Upgrade Your Gaming PC with Intel's 12th Gen Processor! Here's How
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Upgrading My Gaming PC
- Current PC Configuration
- Choosing the New Motherboard
- The Features of ROG B660 F GAMING WiFi
- Upgrading the CPU: i5-12600K
- The Role of Cooling: DT24 Cooler
- Upgrading to DDR5 Memory: XPG LANCER
- Storage Upgrade: XPG S70 PRO
- Powering the System: XPG CYBERCORE II
- Graphics Card Upgrade: AMD Radeon RX 6750XT
- Performance testing and Results
- Final Thoughts and Future Upgrades
- Conclusion
Upgrading My Gaming PC with New Components: A Review 🎮
In this article, I will be sharing my experience upgrading my gaming PC with new components. As a tech enthusiast, I couldn't resist the opportunity to enhance my gaming rig and take advantage of the latest technologies. From the motherboard to the graphics card, I carefully selected each component to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Join me as I discuss the process of upgrading and the improvements I've noticed in my gaming experience.
Introduction
Hey everyone! Welcome to my Channel. I'm Huan, and today I want to share an exciting update about my gaming PC. I recently came across some great deals on components and couldn't resist the urge to upgrade. In this article, I will walk you through the process of upgrading my PC and share my thoughts on the new components I've chosen. From the motherboard to the graphics card, I've carefully selected each component to ensure a significant performance boost for my gaming experience. So, without further ado, let's dive into the details of my PC upgrade journey!
Upgrading My Gaming PC
Before diving into the specifics of the components I've upgraded, let me give you a rundown of my current gaming PC configuration. I have two desktop setups, one in my Studio and the other in my room for entertainment purposes. Both setups serve different purposes and are equipped with different specifications.
In my studio setup, I have an AMD R9 3900X CPU and a separate water cooling system for efficient heat dissipation. This setup is primarily used for video editing and serves as my main workstation. On the other HAND, my room setup is focused on gaming and entertainment. It features an Intel i7-10700K CPU and a be quiet PURE BASE 500 case. This setup is where I relax, watch YouTube, and enjoy gaming Sessions.
Today, I'll be focusing on upgrading my room setup, which is primarily used for gaming and entertainment. The goal is to take its performance to the next level by incorporating the latest and most powerful components available in the market.
Choosing the New Motherboard
The first component I decided to upgrade was the motherboard. After extensive research, I came across the ROG B660 F GAMING WiFi motherboard from ASUS. This motherboard caught my attention due to its impressive features and compatibility with the latest Intel processors. With a price tag significantly lower than its original retail price, it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Though it didn't come with a warranty, my value-oriented mindset made it an attractive choice.
The ROG B660 F GAMING WiFi motherboard belongs to the LGA 1700 socket platform, which is a part of the renowned 12th generation Intel processors. This platform is also compatible with 13th generation processors, ensuring future-proof performance. Not only does the motherboard boast an eye-catching design with sleek RGB lighting, but it also packs an exceptional power delivery system. With its 16+1 power phases, this motherboard can handle even flagship processors like the i9-13900K.
While the power delivery of the B660 motherboard is impressive, it may be overkill for a B-series motherboard as they are not designed for heavy overclocking. However, the cost-effectiveness of this motherboard made it a compelling option for my gaming setup. The built-in WiFi capability was an added bonus, as my previous Z490 motherboard did not have this feature. All of these factors combined made the ROG B660 F GAMING WiFi motherboard an excellent choice for my upgrade.
[Resource: ROG B660 F GAMING WiFi - ASUS Official Website]
Upgrading the CPU: i5-12600K
With the motherboard selected, it was time to upgrade the CPU. Initially, I considered waiting for the release of the i7-12700 or i9-12900 CPUs, but their scarcity in the market and high pricing made them less appealing options. The performance of these new CPUs is undoubtedly impressive, but I couldn't justify the cost at the moment. Instead, I opted for the i5-12600K CPU as a temporary solution.
It's important to note that the i5-12600K is not your average i5 processor. With 10 cores and 16 Threads, it surpasses previous i7 processors in both core count and multi-core performance. Its performance easily outpaces my current i7-10700K and puts it in a higher league. The i5-12600K is a remarkable CPU for its price range and offers significant improvements over its predecessors. Though it may be considered a mid-tier option, its performance is commendable.
[Resource: Intel i5-12600K - Intel Official Website]
The Role of Cooling: DT24 Cooler
To ensure the CPU remains cool and delivers optimal performance, I decided to upgrade the cooling system as well. Previously, I used the be quiet PURE ROCK 2 cooler, which featured a four-heat pipe design. While it was sufficient for regular use, it struggled to handle intensive tasks. With the upgrade to the i5-12600K, I knew I needed a more powerful cooler to keep temperatures in check.
After careful consideration, I chose the DT24 cooler, which I had previously unboxed and tested. With its impressive 250W thermal dissipation capacity and silent operation, it proved to be an ideal choice. The installation was seamless, and I was confident that it could handle the thermal demands of the upgraded CPU.
[Resource: DT24 Cooler - Manufacturer's Website]
Upgrading to DDR5 Memory: XPG LANCER
Memory plays a crucial role in system performance, especially in gaming and video editing scenarios. With the introduction of DDR5 memory, I wanted to take advantage of its improved speed and efficiency. The XPG LANCER DDR5-6000 RGB memory kit seemed like the perfect option for my upgrade.
