i7 10700k VS i7 14700k

[Uri_Fede]

Hi,

I currently have this PC:

i7 10700k
Msi Z490 Gaming Plus
32GB 3600
Rtx4070ti Super
RM850 80 Corsair Gold Power Supply
Liquid Cooling, 2 fans, 280mm total

I'm thinking of upgrading for about €630 on sale:

i7 14700k
Msi Z790 Gaming Plus
32GB 6000

Is it worth the upgrade?

I play 1440p

I use it for gaming and Photoshop.

Will it work with the cooling and power supply I have?

Thanks

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi Uri_Fede,

Thank you for reaching out regarding your potential upgrade from the i7-10700K to the i7-14700K system. I'd be happy to help you evaluate this upgrade path.

Performance Considerations: The i7-14700K offers significant improvements over the i7-10700K, including higher core count (20 cores vs 8 cores) with Performance and Efficiency cores, better single-thread and multi-thread performance, enhanced performance for both gaming at 1440p and Photoshop workflows, and support for faster DDR5-6000 memory which will benefit both gaming and creative applications. You can find detailed specifications at: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/236783/intel-core-i7-processor-14700k-33m-cache-up-to-5-60-ghz/specifications.html

Your RM850 80+ Gold Corsair power supply should be sufficient for the i7-14700K system. The 14700K has a base power of 125W and maximum turbo power of 253W, which is within your PSU's capacity, especially paired with your RTX 4070 Ti Super.

Regarding your 280mm liquid cooling solution, you'll need to verify socket compatibility between LGA1200 (Z490) and LGA1700 (Z790). Most modern AIO coolers include mounting brackets for both sockets, but you should check with your cooler manufacturer to confirm compatibility or if you need an updated mounting kit.

For your use case involving gaming and Photoshop, liquid cooling is particularly beneficial as it efficiently distributes heat over more convection surface area than air cooling, allowing for reduced fan speeds and better acoustics. This is especially important for CPU-intensive tasks like photo editing and rendering. Liquid cooling also does a better job of relocating heat outside of the system via the radiator fans, rather than dispersing it into the case like air coolers do.

For more detailed information about cooling solutions, you can reference: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/cpu-cooler-liquid-cooling-vs-air-cooling.html

Upgrade Value: At €630 for the CPU, motherboard, and DDR5-6000 32GB memory, this appears to be a solid upgrade that will provide noticeable performance improvements for both your gaming and Photoshop work. Let me know if you have other questions.

Best regards, 

Dean R. 

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[Uri_Fede]

The i14700k has as many instability and heat issues as they say?

Also, I was looking at the i17 12700k for €239, which is a more reliable processor?

With the i7 12700k will I notice a difference compared to the i7 10700k?

Thanks.

[Uri_Fede]

The total cost of the CPU, motherboard and DDR5 is around 530 euros.

[Uri_Fede]

And if the i7 12700k is worth it, can you install a dual 32GB DDR5 (2x16) 6000/6400Hz?

Thanks.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi Uri_Fede,

Thank you for your follow-up questions regarding the processor upgrade options. I'm happy to address your concerns about the i7-14700K and provide specific information about the i7-12700K alternative. 

Intel has addressed stability concerns through BIOS updates and improved power management. When properly configured with updated BIOS and appropriate cooling (which your 280mm AIO should provide), the i7-14700K operates reliably. The key is ensuring your motherboard has the latest BIOS with Intel's recommended power settings. 

Specific Performance Differences i7-10700K vs i7-12700K: 

Gaming Performance (1440p): 

• i7-10700K: 8 cores/16 threads, up to 5.1GHz 
• i7-12700K: 12 cores (8P+4E)/20 threads, up to 5.0GHz P-cores 

Memory Performance: 

• i7-10700K: DDR4-2933 native support 
• i7-12700K: DDR5-4800 native support (6000+ with overclocking) 
• Memory bandwidth improvement: ~50% with DDR5-6000 

Power Efficiency: 

• i7-12700K uses Intel 7 process (more efficient than i7-10700K's 14nm) 
• Better performance per watt 
• Lower idle power consumption 

Recommended Motherboard Options for i7-12700K: 

• ASUS Prime Z690-P 
• Any B660 chipset board for budget option 

Yes, the i7-12700K with Z690/B660 motherboard fully supports DDR5-6000/6400 with 2x16GB configuration. At €530 total cost (CPU + compatible motherboard + DDR5), the i7-12700K option offers excellent value, reliability, and substantial performance improvements over your current i7-10700K. 

