PC Upgrade advice from 4th to 12th Gen

[MJC001]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping the council of elders can give me some advice about upgrading my system. I'm hoping to spend around R20k.

I think I will turn my old setup into a NAS but haven't decided.

I'm not sure of:
-Paying R6000+ for 32GB of DDR5
-Paying R7000 + for a Z690 motherboard
-Paying an additional R1500+ for a K model CPU

I use my PC for gaming and also in my work in Finance/IT
I've never had much interest in overclocking
Looking to futureproof for at least the next 5 years.
My current PC is pretty loud, would like to try and go a bit quieter.
I'd like to have an i7 minimum, I know the 12th gen i5 is nice but the brand whore in me won't listen.

I currently have:
CPU: 4th Gen 4770 i7
Motherboard: B85N Phoenix (M-atx)
RAM: 16gb (2x 8gb) running at 1600mhz
SSD: 128GB Samsung 750
HDD: 1TB WD
GPU: Gigabyte 3080 Turbo (I know lol)
PSU: 620w Seasonic bronze
Monitor: LG C1 48" 4K 120hz OLED/ Samsung SA950 1080p 120hz
Case: Corsair Obsidian 350D (I think)
Cooler: Corsair H70

What I am thinking about:
CPU: 12th Gen 12700 (non-k)
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z690-G WIFI Motherboard / Gigabyte B660M AORUS PRO
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2 x 16GB) 4800MHz DDR5
SSD: 500gb Samsung 980 Pro
PSU: Corsair RM850x
Case: Lian Li 011 Dynamic
Cooler: Unsure which one is best for 1700 socket.

Prices and links:
CPU: R6,650.00 Click
Motherboard: R7600/R3800 ROG Aorus
RAM: R6000.00 Click (Ill try buy elsewhere if possible)
SSD: R2,200.00 Click
PSU: R2000.00 Click
CASE: R2300 Click
Cooler: Unsure budget around R2000.00

Rog estimate: R2,8750.00
Aorus estimate: R24,950.00

Thanks

 

[Crouchinglee]

Oooff that ROG tax ><
Do you overclock? If no then the K series CPU is a waste
32gb of memory ( wait a bit the prices will drop - wont be soon though)
but thats just my 2c

 

[rinners]

Yes. Or just get 10th/11th gen for way cheaper, anything over 8th gen you're going to notice a improvement over 4th.

 

[Krokkenoster]

Tbh is DDR5 even worth it? why not just go with DDR4 it will save alot of money

 

[Krokkenoster]

Hey shouldve added this go look around a bit with controlled environments

 

[moedeez]

@ThatGuyJD

 

[MJC001]

I was thinking DDR5 just for the future proofing even if the benefits are minimal.

I'm also very concerned about inflation on tech.

I have a bad feeling things are going to go up in price tremendously in the coming months as a result of the Ukraine conflict..

 

[ThatGuyJD]

@ThatGuyJD

It really be me...

@affxct for thew ddr5 advice. Man has been telling me about it but im still dumb af so... calling in the pro.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

I was thinking DDR5 just for the future proofing even if the benefits are minimal.

I'm also very concerned about inflation on tech.

I have a bad feeling things are going to go up in price tremendously in the coming months as a result of the Ukraine conflict..

Prices will be down in 5 years when you want to upgrade.

 

[Mantis]

build myself a 12th gen setup last week, focused on quality mobo and psu for long run, went ddr5 but only single cheap stick (upgrading later), and went cheap on cpu/gfx also until prices get better.

can always sell the ram/cpu and upgrade later to save some money since like other mentioned your just paying for the new tax on those now.

 

[moedeez]

It really be me...

@affxct for thew ddr5 advice. Man has been telling me about it but im still dumb af so... calling in the pro.

If I called you, how dumb does it make me?

 

[souljazk]

-Paying R6000+ for 32GB of DDR5 - Not a chance, waste of $ right now. Paying the new premium TAX.
-Paying R7000 + for a Z690 motherboard - See above.
-Paying an additional R1500+ for a K model CPU - Yes this is a good spend of your $.

