AMD or Intel for mid-range

[zeroxx1123]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to build my first gaming PC for equivalent of 1000 USD (including monitor)
I'm currently considering going with AMD, but for my market (Vietnam) Intel seems to be more dominant, leading to better pricing.
From what I see in the review, the 13400F is 15% less gaming performance compare to the 7600.
But at 39% discount, is it worth it? I can save a bit and put it toward a better GPU Like a 7700 XT.
Please let me know your take on this.
Here's my 2 planned builds:
AMD:

Parts	VND	USD
CPU: Ryzen 5 7600	4,500,000​	176.26​
Mobo: Asrock B650M PG Lightning WiFi DDR5	3,549,000​	139.01​
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32GB (2x16GB) CL36 6000MHz	2,499,000​	97.88​
GPU: Zotac RTX 4060	7,289,000​	285.51​
SSD: Kingston NV2 250GB	750,000​	29.38​
Monitor: AOC 24G4E/74	2,890,000​	113.20​
PSU: MSI MAG A750BN PCIE5	1,499,000​	58.72​
Case: Xigmatek Hero II Air 3F	590,000​	23.11​
Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE ARGB	320,000​	12.53​
Total	23,886,000​	936​

Intel:

Parts	VND	USD
CPU: Core I5 13400F	2,739,000​	107.29
Mobo: Asrock B760M Pro RS WiFi DDR5	3,290,000​	128.87
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32GB (2x16GB) CL36 6000MHz	2,499,000​	97.88
GPU: Zotac RTX 4060	7,289,000​	285.51
SSD: Kingston NV2 250GB	750,000​	29.38
Monitor: AOC 24G4E/74	2,890,000​	113.20
PSU: MSI MAG A750BN PCIE5	1,499,000​	58.72
Case: Xigmatek Hero II Air 3F	590,000​	23.11
Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE ARGB	320,000​	12.53
Total	21,866,000​	856

 

[Fuzzi0n]

AMD offers you more of an upgrade path because you can just drop a new CPU in at some point, Intel not so much. If you're more likely to completely change platform when you upgrade in the future then Intel is a potential way of saving some money for better stuff elsewhere.

Few things to look at, on the AMD side see if you can get a 7500F instead, they're often a lot cheaper than the 7600 and basically the same other than no iGPU. I'd also look and see if you can get the ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 as that's basically the best budget board. On the Intel side you could look at the 12600K instead of the 13400F if it's better on price, or the 12400F if you were to get a ASRock B760M PG Riptide as you'd be able to overclock it.

GPU wise a 7700 XT would offer you a decent boost over a 4060. Maybe worth trying to get a higher end PSU too if you have the budget and possibly a larger M.2 drive as the bigger drives are usually better value when it comes to price/capacity. Either build will be a good enough that you'll be able to play a bunch of recent games on with pretty high settings.

 

[zeroxx1123]

AMD offers you more of an upgrade path because you can just drop a new CPU in at some point, Intel not so much. If you're more likely to completely change platform when you upgrade in the future then Intel is a potential way of saving some money for better stuff elsewhere.

Few things to look at, on the AMD side see if you can get a 7500F instead, they're often a lot cheaper than the 7600 and basically the same other than no iGPU. I'd also look and see if you can get the ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 as that's basically the best budget board. On the Intel side you could look at the 12600K instead of the 13400F if it's better on price, or the 12400F if you were to get a ASRock B760M PG Riptide as you'd be able to overclock it.

GPU wise a 7700 XT would offer you a decent boost over a 4060. Maybe worth trying to get a higher end PSU too if you have the budget and possibly a larger M.2 drive as the bigger drives are usually better value when it comes to price/capacity. Either build will be a good enough that you'll be able to play a bunch of recent games on with pretty high settings.

They have the 7500F for ~150 but I couldn’t find any review about it, so I don’t know how it’ll perform. (My target resolution is 1080p btw).
I need wifi on the board, ‘cause I can’t easily route an ethernet cable to my room.
I have another SSD, but I need to purchase one from them to buy the CPU at those price.

 

[Countryside]

+1 to Ryzen build you will have more upgrade options in the future

and for the ssd get at least an 512gb i recommend the NV3

 

[alwayssts]

I second/third/fourth/fifth the 7500F combo; precisely for the upgrade rationality. Good rec on the board. I think Gigglebyte/MSI make some decent cheap boards w/ wifi?
I haven't used Asrock, personally, but I have no doubt they are fine for your use, if not better than GB/MSI (at least in price/features/perf). Listen to others in that department, as I don't buy the cheapest mobos.

