PC of the month (January 2025)

Basic gaming PC of the month ($650-800)

Processors. As previously planned, at CES 2025, Intel quietly expanded its Arrow Lake-S line of desktop processors by adding mass-market models with a TDP of 65W, as well as Intel B860 and Intel H810 chipsets for more affordable motherboards. It would seem that all the conditions have been created for the LGA1851 platform to appear in the mainstream gaming configuration. But there are nuances, and there are several of them at once, and they are all significant.

The first is that Intel has delayed the release of Core Ultra 3 processors for some reason. The situation is as strange as it gets. After the initial announcement, the updated Arrow Lake-S lineup included Core Ultra 3 205/205T chips. Detailed information about the CPU specifications appeared on the manufacturer's website, but later the mention of desktop Core Ultra 3 disappeared. According to certain assumptions, Intel was initially supposed to offer these processors to OEM partners, and then introduce them to the retail market. However, the removal of information from the website suggests a change in plans. Therefore, it is currently unknown exactly when we can expect Core Ultra 3 to appear.

The second reason why LGA1851 is still only a prospect is the range of prices for basic Intel H810/B860 motherboards. Potentially the most affordable solutions based on Intel H810 are not yet offered on the market at all. Suppliers are not in a hurry to take risks with the import of devices because of the hefty price tags for new models. And in general, even manufacturers don't seem to be counting on this category of boards - the range of announced models based on Intel H810 is very limited. Again, the absence of Core Ultra 3 chips on sale does not imply the creation of affordable LGA1851 systems.

Nevertheless, the Core Ultra 3 205 was still reviewed. So what does this model look like? For the most part, previous leaks have been confirmed. Finally, the "three" is becoming, or more correctly, will become 8-core. Core Ultra 3 205 has 4 productive cores based on the Loin Cove architecture with a frequency formula of 3.8/4.9 GHz and 4 energy-efficient Skymont cores (3.2/4.4 GHz). The total L2 cache capacity of all cores is 16 MB, and they also have access to a common L3 of 15 MB. The base TDP value is 57 W, and the maximum power consumption (MTP, Maximum Turbo Power) is 76 W. Like the older models, Core Ultra 3 205 has an NPU hardware unit with 13 TOPs. It looks good, but the upcoming direct comparison with the chips of previous generations will set the record straight.

Core i5-12400F box

Given the above, in the near future, when recommending the Intel platform for basic gaming PCs, we will rely on time-tested solutions - a Core i5-12400F (6/12; 2.5/4.4 GHz) bundle and an Intel B760 motherboard. Unfortunately, there is nothing new, but this is not a reason to be sad, because this solution is 100% worth the price. A six-core chip with Hyper-Threading support complete with a simple cooler can be purchased for the equivalent of $120. In tray-supply, this CPU can be purchased for as little as $105. The Core i5-12400 version with activated graphics is priced much higher. For the ability to use the system without a discrete graphics card, you will have to pay $155-160 for the processor. This is the case when you need to think carefully about the prospects of doing without an iGPU.

As we noted last time, the cost of simple Intel B760 motherboards continues to rise gradually. Some time ago, an acceptable model cost the equivalent of $100, but now there is almost no choice up to $120. So you also have to increase your budget a bit.

As for the platform with AMD components, despite a slightly better position, the situation in general is also hardly ideal. Those who want to build an inexpensive entry-level gaming system have to either rely on Socket AM4 with the most affordable processors(Ryzen 5 5600 (6/12; 3.5/4.4 GHz) - $110; Ryzen 7 5700 (8/16; 3.7/4.6 GHz) - $140) or choose the newer Socket AM5 platform, which does not yet offer CPUs with super-attractive price tags.

In 2025, it is still possible to build a new PC on Socket AM4, especially when it comes to entry-level solutions. But it is clear that there are few prospects here. The ongoing announcements are more of a sham to keep things active. In the future, nothing better than Ryzen 7 5700X3D (8/16; 3.0/4.1 GHz; 96 MB L3) is expected here. Although this 8-core with 3D V-Cahce will eventually revitalize the platform at a reasonable price.

If we look at Socket AM5, then the most affordable option is Ryzen 5 8400F (6/12; 4.2/4.7 GHz; 16 MB L3). It's not a bad option, but the presence of 16 MB of third-level cache holds back the chip's gaming potential. However, at the moment, this is actually the most affordable model for AM5 - it is offered for $160 in retail configuration, but in MPK version (tray + cooler) this model can still be purchased for ~$140.

The Ryzen 5 7500F (6/12; 3.7/5.0 GHz; 32 MB L3) is undoubtedly the best option for this category of gaming systems, but the price of $190-200 for the MPK version and ~$175 for the tray seems too high for the basic category.

Ryzen 5 7400F box

It is for this reason that we are looking forward to the Ryzen 5 7400F (6/12; 3.7/4.7 GHz; 32 MB L3). This model was recently mentioned on the AMD website. The actual difference between this model and Ryzen 5 7500F is only a 300 MHz lower peak frequency (4.7 GHz vs. 5.0 GHz). Otherwise, it's a typical representative of the Raphael line based on Zen 4 architecture with a chiplet structure and 32 MB of L3 cache. The recommended price has not yet been officially announced by the manufacturer, but the junior model should probably be more affordable than the Ryzen 5 7500F. This means that it may well become another hit in the sub-$150 category. There are already the first mentions of Ryzen 5 7400F on the Chinese market with a price tag of $115. In Ukraine, you shouldn't count on such values, but for $140-150 in the cooler version, such an offer would be very appropriate for basic configurations. We are waiting for it.

After the official announcement at CES 2025, motherboards based on AMD B850 and AMD B840 chipsets have already started to go on sale. Given that this is more of a cosmetic update with minimal redistribution of resources of the same Promontory 21 chips, there is no fundamental difference in the capabilities of the boards compared to their predecessors. Models with AMD B850 are similar in terms of options to AMD B650 boards, and AMD B840 is mostly the same as AMD A620. At the stage of forming new lines with a mandatory price hype at the start, we suggest that you choose a platform among the models with AMD B650 for your starting configurations.

Video cards. The launch of Intel Arc B570 10GB graphics cards was a notable event in January in the segment of components for basic gaming systems. The junior model is based on the BMG-G21 chip with 2304 active compute units, 160-bit bus, and 10 GB of GDDR6 memory operating at 19,000 MHz and offering a total bandwidth of 380 GB/s. And all this for a recommended price tag of $219 (in the US market, of course). Practical tests have shown that even after some simplifications, it is still a very worthy opponent to the GeForce RTX 4060 8GB, which is slightly inferior to the NVIDIA model in Full HD mode on average, but usually has a slight advantage in 1440p.

Intel Arc B570 10GB specs

Few cards can compete with the RTX 4060 in terms of economy, but ~150 watts in this class is a reasonable figure, given the overall capabilities and equipment of the video card. Unfortunately, the new Intel models inherit the features of their predecessors, requiring the inclusion of ASPM in the BIOS and additional OS settings to reduce the power consumption of the video card in idle mode. However, the main problem for users in Ukraine is the lack of official supplies of Intel graphics cards to our country. Models of the previous generation never made it to us, except for a few cases. We hope the situation will be better with Battlemag.

Subjectively, the Intel Arc B580 12GB looks more interesting. For an additional 14% of the price ($249), we get an average proportional increase in performance. In addition, we have a larger memory capacity with higher bandwidth, which is never a bad thing.

In general, the story of the confrontation between Intel Arc B580/B570 graphics cards and GeForce RTX 4060 8GB is convincing. We really did not mind the additional competition in this class. The opportunity to get a more affordable alternative for less money is a welcome one. Especially considering that Intel has recently significantly improved its software support, so certain problems with drivers in some projects are already becoming an exception. However, very soon, new graphics cards from NVIDIA/AMD will have to compete with Intel's graphics adapters.