Looking to futureproof for at least the next 5 years. - Things change so much in 2-3y, don't plan for 5y besides a quality PSU & mobo which is the base of the entire system. That said, anything can be sold & upgraded. Go for a DDR4 system & review things in 2-3y time when there are newer GPU's, more efficient PSU's & DDR5 doesn't cost 2 month's of food.

I'd like to have an i7 minimum, I know the 12th gen i5 is nice but the brand whore in me won't listen. - Get an unlocked i5. If a 4th gen has got your this far, then a modern i5 will be balls to the wall. Sell the i5 in the next 1-2y and get an i7 second hand. If you were a fulll time dev, I'd highly suggest the i7.

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2 x 16GB) 4800MHz DDR5 - By the sounds of it you will be fine with 16GB RAM (2x 8GB).


RAM: 16gb (2x 8gb) running at 1600mhz - Removing this in favor of DDR3 2400Mhz RAM will give you a BIG performance gain. The RAM would hold a 1060 6GB back a little.. You could get 16GB 2400Mhz DDR3 for <2k most likely. I'd def explore this before shelling out for a new system.

 

[rinners]

I was thinking DDR5 just for the future proofing even if the benefits are minimal.

I'm also very concerned about inflation on tech.

I have a bad feeling things are going to go up in price tremendously in the coming months as a result of the Ukraine conflict..

Not a bad shout. And your CPU cooler will hopefully last a few more generations. You need to add that to your quote. Unless you going with a stock Intel cooler?

 

[Oj0]

First, I like that you linked me for the Gigabyte board. I don't like that that's where you stopped though, and I'm local to you (so you can even collect if you want)

CPU, cheaper:

Intel Core i7-12700 12 Core CPU with HyperThreading, LGA1700, 2.1GHz (4.9GHz Turbo) — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Intel Core i7-12700 Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

progenix.co.za

RAM, a good amount cheaper:

Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5 DRAM 4800MHz CL40 1.10V CMK32GX5M2A4800C40 Memory Kit — Black — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5, optimized for Intel motherboards, delivers higher frequencies and greater capacities of DDR5 technology in a high-quality, compact module that suits your system. Push the limits of your system like never-before with DDR5 memory, un

progenix.co.za

Case, cheaper:

Lian Li PC-O11 DYNAMIC Tempered Glass Mid Tower E-ATX Case — Black

The O11 DYNAMIC is the combination of modern design and art. Through years of researching, collecting feedback and redesigning, we have successfully crafted the best edition of the dual chamber chassis. Experience the full view seamless front and side tem

progenix.co.za

SSD, I can't touch that price - it's a promo they're running for Takealot exclusively. If they sell out, my normal price is WAY cheaper than their normal price though.

Samsung 980 Pro PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD — 500GB

Unleash the power of the Samsung PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD 980 PRO for your next-level computing. Leveraging the PCIe 4.0 interface, the 980 PRO delivers double the data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0 while being backward compatible for PCIe 3.0 for added versatility.

progenix.co.za

Now onto the important bits.

Honestly, if you're looking at 4800 MHz you're better off with some decently spec'd DDR4. It's not really "future proofing" if it's slower than the generation prior. I'd suggest either going for some +/- DDR4-3600, or something like this:

G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5 DRAM 5600MHz CL36 1.20V F5-5600U3636C16GX2-RS5K Memory Kit — Black — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Ripjaws S5 is a high-performance DDR5 memory tailor-made for the latest Intel Core processor platform. Using only best-in-class, hand-screened memory ICs that passed G.SKILL rigorous performance tests, each Ripjaws S5 memory kit strikes the perfect balanc

progenix.co.za

It's not a whole lot more than the Corsair RAM at the place you linked that I won't name, but it has much tighter timings and it's clocked 16.5% faster.