As for a GPU, I have such a hard time recommending below a 6800xt/7800xt. I just can't in good faith ask people to buy something that won't last at least a little while for a good experience (which 4060 is not).
I've always suggested if you're really hurting for cash to buy a used 2080ti on Ebay and OC, or perhaps a A770/B580 if used makes you uncomfortable, but it's getting pretty close to the point you really want 16GB.
Good perf doesn't *have* to be expensive. There are 6800xt/7800xt's out there on Ebay for a fairly decent price ($300-350) sometimes, and 9070 might drop in price to something more reasonable at some point as well...which *could* make those even cheaper. I'd BOLO for what you can afford in that rough bracket...6800xt or better. If you need to, buy a CPU with integrated graphics (like a 7600) and commit to a decent GPU when you find a good deal.

I also would suggest a 120hz(+)/IPS/1440p monitor. You don't have to get anything fancy; a cheap LG is fine (similar price to 1080p), but I think it would make your typical computer life much better, gaming or not.
You can always upscale (what they call 'quality' up-scaling with FSR/DLSS), which requires similar (less, actually) performance to 1080p native and should still look better than 1080p, if you can't play 1440p native.

As far as SSD, I think you'll find yourself wanting at least 1-2TB. Again, it doesn't have to be the most expensive drive in existence, but a good balance on getting best speed and having space for games/stuff.
There are many good options and the best deal often changes. I'd check reviews/top ten lists and current prices for best deals, which I haven't lately.
Last time I bought, I went Solidigm P44, which is similar to a Hynix P41, which I also own. I haven't looked lately to see if those still hold up; you might be able to find something better/better value, but good drives.

Lastly, I would try to scoop up a RAM kit that is CL30/6000, if not CL28. Even if someone isn't a tweaker, those will add quite a bit of perf on their own at stock vs higher latency, with minimal added cost.

I hope those recommendations do not break your budget, but I think they are worth-while upgrades at minimal extra cost that will improve your experience greatly.

Good recs, Fuzzi, except I'm not really a fan of the 7700xt (lots of cheaper cards with similar overall performance, and not 'quite' good-enough to be a decent 1440p card).

GLHF.

 

[Why_Me]

They have the 7500F for ~150 but I couldn’t find any review about it, so I don’t know how it’ll perform. (My target resolution is 1080p btw).
I need wifi on the board, ‘cause I can’t easily route an ethernet cable to my room.
I have another SSD, but I need to purchase one from them to buy the CPU at those price.

What country are you located?

AMD Ryzen 5 7500F review: a great value gaming CPU if you can get it

Digital Foundry tests the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU vs the Intel Core i9 13900K and AMD's own 7950X3D - which is the fastest gaming CPU?

www.eurogamer.net

AMD Ryzen 5 7500F: The Most Affordable Zen 4 CPU

The Ryzen 5 7500F is AMD's most affordable Zen 4-based CPU, though it's still a bit of an elusive offering, in this review we'll be comparing it...

www.techspot.com

 

[zeroxx1123]

I'll revise my build a bit.
The thing is, these CPU prices only happen if I basically buy a complete PC from from (CPU, mobo, ram, SSD, GPU, PSU)
If not, the 7500F will be 200$ instead of 150$.

Parts	VND	USD
CPU: Ryzen 5 7500F	3,790,000	148.45
Mobo: Gigabyte B650M GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5	3,480,000	136.31
RAM: ADATA LANCER BLADE DDR5 Kit 32GB (16GBx2) 6000Mhz Black RGB AX5U6000C3016G (The SKU suggests them to be CL30)	2,880,000	112.81
SSD: Kingston NV2 250GB (I'll install my ssd later)	750,000	29.38
GPU: (Need to buy for discount CPU) Zotac RTX 4060	7,289,000	285.51
Monitor: AOC 24G4E/74 (1080p, 165Hz)	2,890,000	113.20
PSU: (Need to decide, these have the same price point) MSI MAG A750BN PCIE5 Corsair CX CX750 Thermalright TR-KG750 NZXT C750 Bronze Asus TUF GAMING 750B Corsair CV750 Thermalright 750W TG-750	~1,500,000	58.75
Case: Xigmatek Hero II Air 3F	590,000	23.11
Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE ARGB	320,000	12.53
Total	23,489,000	920.05

 

[alwayssts]

What country are you located?

AMD Ryzen 5 7500F review: a great value gaming CPU if you can get it

Digital Foundry tests the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU vs the Intel Core i9 13900K and AMD's own 7950X3D - which is the fastest gaming CPU?

www.eurogamer.net

AMD Ryzen 5 7500F: The Most Affordable Zen 4 CPU

The Ryzen 5 7500F is AMD's most affordable Zen 4-based CPU, though it's still a bit of an elusive offering, in this review we'll be comparing it...

www.techspot.com

Pssttt...aliexpress....psst.

 

[zeroxx1123]

Thank you.
The Techspot article didn't show up when I search "ryzen 5 7500F review" on Google

What country are you located?

