Hey everyone, today we’re diving into the exciting world of PC building as we construct a high-performance 12th Gen Intel i5 PC. This build is specifically tailored for my friend in sunny Florida, who’s looking to engage in some light gaming and tackle video editing tasks. Let’s explore the components and the build process in detail.
Hardware Components
1. CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K
- Cores: 10
- Threads: 16
- Description: The Intel Core i5-12600K, part of the 12th Gen Intel processors, is the heart of our system. With 10 cores and 16 threads, it promises excellent multitasking capabilities for both gaming and video editing.
2. Motherboard: MSI Z690A Pro
- Form Factor: ATX
- Features: This motherboard boasts four DIMM slots and stable RAM support. It’s a dependable choice for our build, offering the necessary features without breaking the bank.
3. RAM: Crucial Ballistix 32GB
- Speed: 3200MHz
- CAS Latency: 16
- Description: We’ve chosen 32GB of Crucial Ballistix RAM for this build. Its reliable performance and XMP compatibility make it a great choice for a variety of tasks.
4. Storage
- M.2 SSD: Western Digital SN550 500GB
- 2.5-inch SSD: SK Hynix Gold S31 1TB
- Description: Our storage setup includes a speedy 500GB M.2 SSD from Western Digital and a capacious 1TB 2.5-inch SSD from SK Hynix. Together, they provide ample space for games, applications, and media files.
5. CPU Cooler: Arctic LF2 A-RGB
- Description: To keep our Intel i5-12600K running cool, we’ve opted for the Arctic LF2 A-RGB cooler. Not only does it perform well, but its A-RGB lighting adds a touch of style to the case.
6. GPU: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- Description: The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is our graphics card of choice. It strikes a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for gaming without excessive power consumption.
7. PSU: Legion HX Gold 750W
- Certification: 80 Plus Gold
- Description: Powering our system is the Legion HX Gold 750W PSU. It’s reliable and efficient, ensuring stable power delivery to all components.
8. Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow
- Description: The Corsair 4000D Airflow case is a standout choice due to its excellent cable management capabilities and superior airflow design. It offers a sleek look and keeps temperatures in check.
Build Process
- During the build process, we paid close attention to cable management, resulting in a clean and visually appealing interior. A well-managed build not only looks great but also aids in maintaining optimal airflow for cooling.
- The PC booted up smoothly without any issues, confirming that all CPU pins were securely in place and components were correctly connected.
Benchmarks
- All benchmarks were conducted at 1440p resolution with a high refresh rate of 144Hz to fully exploit the system’s capabilities.
Gaming Performance
- Apex Legends: This popular battle royale game ran seamlessly, maintaining an average FPS of 120 on high settings. It provided an immersive gaming experience.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Despite its demanding graphics, Cyberpunk 2077 was playable on high settings with an average FPS of 52 (with ray tracing set to ultra). The game showcased the system’s capabilities.
- Dying Light 2: In this game, we observed an average FPS of around 60 on high settings, indicating smooth gameplay. Further exploration will reveal more about its performance.
- Fortnite: Fortnite offered a constant 144 FPS on high settings, the cap of our monitor’s refresh rate. It’s more than sufficient for competitive gaming.
- Halo Infinite: The game delivered an impressive 110-120 FPS on high settings, promising an enjoyable gaming experience. Performance may vary in different game modes.
- PUBG: With most settings on high and the view distance set to ultra, PUBG provided an almost locked 144 FPS experience, ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors.
Windows 11 Experience
- Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 was relatively smooth, but a few minor inconveniences were encountered.
- For instance, Windows 11 requires an internet connection for installation, which can be challenging without drivers for Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection.
- Switching audio output devices, such as from speakers to headphones, was more complex in Windows 11, and some users may find it less intuitive.
Final Thoughts
This 12th Gen Intel i5 PC build has proven to be a robust performer for 2K gaming. The MSI motherboard, despite a few BIOS adjustments, worked well. The Corsair 4000D case impressed with its cable management and airflow, but it had limited front I/O options. The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Ti kept cool during testing. Overall, it’s a successful build that promises a great gaming experience.