This PC is super personal, as with this budget we will see what equipment I would assemble at this precise moment in history. Of course, in the previous post we saw a similar setup, but that assembly was focused on an AMD team. But what team would I assemble at this precise moment in history if I wanted an Intel team and had a budget of 900 dollars?
Yes, as you may know, I am a content creator who needs a powerful PC for video editing and rendering. Also, in my few moments of leisure, I would like to enjoy the gaming section in 1440P resolution. For those who liked the previous post but are not convinced to have an AMD team because they are lovers of Intel, here we will see a very similar performance team, with the same budget that has absolutely nothing to envy the previous team.
So what Intel team could be ideal for me that could also be ideal for you? Well, stay until the end to know why each piece was chosen and why.
1. Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K
The i5-12600K is one of the best quality-price processors that Intel offers us for this time. This processor has a performance similar to the Ryzen 7 5700X, having the same number of work threads 16, but separated into a hybrid architecture of 6 high-performance cores and 4 efficient cores, for a total of 10.
This CPU is perfect for anyone who wants a balanced processor in terms of power and economy. Compared to the previous budget we have a performance advantage of around 3% according to benchmarks, but with the disadvantage of getting a little hotter, having a TDP of up to 150W. However, with acceptable cooling this processor becomes the best option for those Intel lovers who like me want a team that serves them for good quality editing, streaming and games spending as little as possible.
- Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s performance hybrid architecture on an unlocked processor.
- Integrated Intel UHD 770 Graphics
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Intel Core i5 Deca-core (10 Core) 3.70 GHz processor offers hyper-threading architecture that delivers high performance for demanding applications with improved onboard graphics and turbo boost
- The Socket LGA-1700 socket allows processor to be placed on the PCB without soldering 16 MB of L3 cache rapidly retrieves the most used data available to improve system performance
- Intel 7 Architecture enables improved performance per watt and micro architecture makes it power-efficient
Although this processor is a bit hotter than the previous budget’s one, the same cooler will still be recommended as it is 100% up to par for this CPU.
2. Cooler: ID-COOLING SE-226-XT
You might think that because it has a TDP of 150W this processor needs liquid cooling, but the truth is it doesn’t. The ID-COOLING SE-226-XT has everything you need to properly dissipate this i5-12600K. It can dissipate processors up to 250W and although the working temperature will be slightly higher than with Ryzen 7 5700X, it will still be in a super suitable range so you don’t have to worry about having any kind of thermal brake. This cooler for me still holds the crown for being good, beautiful and cheap.
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The all-black CPU cooler comes with 6 heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to make sure excellent heat transfer from the CPU.
- 【PWM Fan】The 120mm PWM fan delivers Low-Noise for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation for extreme CPU cooling performance. Max. Air Flow: 76.16CFM; Noise Level: 15.2-35.2dB(A)
- 【100% RAM Compatibility】Noninterference with memory mounting due to the specially tilt heatsink design.
- 【6 Heatpipes with Copper Base】The pure copper base is accurately soldered with 6 copper heatpipes, the flat machined surface touches the CPU evenly and conducts heat extremely fast.
- 【Compatibility】The CPU air cooler supports most Intel & AMD sockets like Intel LGA1700/1200/2066/2011/1151/1150/1155/1156 and AMD AM4/AM5
Well now that we have the base of this assembly let’s see what would be the motherboard that I would choose to accompany this CPU.
3. Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B760-PLUS WiFi D4
As you already know I am a lover of Asus’s TUF-Gaming line and yes we also have this line present for Intel’s 12th Generation. In this case the TUF Gaming B760-PLUS WiFi D4 board is the one I consider perfect for me since with this board along with this processor we have compatibility with PCI Express 4.0 and 5.0 so both now and in the near future we would have a team with the ability to support any graphics card without it being limited in any sense.
And if we add to that its expansion capacity its multiple and varied connectivity ports WiFi6 Ethernet of 2.5 GB and how beautiful it is we have the motherboard that for me is perfect for this assembly.
