Long overdue upgrade MB, CPU & RAM - advice plz

[EL Pistoffo]

My current AMD Phenom II 1090T/ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X is no longer hitting the marks for me. After 6 years of loyal but growingly flaky service it's time for an upgrade.

My main uses are video/photo editing with gaming secondary. My current PC is struggling too much with 4K video editing /rendering (laggy/crashes a lot).

I'm looking for middle of the road hardware. I don't need the top-of-the-line, pricey stuff or bottom of bucket econo-crap. I don't OC and have little use for fancy MB led lights. Solid stability is my goal. I also run Win 7 and an HD 5870 vid card (will upgrade later).

My 1st CPU choice is the I7-6700K. The MB and RAM is where it gets trick for me. There are TOO MANY choices. RAM of good
compatibility/stability with the MB is important. Good onboard soundcard/codec a plus (current soundcard ASUS Xonar DG 5.1).
.

MB budget in the $150 neighborhood.
RAM 16GB, speed/budget ?

Edit: MB will be ATX form factor. Current drives SATA SSD and HDD.
Looking to avoid the bad choice of MB I made years ago. My current board has never been able to reliably run my RAM at spec'd speed. I'd like to avoid making that mistake again.

Thx

 

[UsandThem]

Just out of curiosity I have a few questions.

Why go with a 6700k instead of a 7700k? They are roughly the same price, and the 7700k is newer/faster.

Also, since the primary use of your PC is 4k video editing, why not a Ryzen 7?

As far as RAM goes, once you select a platform, select memory on the manufacturer's QVL or by using the memory manufacturer's 'RAM finder feature on their respective websites.

 

[Bouowmx]

"middle of the road hardware": Intel Core i7-6700K? That's definitely up there, in my opinion. You can get that cheap? Otherwise 7700K or wait for Coffee Lake 6-core in August-September.

Motherboard: For Intel Z[12]70 (and likely Z370), they function very similarly. The lower end might not support NVIDIA SLI (splitting of 16 PCI Express lanes from CPU to 8/8) or have less connectivity (M.2, USB, display connectors).

RAM: Don't gimp system with bottom-tier RAM (2133 MT/s C16). Something reasonable like 2666 MT/s C15 (1.2 V) or 3200 MT/s C14 (1.35 V).

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Just out of curiosity I have a few questions.

Why go with a 6700k instead of a 7700k? They are roughly the same price, and the 7700k is newer/faster.

Also, since the primary use of your PC is 4k video editing, why not a Ryzen 7?

As far as RAM goes, once you select a platform, select memory on the manufacturer's QVL or by using the memory manufacturer's 'RAM finder feature on their respective websites.

My understanding is that the 7700K doesnt support Win 7 or 8, just 10. I have Win 7.

I've looked a little bit into the Ryzen 7. Roughly the same cost as the 6700K setup but I'm unsure of its performance for video editing. I use Sony Vegas Pro and I'm not certain of it's multicore use. Seems that Tyzen has better multicore performance while I7 has better single core. I could be wrong but I'm open to either. Back when I built my current system, Intel had clear advantage running apps compared to AMD but cost was steep. Not sure how much that applies today.

I figured I'd look into the QVL if I had too.

Thx

"middle of the road hardware": Intel Core i7-6700K? That's definitely up there, in my opinion. You can get that cheap? Otherwise 7700K or wait for Coffee Lake 6-core in August-September.

Motherboard: For Intel Z[12]70 (and likely Z370), they function very similarly. The lower end might not support NVIDIA SLI (splitting of 16 PCI Express lanes from CPU to 8/8) or have less connectivity (M.2, USB, display connectors).

RAM: Don't gimp system with bottom-tier RAM (2133 MT/s C16). Something reasonable like 2666 MT/s C15 (1.2 V) or 3200 MT/s C14 (1.35 V).

Well considering some CPU's and mobo's go for twice as much, yeah it seems like middle of the road to me. I went 6 years without needing an upgrade, wouldn't mind getting that return again. I'm not really into the waiting for the next-gen game. That never ends but if it's close by and worth it then I might consider. Issue with 7700K doesn't support my Win 7.

The chipset is unclear to me. I don't SLI, OC and features like M.2 is new to me, not even sure what it is. I'm not up to date with current tech anymore. I always use a dedicated video card and I do run 2 displays, 1080p.

I was planning on decent speed RAM. The price differences aren't that big a deal I think. I'll start with 16GB then maybe add another 16GB later. Also upgrade to something like GTX 1060 later on too.