It is expected that GeForce RTX 5060 will be offered by the end of the first quarter, but there is no confirmed information on this matter yet. As previously reported, the video card will use the GB206 processor, but the GPU configuration has not yet been revealed. However, it is already known that the model will have a 128-bit bus and will be equipped with 8 GB of GDDR7 memory (effective 28,000 MHz), and the bandwidth will be 448 GB/s. In addition to the timing of the official announcement and the start of sales, the recommended price remains intriguing. As a reminder, RTX 4060 was launched with a $299 price tag. We shouldn't expect this price to go down, even despite the emergence of more affordable Intel graphics cards, which NVIDIA hardly considers serious competitors.

The older GeForce RTX 5060 Ti model will use the same GB206 GPU, but with more computing and functional units. It seems that the configuration of the memory subsystem will remain the same as that of the younger model (128-bit, GDDR7). The only difference is that GeForce RTX 5060 Ti will be offered with both 8 GB and 16 GB of memory. In fact, the same approach is currently used for the current GeForce RTX 4060/4060 Ti models.

The choice of a specific version will make practical sense approximately only in March/April, as for the current options, they are well known and have remained unchanged for some time - GeForce RTX 4060 GB ($330-350), GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB ($310+) and Radeon RX 7600 8 GB. We hope that Intel Arc B580/B570 will soon join this list.

Optimal gaming PC of the month ($1200–1400)

Processors. When choosing a processor for the optimal gaming configuration, we once again start by looking at the current prices of previous generations of models. In this category, we are especially concerned with the best price/performance ratio, and in such conditions, proven solutions are still out of competition. That's why we still reserve a respectable place for Core i5-12600K/KF (6/12 + 4; 3.7/4.9 GHz + 2.8/3.6 GHz). The chips of these modifications in retail supply now cost the same (~$185), so of course the version with activated graphics is preferable, even if you have no plans to use it. There are different cases, and you can work with the iGPU for some time if necessary.

The Core i5-12600K in tray-supply has the same price, so this option is not considered, but for the Core i5-12600KF in this version, the price starts at $170. Potentially, it's an option if every hryvnia counts and you don't mind the prospect of getting a processor in a plastic blister with a 1-year warranty instead of a retail colored box with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. As for the package, all K-models of Intel processors come without a cooler, so you'll have to buy an additional cooler anyway. In addition, we remind you that the Core i5-12600K has a TDP of 125 watts and can consume up to 150 watts at its peak. So you can't get away with a simple $10-15 cooler, you need a more efficient and therefore more expensive cooler. Especially if, in addition to the CPU temperature, you are also concerned about the noise level.

It is also worth noting the price reduction for basic Core i5 models from the 13th/14th generation Core families. Thus, the Core i5-14400F in a boxed configuration can already be purchased for the equivalent of $170, while the tray version is $160. The modification with an active iGPU will cost $185-190. The price tags of the corresponding Core i5-13400/13400F models actually repeat the values for their conditional successors, and therefore they are not interesting. Despite the fact that these 14th-generation models are virtually identical architecturally, they do have slightly higher operating frequencies, so all other things being equal, the choice is obvious.

It is more difficult to choose between Core i5-12600K and Core i5-14400/14400F. The processors have almost no architectural differences. In both cases, we are dealing with 10-core chips, where the distribution is made according to the 6/12+4 principle, which implies the presence of six productive cores (P-Cores) with Hyper-Threading support and four energy-efficient cores (E-Cores). As a result, the Core i5-12600K will be slightly faster primarily due to higher operating frequencies, but it requires a more efficient cooler. While buying a Core i5-14400/14400F will cost a little less, especially if you are satisfied with the noise level of the bundled cooler. Although both options are quite workable.