AMD Ryzen 5 7500F review: a great value gaming CPU if you can get it

Digital Foundry tests the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU vs the Intel Core i9 13900K and AMD's own 7950X3D - which is the fastest gaming CPU?

www.eurogamer.net

AMD Ryzen 5 7500F: The Most Affordable Zen 4 CPU

The Ryzen 5 7500F is AMD's most affordable Zen 4-based CPU, though it's still a bit of an elusive offering, in this review we'll be comparing it...

www.techspot.com

 

[Why_Me]

Pssttt...aliexpress....psst.

Vietnam (I'm slow).

 

[alwayssts]

Vietnam (I'm slow).

We love everyone.

I'm just sayin' they have them and will ship anywhere.

 

[Why_Me]

We love everyone.

I'm just sayin' they have them and will ship anywhere.

Lots of 7500F + board combo deals.

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-amd-ryzen-5-7500f.html?spm=a2g0o.home.auto_suggest.1.650c76dbMCAfsh

 

[AusWolf]

If you're on Windows 10 or Linux, I'd suggest AMD. Intel's two different cores require some software scheduling magic that works best in Windows 11.

Other than that, it's up to personal preference in my opinion. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[Fuzzi0n]

They have the 7500F for ~150 but I couldn’t find any review about it, so I don’t know how it’ll perform. (My target resolution is 1080p btw).
I need wifi on the board, ‘cause I can’t easily route an ethernet cable to my room.
I have another SSD, but I need to purchase one from them to buy the CPU at those price.

Aliexpress is a good way to get the 7500F cheap, not sure if it'll work out cheaper than buying the parts to get that discount. With a lot of the B650 and B850 lower end boards that don't have Wi-Fi, they'll usually have an M.2 slot for a card, can give you a better motherboard for a good price if you just buy the Wi-FI card separate. The B650M-HDV that I suggested seems to be around 3,000,000₫ over there and with a Wi-Fi card added should be around the other B650M boards you've looked at, it's a much better motherboard for the money though.

PSU wise if it's possible in budget to get something like an RM750e from Corsair, or either the MPG/MAG Gold series of PSUs from MSI it's worth the extra as they're a lot higher end than any you've listed. Otherwise I'd pick the Asus TUF GAMING 750B, Aris' reivew of it seemed positive from a few years ago.

Good recs, Fuzzi, except I'm not really a fan of the 7700xt (lots of cheaper cards with similar overall performance, and not 'quite' good-enough to be a decent 1440p card).

Always depends on price with those, biggest thing you'd lose out on is DLSS over a 4060 Ti (which seems a little cheaper in Vietnam), but the 7700 XT is still above a 6800 or a 3070 Ti performance wise. Maybe AMD's new 9060 series would be worth a look when they're out in Q2.

 

[bug]

I advise against the 7500F. Sure, you save a bit, but the IGP can be a life saver when trying to diagnose GPU-related issues. Same goes for the 13400F.
Also, Intel's counterpart for 7600 is the 13600, not the 13400F. And do something about that SSD. 250GB isn't going to get you very far in 2025. I'm not up to date with SSD models, but you can get a decent 4TB SSD for like $250 or 2TB for a little above $100 (US prices, but I doubt they cost double that in VN).

 

[zeroxx1123]

Aliexpress is a good way to get the 7500F cheap, not sure if it'll work out cheaper than buying the parts to get that discount. With a lot of the B650 and B850 lower end boards that don't have Wi-Fi, they'll usually have an M.2 slot for a card, can give you a better motherboard for a good price if you just buy the Wi-FI card separate. The B650M-HDV that I suggested seems to be around 3,000,000₫ over there and with a Wi-Fi card added should be around the other B650M boards you've looked at, it's a much better motherboard for the money though.

PSU wise if it's possible in budget to get something like an RM750e from Corsair, or either the MPG/MAG Gold series of PSUs from MSI it's worth the extra as they're a lot higher end than any you've listed. Otherwise I'd pick the Asus TUF GAMING 750B, Aris' reivew of it seemed positive from a few years ago.



Always depends on price with those, biggest thing you'd lose out on is DLSS over a 4060 Ti (which seems a little cheaper in Vietnam), but the 7700 XT is still above a 6800 or a 3070 Ti performance wise. Maybe AMD's new 9060 series would be worth a look when they're out in Q2.

Thank you, I’ll look around on Aliexpress.
The GPU is something that really bugs me. There’s no good new GPU at around 10M VND (~400USD). There’s the 4060Ti but paying 400 for that seems bad. Maybe I’ll even wait for the 9060.

 

[Why_Me]

Thank you, I’ll look around on Aliexpress.
The GPU is something that really bugs me. There’s no good new GPU at around 10M VND (~400USD). There’s the 4060Ti but paying 400 for that seems bad. Maybe I’ll even wait for the 9060.

