Custom Build - Upgrading Parts - $500-600 Budget

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BrainY

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Nov 28, 2012
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Current build:
CASE: Fractal Design Define R4 Black Pearl (Stock Fans)
CPU: Intel Core i5 4670K Haswell OC @ 4.0GHz with Noctua NH-D14
MOBO: ASRock Z87 Extreme4
GPU: ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1070 O8G-GAMING
RAM: 2 x 8GB G.SKILL Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000)
SSD: Toshiba OCZ TR150 2.5" 960GB SATA III
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB 7200RPM 16Mb 3GB/s
PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W
MAIN MONITOR: ASUS MG248Q Black 24" 1ms @ 1080P 144Hz (Adaptive/Free Sync)
2ND MONITOR: ASUS VS238H-P Black 23" 2ms @ 1080p 60hz

I'm thinking about just upgrading the parts above that are highlighted in red: CPU, CPU Cooler, Mobo, and RAM.

I use my computer for the following:
Games: World of Tanks, Player's Unknown Battleground, CS:GO, Overwatch, Other new games.
I record games with Nvidia Shadowplay and the rest doesn't really matter as it doesn't take a lot of resources.

Now the questions...
1. I've never ran AMD before but am considering it, although I have no clue what's out there other than the word 'Ryzen 5/7'. I've always ran Intel and understood that for above actions, I would only need an i5 processor. i7 would be nice but I wouldn't need it. So now, I'm looking at the i5-7600k or i5-8600k. Which one would you recommend? Or what else would you recommend to consider?
2. RAM... I'm thinking 2x8GB... speed doesn't really matter for my actions, right?
3. CPU Cooler, what is good? Anything Corsair?
4. Motherboard... I have no clue what is outthere. I honestly will hardly overclock my CPU... and I will never consider running SLI. What do you recommend?

As mentioned, my budget is about $500-600. I'm calculating the following:
CPU: $250
CPU Cooler: $60'ish
Mobo: $80
RAM: $160

 
Solution
coozie7
@ BrainY: Everyone is right, for you the i5 Coffee Lake CPU would be an excellent overall upgrade, a Ryzen CPU isn't a good choice for a fast 1080 display, here Intel still rules the roost.

If you don't want to OC then going for a 'K' CPU actually makes little sense, the i5 8400 has <>95% of the gaming prowess of the more expensive i5 8600K despite the higher clocks of the @k@ CPU.

If you don't stream then an i7 is wasted money.

That immense Noctua cooler is fine and should be kept.

The tightwad suggestion: ;)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard...
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manddy123

manddy123

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I'd go with this:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - EVO Edition 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $598.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-18 14:16 EDT-0400

If you don't need PSU, you could try stretching up and getting a 8700K with a cooler
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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1. I5-8600K has more threads(6) and can OC higher that the 7600K; likely to near 5.0.
It is about as good as it gets for gaming.
You are leaving some 25% performance on the table if you do not elect at least a conservative overclock.
2. Correct, you will need DDR4 ram and speed is not a big factor for Intel.
3000-3600 speed is about right depending on the price difference. 2 x 8gb is good.
Do not spend on fancy heat spreaders which are only marketing.
3. Save your money, your NH-D14 is as good as you can do.
You will note the three *** indicating it can handle maximal overclocks:
https://noctua.at/en/tdp-guide
4. Most any Z370 motherboard will do, but your budget should probably be higher.
Asrock Z370 pro 4 is decent. About $120.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813157796
 
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BrainY

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Why the I7 8700 if you don't mind me asking?
 
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BrainY

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Thanks for the clear overview. What if I'm not considering to overclock but just want the 'K' for the higher base CPU speed?
 
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BrainY

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I don't really stream. It seems like everyone is suggesting the i5 8th series

 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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@ BrainY: Everyone is right, for you the i5 Coffee Lake CPU would be an excellent overall upgrade, a Ryzen CPU isn't a good choice for a fast 1080 display, here Intel still rules the roost.

If you don't want to OC then going for a 'K' CPU actually makes little sense, the i5 8400 has <>95% of the gaming prowess of the more expensive i5 8600K despite the higher clocks of the @k@ CPU.

If you don't stream then an i7 is wasted money.

That immense Noctua cooler is fine and should be kept.

The tightwad suggestion: ;)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: ADATA - XPG GAMMIX D10 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($161.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $430.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-18 14:39 EDT-0400

Yes...I know it's a Z370 MB but it leaves BrainY with plenty of future options.
 
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Solution
manddy123

manddy123

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Intel 8th gen i7 are the prime CPUs for gaming.
I picked the 8700 just for a matter of budget.

I didn't see that you had a Cooler already, you can easily get a 8700K and pair with it if you stretch your budget a little.
 
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BrainY

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Nov 28, 2012
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($244.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL - EVO SPEAR 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($159.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $494.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-18 15:04 EDT-0400

I'm almost thinking about this... That way I can play with my CPU if need to be.
 
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BrainY

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I think mine is worth the extra dollar :) Thanks!
 
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