Core Ultra 5 box

What about switching to LGA1851? A good question, given that Intel has really expanded the line of Arrow Lake-S desktop chips, among which there are potential processor successors for optimal configurations. Logically, we will consider Core Ultra 5 225/225F (6P+4E; 3.3/4.9 GHz + 2.7/4.4 GHz; 20 MB L3) and possibly even Core Ultra 5 235 (6P+8E; 3.4/5.0 GHz + 2.9/4.4 GHz; 24 MB L3) for this honorable "position". Why aren't they in the recommendations yet? There are several reasons. First, they are just now going on sale, and their starting price tags do not allow them to be considered for this position. For example, Core Ultra 5 225F has just been added to the range of online platforms at a price of 12,000 UAH (~$285). In general, even the recommended prices for Core Ultra 5 are quite high for models of the "fifth" series. The same Core Ultra 5 225F is priced at $241, and it is the base model of the new line.

Secondly, despite the start of sales, there is a surprisingly strange information vacuum on the web regarding the real capabilities of mass-produced Core Ultra 5. Obviously, Intel did not send the relevant samples for reviews in advance, but the chips are already on sale. Therefore, here we expect a detailed coverage and evaluation of the capabilities of the new mass-market Core Ultra 5 with a TDP of 65W, and a direct comparison with the performance of its predecessors. The "Core Ultra 5 225F vs. Core i5-12600K" head-to-head seems very interesting. I have a feeling that the new product will not surprise, especially in the gaming context. The actual performance will allow us to determine the "professional suitability" of the 10-core model. Will this configuration be enough for the most demanding gaming projects? You may need to add the Core Ultra 5 235, which has 4 more energy-efficient cores (6P+8E) than the junior model, as well as an additional 4 MB of L3. However, the recommended price tag is also higher - $257, although given that this model is offered exclusively in the iGPU version, the difference does not seem excessive.

For the Chinese market, Intel has offered a specific Core Ultra 5 230F model (6P+4E; 3.4/5.0 GHz + 2.9/4.4 GHz), which is close to the 225F in terms of characteristics, but has 100 MHz higher operating frequencies for P-Cores and 200 MHz higher base for energy-efficient cores. The processor even received a specific asymmetrical shape of the heat spreading cover (IHS), raising speculation that this CPU may not physically have an iGPU crystal on the substrate. In theory, the modular layout of the chip allows for such a simplification. We'll have to see how it turns out. We will also find out later whether the Core Ultra 5 230F will remain exclusive to China or whether the geography of availability will be expanded. In the meantime, we are waiting for the official launch of at least models intended for the global market.

Another reason why we are not in a hurry to move to LGA1851 is the availability and cost of motherboards for this platform. The general arguments have already been identified in the category of basic systems. Models based on Intel B860 cost from $160-170, and these are still single copies with very simple equipment, while most of the more interesting devices on this PCH are offered for $200+. We will make a discount for the traditional launch hype and the desire to get additional benefits. However, this is probably not the case when users will be willing to overpay for the opportunity to be among the first owners of such solutions due to increased demand.

In the case of the AMD platform, there is also some variability in choosing the optimal processor for a midrange gaming system. We have a Ryzen 5 7600 (6/12; 3.8/5.1 GHz) for $200. The presence of integrated graphics "just in case" for a modest surcharge usually justifies itself. However, when it comes to maximizing savings, the $170 Ryzen 5 7500F in the tray version will not be a misunderstanding here either, especially if you already have an AM4 cooler.

The price of Ryzen 5 9600X (6/12; 3.9/5.4 GHz) is gradually decreasing. In January, a six-core with Zen 5 architecture could already be purchased for the equivalent of $270. This is not yet the optimal value for this model, but against the background of $350 at the start (August 2024), the progress is significant. However, in the case of AMD chips, it is difficult to ignore the availability of previous generation models with very attractive price tags. Probably the Ryzen 7 7700 (8/16; 3.8/5.3 GHz) prevents the basic Ryzen 9000 from taking off. Such an 8-core without a cooler for $250 generally closes the processor issue in the optimal configuration. The retail version with a cooler costs ~$290-300.

Ryzen 5 9600 box

If you are still attracted to Zen 5 chips, AMD has prepared a potentially more affordable Ryzen 5 9600 model (6/12; 3.8/5.2 GHz), the specification of which is already available on the manufacturer's website. The model without the "X" in the name has 100-200 MHz lower operating frequencies, but is offered with a cooler. If such a version appears with a retail price tag of ~$220, it will once again escalate the debate over choosing the best CPU for an optimal gaming configuration.

Video cards. The graphic position in this class of systems is still occupied by three graphics cards - GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB ($620+), GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12 GB ($720+), and Radeon RX 7800 XT 16 GB ($560+). The model with AMD GPUs looks the most attractive financially. Against the backdrop of gradually rising prices for GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER, the relevance of the classic versions of this line has increased again. However, in anticipation of the launch of GeForce RTX 5070, the previous generation models are starting to be discontinued.

What will the new Blackwell architecture bring to the optimal configuration segment? NVIDIA claims that GeForce RTX 5070 will be able to compete with GeForce RTX 4090. Of course, only if DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation technology is used. But the achievements without magical AI transformations will surely be much more modest. GeForce RTX 5070 will feature a GB205 GPU with 6144 active cores, a 192-bit bus, and 12 GB of GDDR7 memory with an effective 28,000 MHz. The bandwidth is 672 GB/s.

For sure, the new graphics card will be faster than RTX 4070, but whether it will be able to beat even the GeFore RTX 4070 SUPER without additional "improvements" is an asterisked question. The latter has received a significant increase in CUDA cores (7168), which at one time allowed them to improve the performance of the base RTX 4070 by ~15%. So the practical comparison promises to be very interesting. We will probably find out about the results of the internal competition only in March. The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB is not scheduled to launch until the end of February, so we'll have to wait.

Radeon RX 9070 models

According to rumors, the initial plans for the prices of the new Radeons were too ambitious compared to the MSRP values officially announced by NVIDIA for GeForce RTX 5070/5070 Ti. This caused dissatisfaction among suppliers, so AMD is trying to come to a consensus with its partners. We hope to get a good gain in the class with a reasonable price/performance ratio in early spring.

Progressive gaming PC of the month ($1800+)

Processors. Another reduction in the price of Core i5-14600K (6/12+8; 3.5/5.3 GHz + 2.6/4.0 GHz) makes us put aside our doubts and continue to recommend this chip for advanced gaming configurations. We will use the forced pricing leverage from Intel, which needs to remain competitive in this segment. Core i5-14600K is a great option for $250. Yes, it won't provide record-breaking performance in synthetic 720p modes at minimum settings, but in typical conditions for the category - 1440p, High/Max - it will surely unleash the card's potential. When will we finally replace and upgrade to LGA1851? Those who want to can already spend $330 on Core Ultra 5 245KF (6P + 8E; 4.2/5.2 GHz + 3.6/4.6 GHz) without getting any advantages in games, and in certain situations, even having the opposite effect.

Intel acknowledged that there were problems with Core Ultra performance in games and even managed to assure that most of them had already been fixed, but in fact, there were no significant changes. However, it should be noted that developers did manage to improve the frankly unsuccessful initial performance in such projects as Cybepunk 2077 and Far Cry 6.

In general, Core Ultra 5/7 variants are also quite relevant for advanced gaming configurations, although if you want to get a system on the new Intel platform, you will have to pay extra without getting obvious advantages and maximum fps. Much more productive integrated graphics, a hardware NPU, and slightly better energy efficiency are all useful options for Arrow Lake-S chips beyond typical gaming PC tasks.

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Frankly, there were certain expectations that the top-end CPUs of the Ryzen 9000X3D line would receive an even larger additional L3 capacity, but the manufacturer limited itself to 64 MB. The developers claim that there are no technological problems to offer models with an additional 128 GB of cache for 12/16-core processors - 64 GB for each CCD, but this configuration no longer provides a significant increase in performance in games, but the cost of manufacturing CPUs increases significantly. AMD will use similar solutions within server chips.

Ryzen 9 9950X3D/9900X3D processors will go on sale in March (yes, it will be a busy month), and the recommended prices for these models will be announced closer to the release.

Despite the upcoming release of 16/12-core Ryzen 9000X3D chips, the fastest gaming processor has been on sale for some time. Yes, we are talking about the 8-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8/16; 4.7/5.2 GHz; 96 MB L3), which will not lose its status even with the release of older models. Slightly higher gaming performance should be achieved due to the fact that all computers are on the same chip and connected to the 3D V-Cache via the shortest path, requiring less synchronization time. However, this time the top models have even higher operating frequencies, so the intrigue remains as to whether the difference in frequencies will be enough to cover the higher latency of cache access. Practical tests will provide answers.

If you don't want to wait, and the budget for buying a system is not particularly limited, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D option will be a win-win. It seems that the situation with the availability of this model is gradually improving, so prices have begun to decline, although they are still far from the recommended ones. The CPU can be purchased for ~$700, and this is already a significant progress compared to the crazy $850-900 a month ago. This revaluation also affected the previous generation model - Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8/16; 4.2/5.0 GHz), which also became significantly more expensive "for the company". At the end of January, Zen 4 with 3D V-Cache can be purchased for the equivalent of ~$600. It is still difficult to predict whether there will be a rollback to the situation of six months ago, when this chip was offered for $400. There are no special prerequisites for this yet.

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Are such expenses justified within the framework of a progressive gaming configuration? The answer to this question lies in the personal attitude of the potential PC owner. If you want the best at any price, then the choice is obvious. If an additional $200-300 is not part of the plan, Ryzen 7 9700X (8/16; 3.8/5.5 GHz) for $370 will fully satisfy the needs of this class of systems.

In the basic version, we suggest equipping progressive gaming PCs with GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB or Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB. These are solid, predictable solutions that are great for maximum gaming settings in 1440p mode and allow you to not hold back even in 4K (within reason, of course). However, these models will soon be replaced. At the same CES exhibition, NVIDIA announced the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB, which will use the GB203 GPU with 8960 cores. It's nice that this time the basic "Ti" retained a 256-bit bus and 16 GB of memory, and GDDR7 at an effective 28,000 MHz will provide 896 GB/s of bandwidth.

GeForce RTX 5070 Ti initially received a recommended price tag of $749. Sales are scheduled to begin on February 20, and the day before that, reviews of the first models that meet the MSRP will appear. There are no Founders Edition reference graphics cards for this series. Therefore, NVIDIA will rely entirely on the engineering potential of its partners.

Potentially, the new NVIDIA "seventies" will be opposed by the Radeon RX 9070/9070 XT, which even received the appropriate name to emphasize their competitive ambitions. We hope that in early March, AMD's new products will also go on sale, and the recommended prices will correspond to their potential capabilities.

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The GeForce RTX 5090 32GB impresses not only with its performance, but also with its $1999 suggested price. At the same time, models with basic MSRPs are rather an exception in the new lines of manufacturers. Usually, original adapters are more expensive. It seems that the most expensive version of RTX 5090 is currently priced at $2800. For the US market, of course. At the same time, companies emphasize limited supplies and a certain shortage of video cards at the start. Will there be queues for the top new products this time? Photos with tents near shopping centers are already appearing online. However, so far it looks more like some staged shots to maintain a certain hype. The sale of video cards will begin on January 30.

At the same time as the flagship model, its "half-brother", the GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB, will also hit the shelves. In terms of specifications, it is actually half the size of the RTX 5090. The video card uses a GB203-400 GPU with 10752 cores, 16 GB of memory, and a 256-bit bus.

Initial reviews have shown that without the "improvers" GeForce RTX 5080 is 7-15% faster than GeForce RTX 4080. The advantage increases with the resolution. The difference is frankly not impressive, but NVIDIA emphasizes the additional capabilities of AI computing and its involvement in the generation of additional frames. Formally, the recommended price of $999 for the GeForce RTX 5080 is initially $200 lower than for the GeForce RTX 4080. However, as we recall, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER was already introduced for $999, so there are no significant changes here.

As with GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080 models will be offered at the recommended price only in exceptional cases. The vast majority of devices have received price tags of $1200-1500, and the most expensive version is estimated at $1800. We're not even going to try to guess what kind of values to expect in the local market - we'll see with our own eyes soon.