My honest opinion, however, is go for this and save a good amount of money (I'm assuming you only need 16GB, but you're looking at 32GB kits because that's all you get in decent DDR5):

Gigabyte B660 GAMING X DDR4, Intel B660 Chipset, LGA1700, DDR4, ATX Desktop Motherboard — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Intel B660 GAMING Motherboard with 8+1+1 Phases Hybrid Digital VRM Design, Fully Covered Thermal Design, 3 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 M.2 with Thermal Guard, 2.5GbE Gaming LAN, Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, RGB FUSION 2.0, Q-Flash Plus

progenix.co.za

G.Skill Trident Z RGB F4-4000C18D-16GTZRB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 DRAM 4000MHz CL18 Memory Kit — Black

Featuring a completely exposed light bar with vibrant RGB LEDs, merged with the award-winning Trident Z heatspreader designed, and constructed with the highest quality components, the Trident Z RGB DDR4 memory kit combines the most vivid RGB lighting with

progenix.co.za

As for the CPU, I doubt you have need for a Core i7, with this being a better option:

Intel Core i5-12600K 10 Core CPU with HyperThreading, No Cooler, Unlocked Multiplier, LGA1700, 3.7GHz (4.9GHz Turbo) — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Intel Core i5-12600K Processor (20M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

progenix.co.za

You still have six P-cores with HyperThreading, and unlike the 12600 non-K and lower, you get the additional 4 E-cores.

Going by core count, today's i5 is yesterday's i7. The i7 gets you an extra two cores which will likely just sit doing nothing, and the Coore i5 saves you a fair bit of money.

Thoughts?

 

[souljazk]

I was thinking DDR5 just for the future proofing even if the benefits are minimal.

I'm also very concerned about inflation on tech.

I have a bad feeling things are going to go up in price tremendously in the coming months as a result of the Ukraine conflict..

In the next few months yes they may well, but in the next 1-2y, they will stabalise. If you take the saved cash & put it into BTC / crypto of choice, you'll be perfectly fine.

Nice vid -

Se this vid to get an idea of how the DDR1600Mhz RAM is holding your system back, vs 2133-2400Mhz RAM.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Okay first off, no K skew means only bottom end z boards or chipset switch to B660. Also ddr5 is useless for your use case unless you have the extra cash to splash which honestly I'd switch to the i9 for the difference in board and ram costs or save the cash/use to get more storage.

The linked b660 is a great in the ddr4 version.

Everything else looks good man.

The cooler: the corsair elite capellix stuff stuff has been doing well. The 240 keeps my "slightly" OC'd 12600kf cool enough during P95 or IBT testing. Might suggest an upgrade to the 280/360 for the i9 though.
Wanted to link you my ram kit but see that's gone up like R700 bucks since I bought it which means it's not longer the best bet.



P.s @Oj0 we need a PC part picker type implementation for your site so we can share builds easy with the total price and als. Pls boss.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

If I called you, how dumb does it make me?

Smart enough because I'm on here all the time.

 

[Oj0]

P.s @Hobbit we need a PC part picker type implementation for your site so we can share builds easy with the total price and als. Pls boss.

I got a quote of over R 200k to implement that, nooooooooot happening

A few places have something "similar" that allows you to choose a Threadripper CPU one an E-ATX H510 motherboard and an RTX 3090 in a mini ITX case, all rounded off by 12 hard drives connected to a 450w PSU. That helps nobody.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

I got a quote of over R 200k to implement that, nooooooooot happening

A few places have something "similar" that allows you to choose a Threadripper CPU one an E-ATX H510 motherboard and an RTX 3090 in a mini ITX case, all rounded off by 12 hard drives connected to a 450w PSU. That helps nobody.

Ja nee fok dit.

 

[Mantis]

7k for ddr5 ram lol, thats why I went 16 which is mostly enough for gaming and cost me less then R3k.

 

[Oj0]

Ja nee fok dit.

