Advice on PC components

[xPeria]

Hi All,

I need to replace my motherboard, CPU and RAM which recently went up in smoke (well the motherboard did, I'm guessing the CPU is probably OK, and the RAM certainly is).
I'd like a couple of pointers regarding what replacements to purchase. A replacement Z77 board is going to be a pain, and I am very overdue for an upgrade anyway.

What needs replacing:
Intel i5-3570K (delidded) clocked at 4.4Ghz under a decent Phanteks cooler
Asus P8Z77 V-Pro
4 x 4GB Adata 1600Mhz RAM

I have a decent Acer 1080/144Mhz monitor, Asus GTX 1060 6Gb, a couple of older 128Gb SSD drives (and a few large capacity mechanicals), a nice Corsair mini-ATX case, Seasonic 550w PSU, and all the other peripherals.

What would you recommend that would be a noticeable upgrade without breaking the bank. I reckon I like to spend no more than R10k.

 

[Neosteve]

Hello xPeria

Here is a list I quickly threw together for your 10K budget
CPU : Intel Core i5-9600K 3.7GHz Hex Core 14nm Coffee Lake Socket LGA1151 Desktop CPU
MOBO: Asus TUF Z390M-Pro Gaming (WI-FI) Intel Z390 Coffee Lake LGA1151 Micro-ATX Desktop Motherboard
RAM: G.Skill F4-2400C15D-16GVS Ripjaws V 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-2400MHz CL15 1.20V Desktop Memory
Total: R9972

Should be a very decent machine.

You could go for a cheaper motherboard if you don't want the built-in WiFi.

 

[xPeria]

Hello xPeria

Here is a list I quickly threw together for your 10K budget
CPU : Intel Core i5-9600K 3.7GHz Hex Core 14nm Coffee Lake Socket LGA1151 Desktop CPU
MOBO: Asus TUF Z390M-Pro Gaming (WI-FI) Intel Z390 Coffee Lake LGA1151 Micro-ATX Desktop Motherboard
RAM: G.Skill F4-2400C15D-16GVS Ripjaws V 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-2400MHz CL15 1.20V Desktop Memory
Total: R9972

Should be a very decent machine.

You could go for a cheaper motherboard if you don't want the built-in WiFi.

Thank you mate, I was thinking along the same lines but was also considering a Ryzen setup. Would there be any glaring reason for me to stay away?

Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[SILTECH786]

The most powerful reason of all its just not INTEL ...

 

[xPeria]

The most powerful reason of all its just not INTEL ...

Haha, as much as I value your input, I'd need a bit more concrete evidence that Intel is far superior, if I were to reject AMD outright. From what I can tell, AMD gives more bang for buck, Intel has the security holes in its architecture and has a very dubious upgrade / socket policy.
So yeah, need a bit more than an opinion [emoji6]

Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[Neosteve]

For gaming, the Intel architecture will yield slightly higher FPS and better performance still in single threaded applications. AMD Ryzen is a great purchase however for multi-threaded workloads and is great value for money. In terms of Micro-architecture security AMD is a winner but let's be real nobody is going to hack your CPU unless you hold some real valuable information or you are an enemy of the state.

Here is a similar AMD setup for under 10K, I could not find a Micro-ATX AMD board with Wi-Fi only Mini-ITX.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Hex-Core 3.6GHz (4.2GHz Turbo) Socket AM4 Desktop CPU
MOBO: Asus ROG STRIX B450-I GAMING AMD B450 AM4 Mini-ITX Desktop Motherboard
RAM: G.Skill F4-2400C15D-16GFX FlareX 16GB (2x8GB) 2400MHz DDR4 CL15 1.2V Desktop Memory
Total: R8720 (this includes the R400 bundle discount from wootware)

Also have a look at these upgrade kits that Evetech offers, some great deal to be had, depending on your needs.

Buy AMD Upgrade Kits at Discounted Price + Free Shipping

www.evetech.co.za

Buy Intel Upgrade Kits at Discounted Price + Free Shipping

www.evetech.co.za

 

[xPeria]

Ok, so I've come to a point where I need to choose

Ryzen 2600 with X470 mobo and 4 x 4Gb 2666mhz for R7298
or
Ryzen 1600x with x470 mobo and 2 x 8gb 3200mhz for R6999

Faster processor or significantly better RAM setup and speed, with a mind to cater for more RAM later and Zen2

Help...

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Obviously the better processor. Changing RAM is a snoozefest and easily done later, changing the processor not so much.

 

[xPeria]

I'm not seeing the obviousness, Ryzen benefits greatly from faster RAM, and if I decide to go with Zen2 later on then I'll potentially need to change CPU and RAM if I go with the 2600 setup.
Also, from what I've read the 1600X is fairly competitive vs the 2600 especially with faster RAM..it clocks slightly higher by default.

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Fairly straight-forward.

If you have your heart set on upgrading to something else in a little while you get the one with the weaker processor and faster RAM.

If all you want is a powerful system that you hopefully won't need to upgrade, much, you get the one with the stronger processor and plan to upgrade the RAM a little later.

