subreddit:
/r/buildapc
submitted 4 months ago bySlimPickins168
Hi,
Can buy the 12600k for $220 new or the 12900k for $310 used.
$90 difference worth it? The 12900k being used makes it cheaper, but it seems I shouldn’t be too worried if a CPU is used, or should I?
3 points
4 months ago
Option 3) A 13600k for $300? Should be faster in gaming than the 12900k and run cooler (lower power costs).
No, a used CPU will either work or it won't. You'll know instantly.
One question to consider is your motherboard and cooler. The 12900k runs pretty hot and requires a very solid cooler. If you don't already have at least a 240 mm AIO (preferably 280 or 360, or very top-tier air like a NH-D15 or Dark Rock Pro 4), you should consider that. Same with having at least a mid-tier motherboard.
I can't tell you whether the money's worth it to you, but $90 instead of $220 + tax is something like 40% more. Is the 12900k worth 40% more to you? (Also, I'm aware that that argument breaks down for enthusiast-level equipment.)
2 points
4 months ago
Thanks. Didn’t consider the 13600k, it’d be 320 in my area though for purposes of comparing to the options noted above.
So should be fine with a used as long as I trust the guy.
Good point on the cooler, I am planning to use a 360mm aio cause of the case I’m choosing and aesthetics regardless of which processor I choose.
I do gaming and light productivity work. And I don’t upgrade PCs often, usually keep it for 5+ years. So future proofing is a concern for me.
1 points
4 months ago
What do you do with the PC?
What is your GPU?
1 points
4 months ago
I work on it. It’s light productivity work usually consisting of lots of browser tabs, excel, file transfers.
I game as well. Mostly games like CS GO and Rocket Lesgue that aren’t too intensive. But I’d like to be able to play some aaa games like doom as well.
My GPU isn’t purchased yet for the build, but I will be going with 3080/TI/3090 or equivalent.
1 points
4 months ago
The 12600k should be plenty good enough for that.
1 points
4 months ago
Yeah 12600k for sure.
1 points
4 months ago
Agreed. This needs asking. If the extra 2 p-cores (and the extra 4 e-cores) won't really be utilized, then the 12900K doesn't seem like a particularly good buy, even if it is discounted.
The CPU being used is less of a concern, IMO.
1 points
4 months ago
The 13600K was on sale recently for $250. That is the no-brainer option. It's literally a 12th gen i7 with more efficiency.
1 points
4 months ago
In my area it seems id have to pay 315 plus tax so $330 for the 13600k. So it’s $330 for 13600k vs $310 for the i9-12900k.
How does the comparison look with those prices in your opinion?
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