I'm trying to shoot for $500-$600 on CPU/MB/RAM upgrade. With a liitle patience and selectivity it's doable, no major hurry.

My thing is substance over style. I don't care about flashy RGB lights and the like. Just solid, stable operation.

Thx

 

[Indus]

If you wanna go with an ASRock board and Ryzen 5 or 7 they have a utility for making windows 7 work with Ryzen.

Ryzen is much better for video editing/ photo editing and about the same in gaming.

I personally went with a Ryzen 5 1600, Asrock Killer X370 board and Gskill DDR-2400 32 GB Ram. All together it cost me like $220 cpu, $200 RAM and $145 for board (of which I will get $25 back for a rebate).

And just like you I needed windows 7. Windows 10 just sucks.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

So Ryzen, like the 7700K, is only supposed to work with Win 7. I didn't know that. So how does that utility work? Is that an ASRock propriety utility? Wow, this OS incompatibility issue sucks.

If Ryzen is a better choice I have no objections. I'll look further into it.

 

[Indus]

No the reason that windows 7 is having an issue with new motherboards of intel 7700k and ryzen is that because they don't have any native USB 2.0 ports.

Asrock's utility (which I downloaded from their motherboard driver support site) allowed me to take a version of windows 7 I had on CD and make it into a Usb stick with the USB 3.0 drivers so it can be installed on the newer motherboards and then I had no problems.

After that I just installed everything normally. Everything still has windows 7 drivers.

P.S. I got a 6 core Ryzen 5 1600. You may want a 4 core or 8 core.. depends on what you want but I'm really happy with my upgrade from a i5 3470. In lightroom exports.. I compared how long it took to do the same batch and it was about 2.4 times faster. That qualifies as an upgrade to me.

 

[UsandThem]

My understanding is that the 7700K doesnt support Win 7 or 8, just 10. I have Win 7.

I've looked a little bit into the Ryzen 7. Roughly the same cost as the 6700K setup but I'm unsure of its performance for video editing. I use Sony Vegas Pro and I'm not certain of it's multicore use. Seems that Tyzen has better multicore performance while I7 has better single core. I could be wrong but I'm open to either. Back when I built my current system, Intel had clear advantage running apps compared to AMD but cost was steep. Not sure how much that applies today.

I think the Ryzen CPU will work better for your use. Here is a video review and an article that should help you decide to go Intel or go AMD.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/68ax8g/intermit_tech_vegas_pro_14_performance_on_ryzen/

https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...2017-AMD-Ryzen-7-1700X-1800X-Performance-909/

 

[EL Pistoffo]

No the reason that windows 7 is having an issue with new motherboards of intel 7700k and ryzen is that because they don't have any native USB 2.0 ports.

Asrock's utility (which I downloaded from their motherboard driver support site) allowed me to take a version of windows 7 I had on CD and make it into a Usb stick with the USB 3.0 drivers so it can be installed on the newer motherboards and then I had no problems.

After that I just installed everything normally. Everything still has windows 7 drivers.

P.S. I got a 6 core Ryzen 5 1600. You may want a 4 core or 8 core.. depends on what you want but I'm really happy with my upgrade from a i5 3470. In lightroom exports.. I compared how long it took to do the same batch and it was about 2.4 times faster. That qualifies as an upgrade to me.

Oh I get it. Thx.

My choices would be the 1600X, 1700, 1700X. I guess it's a choice of Cores, clock speed, or both. If I can save some $ it would be nice.

ASRock has quite a few MB for the Ryzen so this takes me back to which to choose. Maybe the ASRock Fatal1ty X370 Gaming K4. It has ALC1220 audio so I could eliminate my ASUS Sonar audio card, USB 3.1. So many MB and features, it hurts my head.

 

[Indus]

Taichi is the best board and everyone raves about it. I really wanted to get it as it had 8 Sata ports but it was sold out (sold out 3 times in a row) so I went with killer.

But I don't see how you can go wrong. And most likely you'll only go with 16 GB RAM not 32 like I did so you probably have a lot more RAM options than I did. It literally took me 2 months to find a motherboard that would play well with 32 gigs and then I just pulled the trigger.