 

[Rambo89]

Core i5 9600K Strix Gaming Plus Upgrade Kit - ASUS ROG Strix H370-F Gaming LGA 1151 Intel Motherboard + Intel 9th Gen Core i5 9600K Up to 4.5GHz CPU + Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 Memory - Black* + Antec Kuhlar K240 Liquid CPU Cooler + FREE DELIVERY !
R9,399.00 from evetech

 

[mark121m]

AMD setup

cpu

Evetech Custom Computer Systems, Gaming Computers, Desktops Gaming PCs

www.evetech.co.za

mobo

Evetech Custom Computer Systems, Gaming Computers, Desktops Gaming PCs

www.evetech.co.za

ram

Evetech Custom Computer Systems, Gaming Computers, Desktops Gaming PCs

www.evetech.co.za

total cost
9289
discount
8846

 

[mark121m]

intel setup

cpu

MSI B360 Gaming Pro Carbon Intel B360 Coffee Lake LGA1151 ATX Desktop Motherboard - Wootware

Buy MSI B360 Gaming Pro Carbon Intel B360 Coffee Lake LGA1151 ATX Desktop Motherboard at Wootware with fast shipping & superb service.

www.wootware.co.za

mobo

MSI B360 Gaming Pro Carbon Intel B360 Coffee Lake LGA1151 ATX Desktop Motherboard - Wootware

Buy MSI B360 Gaming Pro Carbon Intel B360 Coffee Lake LGA1151 ATX Desktop Motherboard at Wootware with fast shipping & superb service.

www.wootware.co.za

ram

Evetech Custom Computer Systems, Gaming Computers, Desktops Gaming PCs

www.evetech.co.za

total
10 164.00

 

[mark121m]

Core i7 8700 Strix Gaming Plus Upgrade Kit - Best Deal - South Africa

Buy Core i7 8700 Strix Gaming Plus Upgrade Kit at super low price. Evetech.co.za is your one source for the best Core i7 Upgrade Kit Deals in South Africa

www.evetech.co.za

9499
\
i7-8700
H370-f
16gb 2x8gb 3200mhz

 

[mark121m]

Core i7 9700K Strix Gaming Upgrade Kit - Best Deal - South Africa

Buy Core i7 9700K Strix Gaming Upgrade Kit at super low price. Evetech.co.za is your one source for the best Core i5 Upgrade Kit Deals in South Africa

www.evetech.co.za

R 9499

i7 9700k
H370-F
1x8gb corsir 2666mhz (not cool)
antec C40 cooler

 

[mark121m]

I'm not seeing the obviousness, Ryzen benefits greatly from faster RAM, and if I decide to go with Zen2 later on then I'll potentially need to change CPU and RAM if I go with the 2600 setup.
Also, from what I've read the 1600X is fairly competitive vs the 2600 especially with faster RAM..it clocks slightly higher by default.

yes but without any of the Zen2 benefits - also being more stable
performance boost are very little with the 1600x

i went with the 2600 rather.

 

[mark121m]

For gaming, the Intel architecture will yield slightly higher FPS and better performance still in single threaded applications. AMD Ryzen is a great purchase however for multi-threaded workloads and is great value for money. In terms of Micro-architecture security AMD is a winner but let's be real nobody is going to hack your CPU unless you hold some real valuable information or you are an enemy of the state.

Here is a similar AMD setup for under 10K, I could not find a Micro-ATX AMD board with Wi-Fi only Mini-ITX.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Hex-Core 3.6GHz (4.2GHz Turbo) Socket AM4 Desktop CPU
MOBO: Asus ROG STRIX B450-I GAMING AMD B450 AM4 Mini-ITX Desktop Motherboard
RAM: G.Skill F4-2400C15D-16GFX FlareX 16GB (2x8GB) 2400MHz DDR4 CL15 1.2V Desktop Memory
Total: R8720 (this includes the R400 bundle discount from wootware)

Also have a look at these upgrade kits that Evetech offers, some great deal to be had, depending on your needs.

Buy AMD Upgrade Kits at Discounted Price + Free Shipping

www.evetech.co.za

Buy Intel Upgrade Kits at Discounted Price + Free Shipping

www.evetech.co.za

too true
INTEL @ gaming kicks massive butt

howevere 2400mhz ram with AMD cpu is a no for me, maybe on a intel chip but yea
B450-i unless in a mini itx case otherwise i would look at a MSI board brings out better performance

 

[MuhammadARPeer]

One question - is your OS on a HDD or a SSD.
If you're on a HDD then switchinf to a SSD will be the most mind blowing change you make.

Otherwise, your motherboard really doesn't need to be fancy. Its easy to get carried away with all the features, but most of them are unnecesary. Get a decent budget motherboard.
RAM speed is overrated - as long as its not something shit, it wont be your bottleneck and you wont even notice it. Get a good DDR4 RAM, but dont break the bank for it.
Lastly, your CPU is where the magic happens. I recommend Intel and I'd advise you to get an unlocked i5 processor. i7 is overkill unless you're rendering or video editing, etc...
A good air cooler is all you need and wont set you back more than R600.

Just my personal advise

 

[xPeria]

Thanks for all the effort in responses and advice fella's. I decided to opt for the best of both worlds, 2600 with x470 and 3200 Corsair RAM. Came out a bit more expensive than I would have liked but I'm really happy with the purchase so far. Honestly though, my old 3570K @ 4.2 felt just as quick if not quicker in games, I guess due to the clock rate. Also due to no upgrade on the GTX 1060, so it's most likely the bottleneck even at 1080p.
I have the 3200 RAM running at full default speed and the newer features are great; USB 3.1 Gen 2 is fantastically fast (even though I have absolutely zero devices that can take advantage of it
StoreMi seems to be really handy, but I've just started working with it. Stability is hundreds, overall speed is great. Obviously multi-core work is proper blitz.
I still need to source an AM4 kit for my Phanteks PH-DC12DX cooler. I'm running the stock 2600 cooler at the moment which is the pits.

Update: Wootware has kindly sorted me out with the AM4 kit for my cooler, all sorted, and I think I need to add, excellent service from them!

Anyways, as said, really happy with the purchase thus far, anyone thinking of making a similar move is welcome to ask me any questions they may have.

Cheers.