It's the compatibility checking which adds a fortune. If a graphics card is 1mm too long (or tall, or thick) for the case, you shouldn't be able to select one of them. If a cooler doesn't support the socket, you shouldn't be able to select it. If the cooler is 1mm too large for the case, you shouldn't be able to select one of them. If the RAM is the wrong generation, you shouldn't be able to select it. If the GPU TDP is too high for the PSU, same story. Too many drives for the case OR motherboard? Same story. NVMe on a board that doesn't support it? Same story. Motherboard doesn't fit the case? Same story. The list is close to endless.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

First, I like that you linked me for the Gigabyte board. I don't like that that's where you stopped though, and I'm local to you (so you can even collect if you want)

CPU, cheaper:

Intel Core i7-12700 12 Core CPU with HyperThreading, LGA1700, 2.1GHz (4.9GHz Turbo) — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Intel Core i7-12700 Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

progenix.co.za

RAM, a good amount cheaper:

Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5 DRAM 4800MHz CL40 1.10V CMK32GX5M2A4800C40 Memory Kit — Black — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5, optimized for Intel motherboards, delivers higher frequencies and greater capacities of DDR5 technology in a high-quality, compact module that suits your system. Push the limits of your system like never-before with DDR5 memory, un

progenix.co.za

Case, cheaper:

Lian Li PC-O11 DYNAMIC Tempered Glass Mid Tower E-ATX Case — Black

The O11 DYNAMIC is the combination of modern design and art. Through years of researching, collecting feedback and redesigning, we have successfully crafted the best edition of the dual chamber chassis. Experience the full view seamless front and side tem

progenix.co.za

SSD, I can't touch that price - it's a promo they're running for Takealot exclusively. If they sell out, my normal price is WAY cheaper than their normal price though.

Samsung 980 Pro PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD — 500GB

Unleash the power of the Samsung PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD 980 PRO for your next-level computing. Leveraging the PCIe 4.0 interface, the 980 PRO delivers double the data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0 while being backward compatible for PCIe 3.0 for added versatility.

progenix.co.za

Now onto the important bits.

Honestly, if you're looking at 4800 MHz you're better off with some decently spec'd DDR4. It's not really "future proofing" if it's slower than the generation prior. I'd suggest either going for some +/- DDR4-3600, or something like this:

G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5 DRAM 5600MHz CL36 1.20V F5-5600U3636C16GX2-RS5K Memory Kit — Black — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Ripjaws S5 is a high-performance DDR5 memory tailor-made for the latest Intel Core processor platform. Using only best-in-class, hand-screened memory ICs that passed G.SKILL rigorous performance tests, each Ripjaws S5 memory kit strikes the perfect balanc

progenix.co.za

It's not a whole lot more than the Corsair RAM at the place you linked that I won't name, but it has much tighter timings and it's clocked 16.5% faster.

My honest opinion, however, is go for this and save a good amount of money (I'm assuming you only need 16GB, but you're looking at 32GB kits because that's all you get in decent DDR5):

Gigabyte B660 GAMING X DDR4, Intel B660 Chipset, LGA1700, DDR4, ATX Desktop Motherboard — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Intel B660 GAMING Motherboard with 8+1+1 Phases Hybrid Digital VRM Design, Fully Covered Thermal Design, 3 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 M.2 with Thermal Guard, 2.5GbE Gaming LAN, Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, RGB FUSION 2.0, Q-Flash Plus

progenix.co.za

G.Skill Trident Z RGB F4-4000C18D-16GTZRB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 DRAM 4000MHz CL18 Memory Kit — Black

Featuring a completely exposed light bar with vibrant RGB LEDs, merged with the award-winning Trident Z heatspreader designed, and constructed with the highest quality components, the Trident Z RGB DDR4 memory kit combines the most vivid RGB lighting with

progenix.co.za

As for the CPU, I doubt you have need for a Core i7, with this being a better option:

Intel Core i5-12600K 10 Core CPU with HyperThreading, No Cooler, Unlocked Multiplier, LGA1700, 3.7GHz (4.9GHz Turbo) — Best Deals at Progenix — South Africa

Intel Core i5-12600K Processor (20M Cache, up to 4.90 GHz) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

progenix.co.za

You still have six P-cores with HyperThreading, and unlike the 12600 non-K and lower, you get the additional 4 E-cores.