If you're even considering 8 cores, go for ryzen 7. And get a good heatsink.. I went with Deepcool Gammaxx 400 for $25. Its much better than the amd stock heatsink and its already AM4 compatible as its a latch system where it just clips onto the side clips on the board and bam done. Easiest heatsink I've installed in a long time.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

I think the Ryzen CPU will work better for your use. Here is a video review and an article that should help you decide to go Intel or go AMD.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/68ax8g/intermit_tech_vegas_pro_14_performance_on_ryzen/

https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...2017-AMD-Ryzen-7-1700X-1800X-Performance-909/

Thx for those links. It seems that Ryzen works well with Vegas Pro. I'd have to decide on which Ryzen to go with, 1600X, 1700, 1700X. Then the MB.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Taichi is the best board and everyone raves about it. I really wanted to get it as it had 8 Sata ports but it was sold out (sold out 3 times in a row) so I went with killer.

But I don't see how you can go wrong. And most likely you'll only go with 16 GB RAM not 32 like I did so you probably have a lot more RAM options than I did. It literally took me 2 months to find a motherboard that would play well with 32 gigs and then I just pulled the trigger.

If you're even considering 8 cores, go for ryzen 7. And get a good heatsink.. I went with Deepcool Gammaxx 400 for $25. Its much better than the amd stock heatsink and its already AM4 compatible as its a latch system where it just clips onto the side clips on the board and bam done. Easiest heatsink I've installed in a long time.

Hmm, I wonder what the difference is between Killer and Fatal1ty. They're very close in cost but Killer has wireless LAN which I use.

Are you using 2x16GB modules? I'd likely go with 4x8GB in the end.

I have an extra Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU cooler but not sure if AM4 compatible.

 

[UsandThem]

Hmm, I wonder what the difference is between Killer and Fatal1ty. They're very close in cost.

The Killer has really lower end audio. The Fatal1ty has ALC1220. That's the price point where most cheaper boards don't use the better Realtek audio.

 

[Indus]

Yeah Gskill DDR 2400 2x16 (it was the only 32gb combo that would work).

If you only want 16 gb you can even get DDR 3200 to work. Corsair Vengeance is a nice bet.

BTW Fatality and Killer are almost the same but I went with killer since I needed Sata ports and the board had Wifi built in.

Audio wasn't important to me as I use USB headphones anyways.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Lots of useful info guys, thx a lot. Now I feel like I'm making some headway.

Id opt for the Fatality for the better sound. I already have a USB wifi that give me a fast link.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Yeah Gskill DDR 2400 2x16 (it was the only 32gb combo that would work).

If you only want 16 gb you can even get DDR 3200 to work. Corsair Vengeance is a nice bet.

I don't absolutely need DDR 3200 if compatibility/stability will be an issue. I'd rather go with a slightly slower RAM that will work reliably.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

On the subject of CPU fans, I have a left over new Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212 Plus. With a free kit it becomes AM4 compatible. Problem is it's out of stock at Cooler Master (free) and others online sell it for too much. Thats a bummer, could have saved me a little $.

 

[Indus]

Ok this RAM ( https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232501 ) will work with SLI Killer/ac board going by the QVL at 2400 mhz rated speed.

And as far as CPU goes.. holy shit Ryzen 7 is on sale now.. I wish I had jumped on 7 now. The Ryzen 7 1700X is $349 till this friday at newegg when it was originally like $400.

Since your comps last you 6 years.. I would definitely get the best now that will last 6 years or so and not have any regrets down the line.

 

[UsandThem]

And as far as CPU goes..Ryzen 7 is on sale now.. I wish I had jumped on 7 now. The Ryzen 7 1700X is $349 till this friday at newegg when it was originally like $400.

It can routinely be had for around $300 on Ebay.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10223036-a...r-423-more-ebay-with-fs?src=SiteSearchV2Algo1

Just ignore the Slickdeals troll 'Fireballs'. He is apparently a loser who posts and argues in every single Ryzen post on that site. People like him is the reason I deleted my account there.

 

[VirtualLarry]

What about Windows Updates with Windows 7 with Ryzen? I thought that Windows 7 was updated so that it wouldn't give updates with Kaby Lake and Ryzen? Since Windows 7 is "unsupported" by Microsoft on those platforms, even if you manage to get it installed via the utility on ASRock's site?

I'm really curious. Would like to dual-boot my Ryzen 5 1600 rig if this is feasible.

 

[Indus]

Since it has support till 2020, I'm pretty sure you can get 3 years use out of it Larry.

 

[UsandThem]

What about Windows Updates with Windows 7 with Ryzen? I thought that Windows 7 was updated so that it wouldn't give updates with Kaby Lake and Ryzen? Since Windows 7 is "unsupported" by Microsoft on those platforms, even if you manage to get it installed via the utility on ASRock's site?

