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A new computer

L

Llorca11

n00b
Joined
Jul 23, 2025
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I have to assemble a new computer and I'm rather confused , looking for some guidance.

My recent computer was based on a Gigabyte Z97X mobo, that was supposedly addressed at gaming fans, though I was never one.

And now I'm in awe to assemble a new computer because I'm not sure which path to follow.

The gamers path is expensive and unnecessary for my application, which at most would involve some video editing, but not even using a dedicated GPU board, and instead using the mobo own video output. My experience with GPUs has been expensive and frustrating, because the boards died quickly in spite of being top brands and models.

So which mobo to base my new computer on, that is very well made, reliable and recommended by users. It should have an Intel CPU, using four DDR4 or DDR5 memory slots, and having at least four SATA terminals. HDMI output is a must too, as well as ready to be part of a home video network, which is my main use.
 
If you want intel and ddr4 you need to go for the 14000k generation or older (which is perfectly fine), pcpartpicker can you filter for your need once you have picked a cpu, it will show you only compatible boards for it:

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/motherboard/

and you can add criteria, like sata port, memory slots, those are very basic specs that virtually all regular size motherboard will have:
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/motherboard/#f=2&K=4,13&v=2&sort=price&N=4,16&mt=ddr4

once you find one that fit, you can google its name + specs
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-B760-TOMAHAWK-WIFI/Specification

And look for onboard graphic to be sure that it is not only displayports if you do not want to use an adapter and if the max output fit your need:

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-B760-TOMAHAWK-WIFI/Specification
Onboard Graphics1x HDMI™
Support HDMITM 2.1 with HDR, maximum resolution of 4K 60Hz*
1x DisplayPort
Support DP 1.4, maximum resolution of 8K 60Hz*
*Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics. Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.

and sure that everything is in order.
 
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like this
1768491665698.png

might be the simplest option if all you need is a basic desktop....
otherwise id say go with a B850 and a ryzen 5, whatever fits your budget (?)
 
Llorca11 said:
I'd prefer to go with Intel CPU, no Ryzen. Can you recommend any such mobo?
Click to expand...
the one that as an a good combo deal with the ram you want on a store you do not mind buying from when you do, not sure you need to have any specific model, they would pretty much all do what you want quite well.
 
Llorca11 said:
Sorry to disagree. I prefer Intel CPU.
Click to expand...
of course if you are use to quicksync for your video work, i am saying that pricing/deals could be more what would decide what you pick than deciding a motherboard before hand (because you do not need anything special, everything will do it perfectly fine) or do you need/want a lot of nvme without needing a pci-card and so on, otherwise look for deals and among them pick the motheboard that has the hdmi ports you need.
 
Llorca11 said:
Sorry to disagree. I prefer Intel CPU.
Click to expand...
why? do you need it for something specific or are you just stuck on "intel no matter what" from the old days?
ps: the b760 already mentioned is all you need if youre building something yourself.
 
These comments I got with Google.

You prefer Intel for video editing if you prioritize faster H.264/H.265 (common camera/streaming formats) encoding/decoding via Quick Sync Video, strong single-core speed for apps like After Effects, and responsive live editing/streaming previews, while AMD often excels with raw/ProRes footage and heavy multi-core tasks like 4K/8K timelines due to more threads. Intel's integrated graphics accelerate specific codecs, offloading the GPU, making it great for short-form content, whereas AMD shines in demanding, multi-threaded complex workflows.

When to Choose Intel:

  • Fast Codec Acceleration: Quick Sync is a hardware feature that dramatically speeds up encoding and decoding of H.264/H.265 (HEVC) formats, common from mirrorless/DSLR cameras and streaming.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: Often preferred for Adobe applications due to strong single-core performance and Quick Sync benefits.
  • Motion Graphics: Higher single-core speed benefits After Effects, improving preview and render times.
  • Live Streaming/Short-Form: Quick Sync and strong single-core performance ensure smooth previews and fast exports for social media (Reels, TikTok).
When to Choose AMD (for context, as it's the alternative):

  • Heavy Multi-Tasking/Raw Footage: More cores/threads handle complex, multi-camera, high-resolution (4K+) timelines and background renders better.
  • Long-Form/Color Grading: Superior multi-threading excels in demanding tasks like documentaries and heavy color grading.
  • 3D Work: Often leads mainstream platforms in raw 3D rendering performance.

Key Intel Technologies for Editing:

  • Quick Sync Video: Offloads video encoding/decoding from the GPU, freeing it for effects.
  • Hyper-Threading: Improves performance for background tasks and intensive edits.
  • AVX-512: Accelerates heavy image, audio, and video processing.
In Summary: Intel offers specific hardware advantages (Quick Sync) that directly benefit common video workflows, especially when dealing with compressed footage and needing quick turnaround, while AMD often provides raw core power for extremely demanding, multi-threaded professional workflows.
 
so are you video editing or setting up whatever a "home video network" is? (security cams?!)
either way, you have your answer: b760 or b860 and an i5/u5 that fits your budget.
 