Best regards, 

Dean R. 

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[Uri_Fede]

Great!

I'm going to buy the i7 12700k.

For the i7 12700k and an MSI Z790 Gaming Plus, will a 32GB DDR5 Dual XMP 3.0 6000Hz CL30 work well? Or will I run into instability issues?

Thanks!

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi Uri_Fede,

Thank you for your question about DDR5-6000 CL30 memory compatibility with the i7-12700K and MSI Z790 Gaming Plus motherboard.

Regarding memory compatibility and stability, Intel always recommends using memory at standard specifications for optimal stability and reliability. For the i7-12700K, the native DDR5 support is DDR5-4800.

While DDR5-6000 with XMP 3.0 profiles can work with the i7-12700K and Z790 chipset, please note that:

• Intel's official recommendation is to use memory at standard speeds (DDR5-4800 for i7-12700K)
• Any overclocking, including XMP profiles, is done at your own risk
• Memory overclocking results can vary based on individual CPU memory controllers, motherboard design, and specific memory modules
• Some systems may require manual tuning of timings or voltages for stability at higher speeds

The DDR5-6000 CL30 memory you're considering should be compatible with your setup, but if you experience any instability issues, you may need to:

• Run the memory at lower speeds (DDR5-5600 or DDR5-4800)
• Manually adjust timings and voltages
• Update to the latest BIOS version

For the most stable experience, especially for your gaming and Photoshop work, consider starting with the memory at JEDEC speeds and then testing higher XMP profiles if desired.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Uri_Fede]

If I buy 6000Hz DDR5, can I lower the XMP frequency to 5600 or 4800 and it will still work properly?

If I disable XMP on the 6000Hz DDR5, will it work at 4800Hz?

And finally, if I manually lower the frequency from 6000Hz to 5600Hz, would it be the same as buying specific 5600Hz DDR5 memory?

Thanks!

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi Uri_Fede,

Thank you for your detailed questions about DDR5 memory frequency adjustments with your planned i7-12700K and MSI Z790 Gaming Plus setup.

Regarding your specific questions about DDR5-6000 memory frequency adjustments:

Yes, DDR5-6000 memory can typically be run at lower frequencies like 5600MHz or 4800MHz. When you disable XMP on DDR5-6000 memory, it should default to standard speeds (DDR5-4800 for the i7-12700K). However, for the most accurate and detailed information about memory compatibility, frequency adjustments, and optimal settings for your specific DDR5 kit, I recommend contacting the RAM manufacturer directly. They will have the most comprehensive knowledge about their memory modules' capabilities, supported frequencies, and compatibility with your motherboard.

Please remember that any overclocking, including XMP profiles and manual frequency adjustments, is done at your own risk. Memory stability can vary based on individual CPU memory controllers, motherboard design, and specific memory modules.

For the most stable experience with your gaming and Photoshop work, I continue to recommend starting with standard speeds (DDR5-4800) and then testing higher frequencies if desired.

The RAM manufacturer's technical support will be your best resource for specific guidance on frequency adjustments and compatibility with your chosen motherboard.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi Uri_Fede,

I wanted to follow up on the previous message regarding your inquiry. Have you had a chance to review it? If you have any questions or need further information, please let me know. 

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi Uri_Fede,

As you have been unresponsive, I will proceed to close this thread. If you wish to continue the discussion or need further assistance, please feel free to create a new thread. This will help us provide focused support and ensure your concerns are addressed effectively. 

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician