New build

[jumpstart]

I am looking to replace the computer I have been running since 2016. I have built many computers over the years which have included gaming computers. This one I won't being gaming with. Never overclocked one either and never plan to.

I do use Paint Shop Pro on occasion but other than that not much that requires lots of power. I do like fast computers though just as I like fast cars lol
The one I am using now is fine and plenty fast but of course my hardware requirements don't meet what I need to run Windows 11 Pro.

I understand I still have until October to get this done but wanted to go ahead and start getting what I need to put it together.
My budget is around $700 . I already have Windows 11 pro and a new SS drive. .

My last two builds I used a Gigabyte motherboard with Intel CPU's. I had bad luck with overheating on the AMD's way back in the early 2000's so I prefer to stay with Intel. An i5 intel would be fine. I have a new 500 gig Samsung 870 EVP SS drive that I plan to use for now. Maybe later on I can go with a NVMe but for now this Samsung would be fine.

I do plan on getting the Fractal Design Define R4 Black Silent ATX Midtower but that's about all I have decided on. I used a Fractal Design back in 2016 and I do like them. Maybe there is a better one now and open to suggestions .

I just like to build a computer rather than buying one.

I would like a CPU that has integrated graphics . The i5 CPU I use now has that option but really never used it. I do plan on buying a good graphic card. Like I mentioned it don't have to be a gaming card.
Thanks for any suggestions. I live in the USA.

 

[Macro Device]

I had bad luck with overheating on the AMD's way back in the early 2000's so I prefer to stay with Intel.

That's not really the case anymore. Both Intel and AMD mid-range CPUs are not that hard to cool. Whatever $30 indirect contact tower cooler will do the trick.
Ryzen 7600 + cheapest AsRock B650 motherboard that has all ports you need + a couple DDR5-6000 CL32ish sticks of 16 GB each will suffice.
Or, you could get i5-13600K/14600K + some Z690 (NB: could require a BIOS upgrade) / Z790 that has all ports you need + same RAM config.
The former will be easier on the PSU, the latter will have more edge in multi-threaded workloads. Don't let the Intel CPU overvolt though, anything beyond 1.37 V is unreasonable.

Gaming GPUs are the best performance per price if VRAM amount isn't that big of a concern. What exactly to pick is... I dunno, you never specified what you need a GPU for other than the PSP so I guess maybe 4070 Super when affordable..?

RMx 750+ Watt PSU to fuel it all.

You can re-use your current case. Not my forte anyway.

 

[A Computer Guy]

I am looking to replace the computer I have been running since 2016. I have built many computers over the years which have included gaming computers. This one I won't being gaming with. Never overclocked one either and never plan to.

I do use Paint Shop Pro on occasion but other than that not much that requires lots of power. I do like fast computers though just as I like fast cars lol
The one I am using now is fine and plenty fast but of course my hardware requirements don't meet what I need to run Windows 11 Pro.

I understand I still have until October to get this done but wanted to go ahead and start getting what I need to put it together.
My budget is around $700 . I already have Windows 11 pro and a new SS drive. .

My last two builds I used a Gigabyte motherboard with Intel CPU's. I had bad luck with overheating on the AMD's way back in the early 2000's so I prefer to stay with Intel. An i5 intel would be fine. I have a new 500 gig Samsung 870 EVP SS drive that I plan to use for now. Maybe later on I can go with a NVMe but for now this Samsung would be fine.

I do plan on getting the Fractal Design Define R4 Black Silent ATX Midtower but that's about all I have decided on. I used a Fractal Design back in 2016 and I do like them. Maybe there is a better one now and open to suggestions .

I just like to build a computer rather than buying one.

I would like a CPU that has integrated graphics . The i5 CPU I use now has that option but really never used it. I do plan on buying a good graphic card. Like I mentioned it don't have to be a gaming card.
Thanks for any suggestions. I live in the USA.

You might try working out some combinations using PC Part Picker to help you plan parts that fit in your budget https://pcpartpicker.com/.

