The summary of ‘Best Intel i5 13600K Gaming PC Build 2023 | DDR4 vs DDR5, Motherboards & More!’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:20:45

The video provides a comprehensive guide on building an optimal gaming PC using the Intel i5-13600k processor, emphasizing its impressive gaming and multi-threaded performance. Details include essential components like memory (DDR4 vs. DDR5), motherboards (Z690 vs. Z790), and cooling solutions. The i5-13600k, unlocked for overclocking and featuring six performance and eight efficiency cores, offers competitive performance against high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 7700X. The video advises on the ideal GPU pairings, favoring the RTX 3070, 3080, or Radeon RX 6800 for gaming builds, but also suggests the RTX 4080 and 4090 for high-end configurations. When comparing DDR4 and DDR5, the video notes only a minor performance improvement with DDR5 despite its higher cost. For motherboards, Z690 is preferred due to robust features and better overclocking capabilities at a comparable price. Additionally, key cooling recommendations include the Deepcool AK620 and Scythe Fuma 2. PSU choices are critical due to the high power demands, with suggestions ranging from 1000W to 1200W depending on the build. The video highlights the importance of balancing budget and performance, especially when considering premium components and future-proofing aspects. Overall, practical advice is provided for various builds, from budget-friendly to high-end gaming PCs, ensuring viewers can make informed decisions based on their specific needs.

00:00:00

In this segment, the video addresses building an optimal gaming PC using the Intel i5-13600k processor. It highlights essential components such as memory, motherboard, and cooler that are recommended for the build. The Intel i5-13600k and 13600KF offer remarkable gaming performance comparable to top CPUs of 2022. These CPUs are unlocked for overclocking with compatible Z690 and Z790 motherboards and support DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. The processors feature six performance cores and eight efficiency cores, slightly faster than their predecessors with higher TDP. The i5-13600k excels in multi-threaded workloads, competing closely with the more expensive Ryzen 7700X and outperforming other Ryzen models. The segment also briefly mentions power supply considerations, hinting at further discussion later in the video.

00:03:00

In this part of the video, the speaker compares various CPUs, emphasizing that the differences are negligible for non-professional users. Highlighting gaming performance, they note that the Intel i5-13600K and KF are among the fastest when paired with DDR5 RAM and the RTX 4090. Performance differences are small compared to other CPUs, and higher resolutions reduce these differences further due to GPU limitations. They advise that either the i5-13600K or KF is a solid choice, but the 13600K is more suited for professional-level video editing due to Intel’s quick sync technology. For gaming, a minimum GPU pairing recommendation is an RTX 3070 or 3080 or a Radeon RX 6800, to avoid CPU overspending. They suggest that the 13600K can handle top-tier GPUs like the RTX 4080 and 4090 well.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the differences between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM for the i5-13600K CPU, highlighting that DDR5 only offers about a six percent performance improvement over DDR4 at 1080p with an RTX 4090. However, DDR5 is significantly more expensive, and it may be more cost-effective to invest in other upgrades like a better graphics card or cooler. Users are advised to prioritize current needs rather than future-proofing with DDR5, as its specs may eventually become outdated. The segment also explores motherboard options for the i5-13600K, recommending Z690 motherboards over B660 due to better overclocking capabilities, more robust VRMs, and comparable pricing. BIOS flashback functionality is also mentioned as necessary for 600 series motherboards.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses updating the BIOS to a version that supports the Intel i5-13600k processor. They compare Z690 and Z790 motherboards, noting that while Z790 has slightly better DDR5 compatibility, for most users with DDR4, there is effectively no difference. The recommendation remains to go for cheaper Z690 motherboards with robust gaming features such as upgraded audio codecs (ALC 1200, 1220, 4080), solid VRMs, BIOS flashback, and multiple M.2 slots. They specifically recommend the Gigabyte Gaming X 690 DDR4 and the ASRock Z690 Extreme DDR4 for their solid performance and affordability. Budget options like the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z690 and MSI Pro Z690-A are also mentioned for those less concerned about advanced audio features.

Next, the best CPU coolers for the i5-13600k are discussed. This CPU is designed to run at a thermal throttle limit of 100°C, and even with high-end 360mm liquid coolers, it can still hit this thermal limit. Therefore, it is suggested to use at least a 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler or high-performance air coolers such as the Deep Cool AK620 or Scythe Fuma 2. Cooling solutions have become more affordable recently, offering performance on par with older, more expensive models. It’s also recommended to tweak the fan curve to reduce noise while maintaining performance.

Finally, there’s a focus on power supply units (PSUs) due to the high power consumption of the i5-13600k and companion GPUs. Proper PSU sizing is crucial, and they refer to their previous video on PSU sizing rules, noting that often 1200W or greater PSUs are needed for such builds.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the presenter discusses considerations and recommendations for building different types of PC setups. Key points include the importance of choosing a reliable power supply unit (PSU) rated at least B-tier or better. The presenter compares several build configurations: a budget DDR4 build, a more premium DDR4 build, and a DDR5 build, each compared to the 5800X 3D and 7600X CPUs.

For a lower-end budget build, the dual-tower air cooler (specifically the Thermalright Peerless Assassin for $40) is recommended for its balance of cost and performance. The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming motherboard is advised over B660 models due to power limitations in the latter.

Standard memory configuration suggested is 2x8GB DDR4 3600 CL16 RAM, and the Radeon RX 6800 XT is recommended as the optimal GPU for this platform, with a suggestion to consider lower CPUs like the i5-12400 or Ryzen 5600 if opting for a cheaper GPU.

For the power supply, a 1000W PSU is chosen, indicating that depending on the system, a PSU between 1000W and 1200W might be necessary. The total cost for the build is noted to be $728, excluding common components across builds, and the overall comparison with alternative builds like 7600X and 5800X 3D is briefly introduced.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses performance comparisons between different CPUs and their suitability for gaming and productivity. The 13600k, with slower DDR5 memory, is expected to be on par with the 7600X in gaming but will significantly outperform it in productivity tasks. The 5800X 3D, despite its gaming edge with the 6800 XT at 1080p, also benefits from a lower cost and compatibility with cheaper B550 motherboards.

For more premium builds, the speaker suggests upgrading the motherboard to one with better audio and VRMs, such as the ASRock Z690 Extreme, and enhancing the cooling system, potentially using the Deepcool AK620 or liquid cooling alternatives. Memory speeds should be balanced to avoid asynchronous operation. Investing in a higher-end graphics card, like the RTX 3090, and opting for a power supply of at least 1000 watts (or 1200 watts for safety with a 3090 Ti) is recommended. The updated GPU options (e.g., RTX 4090, RX 7900 XTX) provide more power efficiency and better performance traits.

00:18:00

In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses the cost and benefits of building a PC with different CPUs, including the 13600k, 7600x, and 5800x 3D. They emphasize how upgrading components like motherboards, coolers, and DDR5 memory affects the overall price. The 5800x 3D benefits from cheaper, feature-rich B550 motherboards and does not require extensive cooling, making it a cost-effective option. On the other hand, the DDR5 memory for the 7600x, while providing high performance, increases costs significantly. The presenter notes that DDR5 memory prices and specific high-end motherboards (e.g., z690) have dropped, which somewhat mitigates the expense. They conclude by highlighting the importance of waiting for further price drops to make DDR5 builds more viable and encourage viewers to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, and checking the provided links for additional resources.

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