The gpu situation is bad in all countries right now. It should improve (price + availability) within the next 2 - 3 months.

 

[Lost_Troll]

I have bought many CPUs (7700, 7500F, 7400F) from these guys without issue AliExpress SZCPU Store without issue. You have to keep track of the prices as they go up and down all of the time. Now you might want to look at the new 7400F since it goes for around 115$ US on the low end of its price. It is basically a clocked down 7500F that uses thermal paste rather than liquid metal between the heatsink and die.

I found that it runs just about as fast as the 7500F and you can still run PBO and under Volt it, thought it does run about 2 to 3 C hotter due to the thermal paste.

For the mother board, you might want to look at Maxsun to save a few dollars. Tech Yes City did a review on them Tech Yes City Review Maxsun.

 

[Why_Me]

I have bought many CPUs (7700, 7500F, 7400F) from these guys without issue AliExpress SZCPU Store without issue. You have to keep track of the prices as they go up and down all of the time. Now you might want to look at the new 7400F since it goes for around 115$ US on the low end of its price. It is basically a clocked down 7500F that uses thermal paste rather than liquid metal between the heatsink and die.

I found that it runs just about as fast as the 7500F and you can still run PBO and under Volt it, thought it does run about 2 to 3 C hotter due to the thermal paste.

For the mother board, you might want to look at Maxsun to save a few dollars. Tech Yes City did a review on them Tech Yes City Review Maxsun.

That's a hell of deal ^^

 

[zeroxx1123]

I have bought many CPUs (7700, 7500F, 7400F) from these guys without issue AliExpress SZCPU Store without issue. You have to keep track of the prices as they go up and down all of the time. Now you might want to look at the new 7400F since it goes for around 115$ US on the low end of its price. It is basically a clocked down 7500F that uses thermal paste rather than liquid metal between the heatsink and die.

I found that it runs just about as fast as the 7500F and you can still run PBO and under Volt it, thought it does run about 2 to 3 C hotter due to the thermal paste.

For the mother board, you might want to look at Maxsun to save a few dollars. Tech Yes City did a review on them Tech Yes City Review Maxsun.

I don’t know if it’s regional pricing or something. But the 7500F is 3.9Mvnd, which is like 10$ more than what I can get from the store.

 

[Lost_Troll]

That's a hell of deal ^^

Yea it was when it cost me 115$ and some change to have it shipped to the US. Toasty Bros did a review of the 7500F VS the 7400F, it was a bit surprising on how close they are in performance.

Toasty Bros review of the 7400F VS 7500F

As for GPU's, you are dead on, the prices are for suck right now and I would wait until April when the prices and availability be come's better.

I don’t know if it’s regional pricing or something. But the 7500F is 3.9Mvnd, which is like 10$ more than what I can get from the store.

If you live in the north, you might want to see if taking a day trip to China would save you some money and get you better availability on parts.

Funny how I drool while watching the Tech Yes City and David Does Tech Stuff when they go to Japan, Korea and China and get PC parts in the large electronic outlets. I would be so broke, I would be living on hotdogs and cheap street vender food.

 

[Techaddict]

Aliexpress is a good way to get the 7500F cheap, not sure if it'll work out cheaper than buying the parts to get that discount. With a lot of the B650 and B850 lower end boards that don't have Wi-Fi, they'll usually have an M.2 slot for a card, can give you a better motherboard for a good price if you just buy the Wi-FI card separate. The B650M-HDV that I suggested seems to be around 3,000,000₫ over there and with a Wi-Fi card added should be around the other B650M boards you've looked at, it's a much better motherboard for the money though.

PSU wise if it's possible in budget to get something like an RM750e from Corsair, or either the MPG/MAG Gold series of PSUs from MSI it's worth the extra as they're a lot higher end than any you've listed. Otherwise I'd pick the Asus TUF GAMING 750B, Aris' reivew of it seemed positive from a few years ago.



Always depends on price with those, biggest thing you'd lose out on is DLSS over a 4060 Ti (which seems a little cheaper in Vietnam), but the 7700 XT is still above a 6800 or a 3070 Ti performance wise. Maybe AMD's new 9060 series would be worth a look when they're out in Q2.

If the 13400F is that much cheaper in Vietnam, putting the savings into a better GPU like the 7700 XT sounds like a smart move. AMD does have a better upgrade path, but if you're planning to swap the whole platform in the future anyway, Intel at a discount makes sense. Also, if you can find a 7500F for a good price, it could be a nice middle ground.
I’m actually planning to buy a 13400F in Vietnam while traveling there https://gowithguide.com/vietnam so it's great to see discussions about pricing and availability. Hardware prices can vary a lot depending on the store, so it’s definitely worth shopping around. Either way, both builds will handle modern games well!