Some thoughts...on the AMD side of things you don't have to worry about overheating as they will downclock automatically depending on temperature so just get a good cooler and be worry free. Also just a reminder TDP is contrived formula and does not reflect the actual wattage your CPU will use. Nevermind the X3D CPU's if your not gaming unless you also want much greater power efficiency but at the cost of slightly slower clocks. (that applies to 5000 and 7000 series not necessarily 9000 series X3D CPU's, best to look at reviews such as the ones TPU publishes)

• Older AMD AM4 platform and 5000 series processors and 500 series chipsets are pretty cheap these days.
  • The top tier here is the 5950x 16 core CPU but 5900x is still much more affordable at 12 cores.
  • Only the G series CPU's have integrated video. (iGPU) but also less PCIe lanes to work with.
  • DDR4 is pretty cheap these days. 3200MT/s is fine. 3600MT/s is doable. Stick to 2 DIMM kits.
  • Unofficially supports ECC RAM (except G series cpu's) but you need to be careful picking motherboards (most ASRock boards will do it, usually not MSI)
  • I wouldn't spend any more than $230 for a motherboard on this platform if your price sensitive.
  • Generally B550 motherboards are both reasonably priced and have decent VRM's.
  • Mid priced X570's should all be fine for additional features over B550.
  • Avoid any regularly priced bottom price tier of any platform 300, 400, 500 series chipset motherboards.
• AMD AM5 platform
  • DDR5 is now very affordable, 6000MT/s is the sweet spot. Stick to 2 DIMMS kits.
  • and 7000 series processorsare one generation behind so you might still find some deals after the holidays on these.
    • Has integrated Video (iGPU)
    • ECC RAM supported by CPU but must pick right motherboard as well. (usually NOT MSI)
    • Don't freak out just because the CPU hits 95c because they are designed to run to their thermal limit. Remember 95c at 150 watts is not the same as 95c at 400 watts. A good air cooler is fine. AIO is better for top boost clocks.
    • The top tier here is the 7950x/7950X3D 16 core CPU but 7900x is still much more affordable at 12 cores.
    • The 7700x is not bad either although getting the nice discounts for this CPU might be over for awhile.
    • Grab a B650 motherboard and save yourself some cash unless you need more USB and NVMe slots.
  • and 8000 series processors.
    • I have no comment but these have better iGPU if I recall but like all G series CPU's less PCIe lanes for stuff.
  • and 9000 series processors.
    • These are the new ones that just came out so more expensive.

(edit - 12/30 evening)

Of course coming off the holiday season affordability and availability well... not the best at the moment as I was just looking around.

 

[dirtyferret]

I do use Paint Shop Pro on occasion but other than that not much that requires lots of power. I do like fast computers though just as I like fast cars lol
The one I am using now is fine and plenty fast but of course my hardware requirements don't meet what I need to run Windows 11 Pro.

I understand I still have until October to get this done but wanted to go ahead and start getting what I need to put it together.
My budget is around $700 . I already have Windows 11 pro and a new SS drive. .

your demands are not very high, run Win pro 11 and paint pro shop so pretty much any modern CPU will handle both with a basic GPU. That will help keep the system within the budget you proposed as many modern gaming GPUs will blow past your budget

*mind numbing how some people can recommend a PSU without even knowing what the system is and rather sad as well

 

[Dr. Dro]

Made a solid entry level workstation build for you. Should work for your application needs. Graphics are basic since I saw you still use a R7 200 series card from many many years ago and your budget is tight, plus seems like the type of application you use would benefit from a faster processor anyhow.

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8CLz6Q

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D 3 GHz 8-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($36.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PRO A520M-C II/CSM Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($92.99 @ ASUS)
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory ($92.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Patriot P300 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($28.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: AMD 100-506115 Radeon Pro WX 3200 4 GB Video Card ($138.29 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A550BN 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $706.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-30 16:57 EST-0500

The X3D processor is usually used in gaming builds, but the large cache will benefit image manipulation programs a lot as well. 64 GB of RAM will also allow you to load very large projects with ease. The WX 3200 is basic but will work for visualization. This will also allow you to bring over your existing hard drives to the new machine. Enjoy

 

[bonehead123]

If you don't need this new rig until 10/25, I suggest you wait until about June or July to start buying the board, cpu, & gpu, as there are almost always newer/better/faster things coming out, usually a day/week/month AFTER you buy something from the previous/current generation, but that's life in the techno-world for ya

If you will be sticking with normal everyday ram, then getting it now while prices are low(er) & somewhat stabilized for the moment is probably ok. If you wanna wait on the newer CAMM to become mainstream, then so be it, but it probably won't be cheap until being adopted widely by most major mobo makers...

Anyways, happy new year & good luck with the build !

 

[Bobaganoosh]

Just to show you a couple ideas, I put some lists together in pcpartpicker.

intel i5 (14th gen) build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-14400 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor ($191.97 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B760M Steel Legend WiFi Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $640.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-30 17:07 EST-0500


AMD 8600G build (has one of the best iGPU's out there):
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 8600G 4.3 GHz 6-Core Processor ($169.72 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $688.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-30 17:13 EST-0500

Just informational...here's a build with the newest intel i5 245k (has a good iGPU, runs cool, and does pretty well on workloads, but there are some issues (check reviews), also there are new likely cheaper motherboards launching in January, so it'd be worth waiting for those probably):
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 245K 4.2 GHz 14-Core Processor ($279.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi ATX LGA1851 Motherboard ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $828.76
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-30 17:15 EST-0500
-----I'm not sure the new Intel boards launching next month are going to save you ~$130, but you might be able to find something in the $150-175 range that's good.

Notes:
1. I picked 2-dimm DDR5 as 4-dimm has trouble running as fast and 6000MT/s is a good spot for most platforms these days, especially at CL30, which these are.
2. I picked a power supply just by looking at the cheapest 500-750W supplies rated at least gold from models I know and trust. It was cheaper than the 650W version for some reason and I'm assuming that because you don't game you're not looking at throwing in some big power hungry GPU basically ever.
3. I like be quiet! cases. They are easy to build in usually and the build quality is outstanding. When picking for you, I made some assumptions from the Fractal you started with: I made sure it had a place for CD-rom drives, was simple to look at (not GAMER RGB! lol), solid panel (not glass), room for SSDs, still had at least mediocre airflow (the parts are low power). It already comes with two fans. I'd consider getting one more intake fan (here's a similar one), but you likely won't need it at all if you're not putting in a hot GPU.
4. The 245k doesn't come with a cooler, but the other two do. You don't need to buy this big cooler for the two CPUs that come with a cooler. It'll run much cooler with this cheap cooler than the ones that come with them and it's so cheap I just threw it in, but for the 14th-gen and the 8600G builds, you could try the included cooler and see if it meets your needs before buying a different one. You could also buy a smaller one that's in between the stock cooler and this beast lol.

5. Finally, this was just throwing some parts at the wall to get you thinking about what's out there. There are tons of combinations you could go with that would all meet your needs and make you happy. Read reviews on the different CPUs and try to find the closest workloads to what you do and how you'll use it to see if there's any meaningful difference between the parts for your use and what price/performance you want to go for. I put two intel systems in here because you were leaning that way, but I agree with others above that the AMD platform tends to be a better option for most people the last couple generations. The latest intel gen is good at some workloads, but it's way-overpriced right now and there have been some performance issues (It's terrible for gaming, but you're not doing that, so it's still worth considering).
(edit: fixed some grammar and added the note about the cooler that I forgot to explain lol)

 

[jumpstart]

A big thanks to all who posted. This will be of great help. Please feel free to keep those suggestions coming.

I am in no hurry to get this system built as the one I am using here at home works great. I plan on keeping this one so I would need a new case.

I totally understand about sinking a lot of money in a gaming machine. Never can tell , I may game one day as I slow down and for sure I am on the slow down side. My age has caught up with me.

I have been away from computers for a while now and I do see where things have changed since I built this computer in 2016 .

I still use the one I built in 2007 . It has Windows 7 pro on it. I use it for one program. Core Duo CPU and it is fast but I did add a SS drive about 10 years ago to it.

I didn't even know about the M.2 form factor for the SS drives until two years ago.

AMD would be fine also.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Socket AM5 build has good upgradability prospects, it should receive another architecture before it's retired. The same applies for LGA 1851 build, it will receive another architecture before it's retired. The Core Ultra processor might be interesting to someone in your shoes, but don't overpay for one. Socket AM4 has reached end of life, but as my build shows its still very much viable. You can buy a non 3D cache 16 core chip for it, but it uses older DDR4 and will not receive future upgrades. Meanwhile, LGA 1700 might receive Bartlett Lake throughout this year. Otherwise, it is to be considered end of life. It supports DDR5, PCIe Gen 5 amongst others, but CPUs tend to be more expensive. Up to you to decide whether it is worth it or not.

At $700, I would go with the Socket AM4 build I made, and since you already have an SSD on hand, you can subtract the $30 and perhaps put that towards a larger case, or a slightly better motherboard.