The XPG LANCER memory modules feature a sleek and minimalistic design, with a square-shaped metal heatsink and subtle RGB lighting accents. The overall aesthetics complemented the theme of my gaming setup. With a frequency of 6000MHz and a low latency of CL30, these modules deliver exceptional performance.
It's worth noting that these XPG LANCER modules utilize Micron A-Die chips, which offer superior overclocking capabilities compared to other DDR5 memory modules. The low latency achieved by the CL30 timing is a testament to the performance of A-Die chips. This memory kit proved to be a significant upgrade from my previous DDR4-3600 modules.
[Resource: XPG LANCER DDR5-6000 RGB Memory - Manufacturer's Website]
Storage Upgrade: XPG S70 PRO
In the era of fast-paced gaming and large file sizes, storage performance is crucial. With the introduction of PCIe 4.0 SSDs, I decided to bid farewell to my SATA SSD and make the leap to the latest XPG S70 PRO NVMe SSD.
The XPG S70 PRO features a blazing-fast read and write speed of up to 7400MB/s and 6800MB/s, respectively. Equipped with TLC NAND flash and a 2TB capacity, this SSD offers ample storage for gaming, video editing, and demanding applications. The S70 PRO boasts an excellent controller, the SMI SM2264, known for its stability and power efficiency.
The transition from SATA SSD to the XPG S70 PRO has been nothing short of remarkable. The significant increase in transfer speeds and overall system responsiveness has transformed my gaming and editing experience. With the S70 PRO, games load at lightning speed, and file transfer times have been reduced drastically.
[Resource: XPG S70 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD - Manufacturer's Website]
Powering the System: XPG CYBERCORE II
An essential aspect of any PC upgrade is ensuring a stable and efficient power supply. While I initially planned to continue using my reliable 650W gold-rated power supply, XPG surprised me by sending their latest XPG CYBERCORE II 1300W power supply.
The CYBERCORE II is an ATX 3.0 power supply with a capacity of 1300W and support for 12VHPWR interface. It is a high-end power supply with Japanese capacitors, DC-DC circuit design, and comprehensive protection mechanisms. It has received 80 PLUS Platinum certification for its excellent energy conversion efficiency, showcasing its superior performance.
To maintain a quiet computing environment, the CYBERCORE II comes equipped with the XPG VENTO PRO 120 PWM fan, developed in collaboration with Nidec. This high-quality fan offers optimal cooling performance while keeping noise levels to a minimum. The fan adjusts its speed based on the power supply's load, ensuring quiet operation during regular use.
[Resource: XPG CYBERCORE II 1300W Power Supply - Manufacturer's Website]
Graphics Card Upgrade: AMD Radeon RX 6750XT
To complete my gaming PC upgrade, I chose the AMD Radeon RX 6750XT graphics card. This card offers comparable performance to NVIDIA's RTX 3070, making it an excellent mid-range option. As someone who wanted to try out an AMD graphics card for a long-term gaming experience, the RX 6750XT seemed like the perfect fit.
With its 12GB of GDDR6 memory, the RX 6750XT delivers smooth gaming performance at 2K resolutions. It offers a significant improvement over my previous graphics card, the RTX 2060 Super, with a substantial increase in frame rates and VRAM capacity.
[Resource: AMD Radeon RX 6750XT - Manufacturer's Website]
Performance Testing and Results
After assembling and upgrading my gaming PC, it was time to put it to the test. I conducted a series of performance tests to evaluate the improvements brought by the new components. The results were impressive, confirming that the upgrade was worth every penny.
In CPU-intensive tasks, such as rendering, the i5-12600K outperformed its predecessor, the i7-10700K, by a significant margin. The multi-core performance increase was around 25%, while the single-core performance boasted a staggering 40% improvement. The i5-12600K proved to be a worthy contender, even surpassing previous i7 CPUs.
When it came to gaming, the RX 6750XT graphics card showcased its prowess. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon 5, and Hogwarts Legacy saw substantial improvements in frame rates. With the increased VRAM capacity, the RX 6750XT handled 2K gaming effortlessly, providing smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.
The XPG LANCER DDR5 memory and XPG S70 PRO NVMe SSD further enhanced the system's performance. The DDR5 memory achieved impressive read and write speeds, while the S70 PRO SSD blew past the limitations of SATA SSDs, offering blazing-fast load times and quick file transfers.
Overall, the synergy of the upgraded components resulted in a significant performance boost. The system's responsiveness, speed, and stability exceeded my expectations. From gaming to content creation, the upgraded PC provided an exceptional user experience.
Final Thoughts and Future Upgrades
My gaming PC upgrade journey has been an exciting and rewarding experience. The careful selection of components, such as the ROG B660 F GAMING Wi-Fi motherboard, i5-12600K CPU, and RX 6750XT graphics card, has paid dividends in terms of performance. The DDR5 memory and XPG S70 PRO NVMe SSD have further elevated the system's capabilities.
Looking ahead, I see room for further upgrades. As newer CPUs become available and their prices stabilize, I may consider upgrading to an i7 or i9 processor. Additionally, I may explore liquid cooling solutions for enhanced overclocking potential and lower thermals.
In conclusion, the process of upgrading my gaming PC has been a fulfilling and enlightening experience. The new components have breathed new life into my system, improving gaming performance and overall usability. If you're considering an upgrade, I highly recommend carefully selecting components that Align with your needs and budget. The joy of a faster and more powerful gaming PC is undoubtedly worth the investment.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on this upgrading journey. I hope you found this article informative and insightful. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and until next time, happy gaming!