be used also for the 13th gen so don't need to upgrade MBO or RAM for several years and can just put in a new CPU.

    • InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 22:03

      Okay that definitely sounds like what I'd be more inclined to do, thanks for the response!

      • Transient on 13/12/2021 - 23:56

        If you want more speed, the 12600 and 12900 should be released at roughly the same time as the 12400. If you want to overclock, you can buy the K series now but only the Z MBOs are available now. Also need to think about whether to buy DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. DDR5 is faster but more expensive right now.

  • bazingaa on 12/12/2021 - 21:26

    I was like you and had i5-2400 + Q67 + 16 GB DDR3, upgraded to AMD 5600x ($335) + Gigabyte B550M D3SH ($85) + GSkill Aegies CL16 3200 MHz 32 GB DDR4 ($180). I strongly recommend to get an cooler if you are getting an AMD as the supplied cooler is not good and I had 95 C temp at full load, CPU was downclocking to save it. After getting an Arctic 34 esports single ($ 38), temp is at 70 C at full load. I never had an issue with Intel coolers though. I think if you can wait a little bit for new AMD and reduced price for 12th gen MB, you could score a better deal. I scored these prices with Ebay plus and Afterpay deals.

    • InsertCrow on 12/12/2021 - 22:02

      That's good to know, thanks very much for the reply. I'm not in the position where I need it this very second, which I am thankful for, so I'll probably hold out and try for something newer. My biggest thing is longevity. Being 10 years since my last CPU upgrade I'm pretty okay with spending a bit more initially and getting something that will go just that bit further.

      • bazingaa on 12/12/2021 - 22:17

        Being 10 years since my last CPU upgrade

        I was planning the same. I think 8c16t would be better for longevity (like 5800x) but I couldn't afford it. At least I got 10 years warranty for the Arctic 34 cooler :D

  • skid on 13/12/2021 - 08:58

    I'd keep saving til 2nd half 2022 for a DDR5, mobo, CPU, PSU and cooler upgrade. It's been 10 years, what's another year? Personally, I'd be updating the GPU and add a NVME too.

    • InsertCrow on 13/12/2021 - 10:00

      I've got a 750 watt PSU that should do it, but if I were to get a new GPU I may aswell sell my current rig as a whole. I'm not really interested in doing so as I don't feel I NEED the latest GPU at this time, and can get a newer one down the line as I've done already in my current build.
      I will look into the new series CPUs etc though, thanks!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join