Upgrading my PC setup

I recently went from an i5 8600k to an i7 13700k system.

IMO, not worth it. I hardly notice a difference. I'm sure the system is faster, but really it was just a good way to burn up a few thousand dollars.

In any case, I guess it really depends on your application.

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Looking to do a PC upgrade and will be changing from an Intel i5 chip to an AMD chip that will be TBD.

This will require a new motherboard so I’m looking for suggestions. Anyone an expert in this field? I’ll need slots for 32gigs of RAM but other than that, I can’t remember what I need to make sure I get in a MB. I built this PC 8 years ago

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Depends on your price range and what you're looking to be able to accomplish with this rig.

Even if your usage case isn't gaming, you'll probably get more replies on the Gaming board. But regardless, happy to help out here.

My CPU went out 2 weeks ago so I upgraded to an AMD 5900X and a new GPU 6700XT. I don't know how dated your current setup is but the M.2 slots for hard drives are great but most new motherboards will have that I presume.

AMD is moving to the AM5 chipset instead of AM4 so that may be something to think about. More future proof I suppose if that is a huge concern.

I've been using MSI boards for a long time, and either XFX or Sapphire video cards. I'm not bleeding edge at all (My RX 580 is still serving me perfectly fine) and went with the X570 Tomahawk with an AM4 5600X about two and a half years ago. RAM was cheap, so I have 64GB.

As another poster said, the M.2 based storage is great. Make *sure* whatever you buy has a heat sink.

Make sure you get a new power supply, even if you're using the same case, and go at least partially modular, fully modular if you can. Cases have come leaps and bounds in the last 5-6 years.

My 2.5 year old build

Keep in mind:
1)The mobo cost $200, not what it is quoting now.

2)I already had the GPU, the Corsair cooling rig, and the optical drive.

3) RAM is still cheap, although not as cheap as I bought it. $140 for 32 GB in two sticks ain't bad. Pick a mobo brand, check the compatibility list, and buy the RAM you want while cheap. It's not perfect, but it'll almost certainly work. You must strike while the RAM iron is hot (cheap), prices can flex 250% in 18 months. Don't get caught buying at a peak. At worst, if your RAM doesn't get added to the compatibility list of the board you want before you build, you can list it on ebay and take a profit, and use it to cover the increased cost of the DDR5 you actually want. In my experience, "verified" RAM from reputable vendors is more of a way to force a warranty return with less of a fight, and not much functionally. Corsair, Viking, Crucial, G.Skill, and whatever stuff I jammed in my rig according to the PcPartPicker list link above has all been fine. The manufacturers update the RAM compatibility lists usually at least once a quarter, it's just as they test it according to procedures.

4) I bought components over a 6-9 month period before final assembly. Don't be afraid to do the same.

5) You probably almost certainly don't need the current flagship chipset X670/E, the B650/E will probably be sufficient. The MSI MAG B650 is $260. TBH, there's a tendency to only include one USB C port in front (header that provides a place to plug into your case with a front facing USB C port), and one in back, regardless of whether you have anything but the $500+ mobos (which in MSI's case seem to be the "Pro" or "Creator" series, which give you two in the rear. Yay.)


A CPU/Mobo combo like this might work, depending on your preferences.

Do NOT put 4 8GB modules to get to 32GB, you'll just regret it. Do whatever you need to do in order to spend the extra to get 2x16GB to avoid the ebay pain later.