Intel tends to be more power hungry, if you are splitting hairs on efficiency of video editing, this has a cost tethered to it as well. If you are just streaming video, it isn't going to make a noticeable difference. Just get more cpu for your dollar IMO.

Also don't use AI. It spits out whatever it feels like. See below


1. Superior Multi-Core Performance
Video editing, especially rendering and exporting 4K or 8K projects, is a heavily threaded task.
  • Higher Core Counts: AMD Ryzen processors typically offer more physical cores and threads than Intel counterparts at similar price points, which accelerates background rendering and decoding of raw footage.
  • Workstation Dominance: For professional Hollywood-grade editing, AMD's Threadripper series offers up to 64 cores, far exceeding the core counts available in Intel's consumer and enthusiast lineups.

2. Efficiency and Thermal Management
AMD's Zen architecture (such as the Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series) is generally more power-efficient than Intel's current high-end offerings.
  • Lower Power Consumption: AMD chips often deliver comparable or better productivity performance while drawing significantly less wattage.
  • Better Thermals: Because they use less power, AMD processors typically run cooler, reducing the risk of thermal throttling during long export sessions and allowing for quieter, more affordable cooling solutions.

3. Long-Term Platform Value (Socket Longevity)
One of AMD’s biggest advantages for creators is its commitment to socket longevity.
  • Upgradability: AMD's AM4 socket supported multiple generations, and the current AM5 socket is expected to be supported through at least 2027. This allows editors to upgrade their CPU for better performance in a few years without buying a new motherboard.
  • Intel Board Cycles: Intel typically changes its socket every two generations, forcing users to buy a new motherboard almost every time they upgrade their processor.

4. Pricing and Value
AMD frequently offers a better "price-to-performance" ratio for productivity tasks.
  • Cost of Entry: You often get more cores for less money with AMD, allowing you to reallocate your budget toward other critical editing hardware like high-speed RAM or a powerful GPU.
 
pendragon1 said:
and an i5/u5 that fits your budget.
Click to expand...
Which i5/u5?

I will be using my old faithful Avid to complete a suspended editing I have, and the export it to DaVinci.

I'm willing to improve my video streaming if I can, and I'm not interested in IA.
 
Llorca11 said:
Which i5/u5?

I will be using my old faithful Avid to complete a suspended editing I have, and the export it to DaVinci.

I'm willing to improve my video streaming if I can, and I'm not interested in IA.
Click to expand...
One that fits your budget. You never mentioned that in previous posts.
Or.......
You get an AMD processor with mobo and shove an Intel B580, or other budget fitting card, in it...... Bam, herpes. More than one way to skin that cat. It's not rocket surgery.

Intel isn't what it used to be. Qsync is nice, if the software you use supports it, but in day to day use, you, specifically you, probably won't know the difference.
 
DogsofJune said:
One that fits your budget. You never mentioned that in previous posts.
Or.......
You get an AMD processor with mobo and shove an Intel B580, or other budget fitting card, in it...... Bam, herpes. More than one way to skin that cat. It's not rocket surgery.

Intel isn't what it used to be. Qsync is nice, if the software you use supports it, but in day to day use, you, specifically you, probably won't know the difference.
Click to expand...
Still missing are any suggestions based on what I would prefer: an Intel CPU. Why not suggest one mobo?
 
What I would do, Is buy an HP workstation that is off lease or used one to two generations old or so. Get it with an I7. They don’t go for a lot of $$$. You can go down to 8th-9th gen dirt cheap.

Keep in mind that Sata ports often de activate when M.2 is used and that goes for any board. It’ll be in the specs which ones work otherwise. Also using 4 memory slots vs 2 can actually make it operate slower. Don’t populate 4 slots to save money. Yes 4 8’s will get you 32gb but 2 16’s is better.

Since your on a Haswell era machine, anything you buy 6 years or newer is going to be light years faster than what you have.
 
matt167 said:
What I would do, Is buy an HP workstation that is off lease or used one to two generations old or so. Get it with an I7. They don’t go for a lot of $$$. You can go down to 8th-9th gen dirt cheap.

Keep in mind that Sata ports often de activate when M.2 is used and that goes for any board. It’ll be in the specs which ones work otherwise. Also using 4 memory slots vs 2 can actually make it operate slower. Don’t populate 4 slots to save money. Yes 4 8’s will get you 32gb but 2 16’s is better.

Since your on a Haswell era machine, anything you buy 6 years or newer is going to be light years faster than what you have.
Click to expand...
First of all I don't live in the USA or Europe, so I can't get an "HP workstation" as easily as you can "up North". I live in Brazil. So I have to be careful on what I buy, even when it's new.

Second, why can't I get the newer ready for Intel instead? I want the newer, just not from AMD.

Yes, I plan to get four slots of memory, but just use two with 16GB each from Gskill or similar. So can we start by suggesting some Intel mobos?
 
What the fuck is your budget, and perhaps genuine suggestions may happen.

We have no way of knowing what you have to spend, where you reside, at least not until the 17th post, but some how, some way we are supposed to guess your mind and choose what you are specifically looking for..... Fun for us.
Help us help you.

Find yourself a b760 motherboard from Gigabyte, Asus, or MSI, (whatever AI tells you is best), grab a 13th or 14th gen Intel, and whatever else you need.
Do you have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, power supply, cooling, storage already? Or has AI have a biased opinion on those items as well?

Might want to grab a motherboard that uses DDR4 being that DDR5 is at ridiculous pricing currently. Again, what is you budget? We don't know how broke assed you are

There are my guesses, good luck on your quest.
 
Thanks for waking things up and work in the real world.
My budget is around $900-1000, and I intend to reuse the Aluminum case, which is perfect, with silent 120mm fans all over, and the EVGA 750w power supply. If I have problems with the latter I will buy a new one.
Mobo will be Gigabyte B760 DS3H; Corsair Vengeance RAM 32GB DDR5 5200 MHz; Intel Core i5 14400 14ª Geração 3.5 GHz (4.7 GHz Turbo) Cache 20MB LGA1700 - BX8071514400
This is my first approach with local prices. They take about 80% of my budget.
A friend here advises me to go with an i7 cpu instead of i5. it is what I had on my Z97X.
I have looked at the B760 manual, and I don't like it not having a DVI port to use in case the HDMI socket blows. Mine did on my Z97X.
I need more SATA sockets, so I will add a PCIE x6 SATA sockets board.
This is my first approach to a reasonable working combo.
What do you think and what would you change or add?
Instead pretty insecure to go the AMD path.
In any case I won't definitely use a GPU, so I do need a working 4K on board video output.
 
Last edited:
Just to be fair and don't deny what might be an alternative solution, please do suggest a lasting AMD system, without GPU, that I could try instead of an Intel based one.
I might be wrong on my misconceptions. I'm listening.
 
Most of us are US-based and don't know your local pricing. It would be best for you to post some options that are within your budget and we can make a recommendation on what option provides the best bang/buck.
 
and if you know the program/codec you want to use, some of them has still some just for Quicksync out there I think. Deal on motherboard-ram kit will probably want should orient your decision.
 
Llorca11 said:
In Summary: Intel offers specific hardware advantages (Quick Sync) that directly benefit common video workflows, especially when dealing with compressed footage and needing quick turnaround, while AMD often provides raw core power for extremely demanding, multi-threaded professional workflows.
Click to expand...
The caveat there is that for heavy multithreaded workloads Intel often wins on price/performance unless you're looking at high end CPUs, like comparing a Ryzen 9 to a Core Ultra 9 or i9. The big winner in AMD's lineup is the R9 9950X. Otherwise Intel tends to be cheaper. Ryzen 7 & Ryzen 5 aren't priced too differently compared to u7/i7 & u5/i5, respectively, but Intel gives you a bunch of e-cores and the same number of p-cores as AMD has total cores. In a load like video editing where the e-cores are useful that tends to put Intel ahead until you start looking at Ryzen 9 and more than 8 cores.

Another catch with AMD is they don't put their good integrated graphics on their fast desktop CPUs. The APUs do have good integrated graphics, but they're weaker on the CPU side. Lower clocks, less cache, max 8 cores, etc. Then you're still dealing with AMD encode/decode support for video work. AMD is basically 3rd in video stuff after Intel and NVidia. An AMD APU a trade-off of CPU performance & video encode/decode for iGPU performance, but that's not a trade I'd think you'd want to make.

The change I'd consider making to your proposed build is look into using Arrow Lake rather than Raptor Lake. Gamers love to hate on Arrow Lake since it's a bit slower in gaming than Raptor Lake and love AMD because the X3D chips are the fastest thing out there for gaming. Outside of gaming Arrow Lake often does well. Arrow Lake is a big integrated graphics upgrade from older Intel generations and comes with the latest version of QuickSync. It's also more power efficient and easier to cool than Raptor Lake, and the boards have more modern features. WiFi 7 is common, USB4 built into the CPU, a few more PCI-e lanes, etc. So I'd look into Core Ultra 2xx and a B860 mainboard. I don't know what prices are like in your country, but in the US I can get a Core Ultra 5 245k for about the price of the Core i5-14400 you're looking at and a 265k is ~$80 more.
 
zandor said:
Another catch with AMD is they don't put their good integrated graphics on their fast desktop CPUs. The APUs do have good integrated graphics, but they're weaker on the CPU side. Lower clocks, less cache, max 8 cores, etc.
Click to expand...

They have more than 8 cores.
 
Axman said:
They have more than 8 cores.
Click to expand...
I meant desktop APUs. So listed as desktop on AMD's web site, and something you can plug into a mainboard. 8700G is as high as that goes for now, and they have 8 cores and less cache than a 9700X but a much stronger iGPU.

Strix Halo is a beast, but that's laptop. Soldered to the board, soldered ram, gotta buy a laptop or mini-PC to get one, and AMD lists it as a laptop chip. Maybe someone makes a board with a Strix Halo and ram soldered on for you. That wouldn't surprise me.
 
i7 14th gens Intel are impacted by the degradation issues.

Curious OP,. WHY are you SO against AMD processors?
 
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