Help Building i7 13700k Desktop

LChaffingbuttocks on 08/03/2023 - 00:12

Hello computer gurus, I'm looking to make the absolute cheapest desktop possible running a 13700k processor which will apparently give me best processor power for $.

Computer use is mostly graphic design (illustrator, some number crunching software and Photoshop) so I don't need a dedicated graphics card. Thinking 32gb ram cl16 ddr4 is much cheaper than ddr5 (upgrade to 64gb later), a nvme 3.0/4.0 drive for os/programs and if the motherboard allows it, a second one for scratch disk, otherwise a 2.5 inch ssd..

Do I need anything else other than tower and psu? Would be nice to have Thunderbolt 4 support and wifi 6. I built a virtual one at centrecom for about $1200 including their $150 build fee, so I reckon I should be able to get below $1k?
It's been a while since I built a pc..
Thanks in advance.

Computing Computer Computer Component CPU Desktop Computer Intel LGA1700

Comments

  • Hybroid on 08/03/2023 - 00:49

    Use https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/ to start speccing your component needs/wants and check pricing totals.

  • Orazio on 08/03/2023 - 01:29

    I think your will want an aftermarket cooler for the CPU.
    Are you sure you don't want a GPU? Even a cheap one will be miles beyond the processor graphics, and you will be doing hardware accelerated tasks with Photoshop.
    Personally I would go ddr5 for future proofing but I'm a gamer, not very experienced with other software. But prices on fast ddr5 have plummeted since new years.

  • JafferMoney on 08/03/2023 - 06:11

    I clicked on this wanting to see what a $13.7k setup looked like…

  • Chaffingbuttocks on 08/03/2023 - 16:21

    I think there is little bonus to ddr5 at the moment. Once it gets to higher clock speed it should be worth it, so I could look at a motherboard that supports ddr5. Will look at aftermarket coolers to thanks. I primarily use illustrator and from what I've read, the gpu is mostly for showing you the output, not to actually generate output. I'm also just using 1080p monitor.

    Thanks Hybroid, that's the site I used but I don't think it filters what's required and what's not based on previous selections

    • WonMoreDollar on 08/03/2023 - 23:09

      This is what I could come up with based on your details.

      https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/fPZHH2

      Total: $1302.00 (you would also need to factor in if buying from the same store is cheaper as this price does not include shipping)

      Some reasons for the picks:

      Power Supply: cheapest 80 gold+ with 750w, best price per wattage and enough space incase you might want a dedicated GPU later on.

      Cooler and thermal paste: adds another $50ish to your build, I have a Deepcool HSF and have had no issues.

      Motherboard: MicroATX, they are usually cheaper and saves you space with a microATX case. Slightly more expensive for wifi 6, I think its worth having wifi build into the mobo.

      Case: since you don't have a dedicated GPU, you do not need the space or airflow an ATX case provides. (also absolute cheapest -you dont really need a case to have a PC or find a really old free pc case ;)

      Extra storage: Can be purchased later when there are sales or use an old one

      RAM: I think DDR4 3600 CL16 32GB is enough for now, you could shave off another $30 if you got CL18

      Fans: maybe another 3 fans around $10 each, 2 for intake(front) and one for exhaust (top cpu case)

      Would be interesting to see which parts you picked from centrecom on how you got $1200.

      I think you can get to under 1k but you won't be able to have all the luxuries, eg CL18 ram, wifi, could opt for 500w power supply, etc

      For reference: I made a similar build last year, but I spent more as this is a gaming rig with plans to overclock, 1000w PSU and I'm still looking to buy a new GPU (using old 2060 gtx atm)
      https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/R7M2k9

  • jk82 on 09/03/2023 - 08:30
    +1

    Have you done some research into using the integrated GPU on the 13700K? I feel like it might struggle with Illustrator/Photoshop work depending on what monitor you're using. Might be worth spending $100-$200 on a dedicated GPU at least?

    I don't know much about onboard GPU's but I'd say it's worth looking into.

  • lachhelix on 09/03/2023 - 20:26

    Computer use is mostly graphic design (illustrator, some number crunching software and Photoshop) so I don't need a dedicated graphics card.

    That's pretty much the definition of the purpose of a graphics card haha

    • Chaffingbuttocks on 10/03/2023 - 17:29
      -1

      Not really. Graphics card is for outputting things like shading, 3d etc. These programs don't require high frame rate output like games and video. Think about compressing and decompressing files.. that's all CPU and minimal GPU output to show you a progress bar

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