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 13th Gen Intel Core processors & 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Enhanced power solution: 12+1 DrMOS power stages, six-layer PCB, 8+4 ProCool sockets, military-grade TUF components and Digi+ VRM for maximum durability
- Comprehensive cooling: Enlarged VRM heatsinks, M.2 heatsinks, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4
- Latest connectivity: PCIe 5.0 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, front panel header for USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and Thunderbolt (USB4) header support
- Made for online gaming: Intel WiFi 6, Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, TUF LANGuard
- Two-way AI Noise-Cancelation: Reduces background noise from the microphone and audio output for crystal-clear communication in games or video conferences
It is important to note that the i5-12600K has integrated graphics which are decent for games and basic activities but in order to get the most out of this configuration we need a video card.
4. Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC 8G
This is not a written rule, but I don’t know why, but most of us when we think of an Intel team, our mind thinks of an NVIDIA graphic. Well, for those who don’t think so, you can buy the RX 6700 that we recommended in the previous post, but for those who like to combine Intel with NVIDIA without a doubt this RTX 3060 Gaming OC 8G is the best for this assembly, thinking of course between a balance of power and price.
And if you wonder why a 3060 and not a 4060, it’s because the 4060 in terms of performance is on average only 12-15% better than its predecessor, but in prices some models exceed it by more than $60, which could be considered little or much depending on our pocket, but in my particular case it’s not worth spending if at the end of the day you can do with a 3060 practically the same as with a 4060, so as long as the 3060 continues to be in stock, it will continue to be the best quality-price option if you want an NVIDIA card that is good, beautiful and cheap.
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
- 2nd Generation RT Cores
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores
- Powered by GeForce RTX 3060
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory interface
- WINDFORCE 2X Cooling System with alternate spinning fans
- 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4
And with these components we have the base of what will be our assembly, let’s see what other components complete this synergy.
5. Ram: PNY XLR8 Gaming 32GB (2x16GB) 3600MHz
These RAM memories have full compatibility with Asus’s Aura Sync, so you can configure the RGB without any problem. They support XMP 2.0 profile and have a frequency of 3600 MHz. We also chose to have 32 GB of memory that will give a perfect balance to this assembly and above all they have a design that goes very well with this motherboard.
- Experience of benefits of a PC Memory Upgrade with the ability to run more demanding applications simultaneously, and at faster speeds, for a better, smoother, computing experience
- Extreme overclocked performance DDR4 Desktop Memory designed for PC enthusiasts and gamers and supports Intel XMP 2.0 Support
- Customize you PC’s color and lighting effects, without the need for additional cables or connectors using the supported Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync and ASRock Polychrome Sync software
- Exceptional performance with a frequency speed of 3600MHz (PC4-28800), and backwards compatible with: 3200MHz, 3000MHz, 2933MHz, 2800MHz, 2666MHz, 2400MHz, 2133MHz
- CAS Latency of 18, 1.35 Volts
- English (Publication Language)
For storage we will use one of the brands that has given us the best quality-price
6. Storage: M.2 Crucial P3 Plus 1TB
The Crucial brand has this very capable 4th Generation M.2 that becomes a very solid option for being one of the best quality-price options on the market. We are talking about being able to reach 5000 MB/s read and 3600 MB/s write speeds. It has a 5-year warranty and 1 TB will be more than enough for our programs and games without worrying about the future since our motherboard has an expansion capacity of 3 M.2s so in the future we can expand memory without problems if needed.
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 650K/800K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
- We can be contacted here: Toll-free for US & Canada: 800-336-8915 Phone: 1-208-363-5790 Email: [email protected] Hours (MST): Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm
- English (Publication Language)
Now it’s time to see what power supply we will use to power this configuration.
7. Power Supply: XPG Core Reactor 80 Plus Gold 650W
This XPG power supply is super solid since we are talking about a power supply with an 80 Plus Gold certification which makes it extremely efficient in terms of energy consumption and to have that certification it must have very good quality components. It is also modular which makes cable management much easier. In addition its 650 watts are more than enough to power this configuration and more in case we think about a more powerful mid-range video card in the future.
- 80 Plus Gold Certified. High efficiency operation with low noise level.
- 120MM FDB fan with intelligent fan control.
- High-quality Industrial-grade Japanese capacitors for extra reliability
- Fully modular cables for a simple and tidy build.
- 10 Years Manufacturer warranty