True, but there are workarounds for those who are determined to stay with Windows 7 (Although 10 isn't really that bad when you disable most options under the privacy section in the 'Creator's Update). I held onto 7 for a while, but I actually enjoy 10 now, but I understand why some don't.

http://www.pcgamer.com/user-patch-unlocks-windows-7-and-81-updates-on-kaby-lake-and-ryzen/

 

[VirtualLarry]

Since it has support till 2020, I'm pretty sure you can get 3 years use out of it Larry.

Not if it's on an "unsupported" platform. NO UPDATES. Have fun with WannaCry.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Ok this RAM ( https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232501 ) will work with SLI Killer/ac board going by the QVL at 2400 mhz rated speed.

And as far as CPU goes.. holy shit Ryzen 7 is on sale now.. I wish I had jumped on 7 now. The Ryzen 7 1700X is $349 till this friday at newegg when it was originally like $400.

Since your comps last you 6 years.. I would definitely get the best now that will last 6 years or so and not have any regrets down the line.

It can routinely be had for around $300 on Ebay.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10223036-a...r-423-more-ebay-with-fs?src=SiteSearchV2Algo1

Just ignore the Slickdeals troll 'Fireballs'. He is apparently a loser who posts and argues in every single Ryzen post on that site. People like him is the reason I deleted my account there.

I jumped on that ebay deal and got the 1700X for $297, thx for the heads-up. That's the 1st step. Next step is mobo. Keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal. If anyone else comes across a good deal on a mobo for my Ryzen, could you be kind enough to post it on this thread. I'll get notified via email instantly.

Thx

What about Windows Updates with Windows 7 with Ryzen? I thought that Windows 7 was updated so that it wouldn't give updates with Kaby Lake and Ryzen? Since Windows 7 is "unsupported" by Microsoft on those platforms, even if you manage to get it installed via the utility on ASRock's site?

I'm really curious. Would like to dual-boot my Ryzen 5 1600 rig if this is feasible.

True, but there are workarounds for those who are determined to stay with Windows 7 (Although 10 isn't really that bad when you disable most options under the privacy section in the 'Creator's Update). I held onto 7 for a while, but I actually enjoy 10 now, but I understand why some don't.

http://www.pcgamer.com/user-patch-unlocks-windows-7-and-81-updates-on-kaby-lake-and-ryzen/

Not if it's on an "unsupported" platform. NO UPDATES. Have fun with WannaCry.

This Win 7 support has me irked. I can still get a free upgrade to Win 10 so I think I'll just get it over with. I'll need to deal with tweaking it and getting myself accustomed to it.

What has me a little concerned is how to go about it. There are two main paths.
1. Upgrade to Win10 before installing new hardware.
2. Upgrade after installing new hardware.

Many questions come present themselves with the mouse/keyboard issues on Win7 and Ryzen .
- How is the upgrade applied to Win7? Is there a file/image than I can save for use if I need to reinstall? I own a Win7 Ultimate disc?
- What kind of success could I expect booting current drive with either OS already installed on the new hardware?
- Going with a fresh install, which I prefer since it eliminates all the old junk in the OS, what the best method of achieving this?

Really not sure how to best go about having Win7-10 upgrade and new hardware.

 

[UsandThem]

What has me a little concerned is how to go about it. There are two main paths.

1. Upgrade to Win10 before installing new hardware.
2. Upgrade after installing new hardware.

Many questions come present themselves with the mouse/keyboard issues on Win7 and Ryzen .
- How is the upgrade applied to Win7? Is there a file/image than I can save for use if I need to reinstall? I own a Win7 Ultimate disc?
- What kind of success could I expect booting current drive with either OS already installed on the new hardware?
- Going with a fresh install, which I prefer since it eliminates all the old junk in the OS, what the best method of achieving this?

Probably the easiest way to go and download the upgrade ISO from Microsoft, and do a clean install. If for some reason it won't activate with your Windows 7 key, you can to the upgrade route. All it does it move your Windows 7 install and creates a Windows.old folder that you can delete in Disc Cleanup. The problem with installing Windows 7 first is most people run into the issue of USB drivers. Starting with Windows 10, it changed and most people are unable to use a USB keyboard or mouse during installation. There's a way around this with using motherboard manufacturer utilities, or by slipstreaming drivers into the ISO. It's just easier to skip all of that if possible.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/