Going by core count, today's i5 is yesterday's i7. The i7 gets you an extra two cores which will likely just sit doing nothing, and the Coore i5 saves you a fair bit of money.

Thoughts?

OP Some more great advice here and elsewhere.

Although for the love of all that is holy do not get an 8GB stick of ddr5 or a 16GB kit with two 8GB sticks. One 16GB stick is fine ass the ddr5 inface lets both channels access the stick so the penalty for one vs two sticks is significantly decreased also if you're going to spend on ddr5 make it at least 5600mbps

 

[ThatGuyJD]

OP Some more great advice here and elsewhere.

Although for the love of all that is holy do not get an 8GB stick of ddr5 or a 16GB kit with two 8GB sticks. One 16GB stick is fine ass the ddr5 inface lets both channels access the stick so the penalty for one vs two sticks is significantly decreased also if you're going to spend on ddr5 make it at least 5600mbps

Also don't overspend on a PSU now. The linked one is a great unit to my knowledge but the new ATX3.0 spec will have all the new 16pin connectors for GPUs which mean you are going to struggle with having all the connectors.

 

[Oj0]

One 16GB stick is fine

Sort of fine. It's similar to running DDR4 single channel - in other words, you're killing performance. Depending on the app, between around 5% and up to 60%+ (mainly apps that are HEAVY on scientific calculations).

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Sort of fine. It's similar to running DDR4 single channel - in other words, you're killing performance. Depending on the app, between around 5% and up to 60%+ (mainly apps that are HEAVY on scientific calculations).

Still that bad? Thought the change in access with ddr5 significantly reduced the impact.

 

[Oj0]

Still that bad? Thought the change in access with ddr5 significantly reduced the impact.

Well DDR4-3600 dual channel has the same bandwidth as DDR5-7200 single (dual) channel (a single module). You can't avoid the lack of bandwidth running a single module.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Well DDR4-3600 dual channel has the same bandwidth as DDR5-7200 single (dual) channel (a single module). You can't avoid the lack of bandwidth running a single module.

Don't trust you on that.

jk... i get that but just seems as odds with what I've heard... could just be remembering wrong due to not being too concerned about it.

 

[souljazk]

One 16GB stick is fine ass the ddr5 inface lets both channels access the stick so the penalty for one vs two sticks is significantly decreased

Do you have some links to this info for me please? Sounds quite interesting.

 

[souljazk]

@MJC001 you could also save a buck-load & grab a 5600x + B550 mobo + decent RAM etc. It will also run circles around your current CPU/RAM and save more VS an equivelent Intel setup.

 

[MJC001]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I have my heart set on the i7 12700k (or non-k ) even if it's overkill. I am bit irrational on this front.

I'm also a bit of a Nvidia/Intel chad. I can't help myself

I think DDR4 should be fine, I've adjusted the RAM and MB. I'm already maxing out my 16GB currently with big datasets.

I think I need an M-Atx board for the Lian-li case.

Someone said new PSU's are coming out soon but I want to purchase this in the next few days.

These are what I'm taking from the above comments. Is it worth paying the 3k extra?

MOBO: Gigabyte Z690M AORUS ELITE DDR4 / ASUS PRIME B660M-A DDR4 Intel B660
Click R4,186.00 / R2999.99 Click

RAM: Kingston HyperX Fury Renegade 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3600MHz / G.Skill Trident Z RGB 4000Mhz 32GB(2x 16GB)
Click R3,323.00/ R3,700 Click

CPU: 12700k/12700
Click R8,089.00/ R6,640.00 Click

Cooler: Corsair iCUE H100i ELITE CAPELLIX
Click R2,595.00

SSD: Samsung 980 Pro 500GB
Click R2,200.00

Case: Lian-Li 011 Dynamic Black
Click R2,293.00

PSU: Corsair RM850x
Click R2000.00

Total with Z series board and faster ram and K series CPU: R25,063.00

Total with B series board, slower ram and Non K series CPU: R22,051.00