2500k or 4790 non-k

[Snookums]

As the thread title says which one. Currently got a 2500k and thinking of a 4790, non k, the rig is primarily for gaming so will I actually see any improvement? Or is it just a waste of money? I've already got an z87 board knocking around with up to date bios so the I'm fine there.

 

[DragonQ]

I imagine the raw speed will be pretty much the same (Sandy Bridge @ 4.5 GHz v Haswell @ 3.8-4 GHz turbo). Obviously the i7-4790 has the additional benefits of HyperThreading and newer instruction sets, plus it'll probably run cooler since it wouldn't be overclocked.

 

[Snookums]

So in reality it'll just be a side grade? With hyper threading which isn't worth the cost

 

[new boy]

Should be able to clock the 4790 to a straight 4GHz anyway on a z87 board.

 

[DragonQ]

So in reality it'll just be a side grade? With hyper threading which isn't worth the cost

Even if you already have the motherboard, it doesn't seem worth the cost of the CPU. Unless you sell your i5-2500K rig to pay for it and would actually use HyperThreading.

 

[Nasher]

You will not see any improvement, maybe a downgrade depending on what your running it at. The newer models won't clock high enough to stay ahead, unless you de-lid them maybe :/

 

[malachi]

Better off with the 4790k rather the non k as the non k base clock is 3.6ghz to 4ghz. K base clock is 4ghz to 4.4ghz.

 

[Steveocee]

Does it have to be an 1150 socket cpu?

Your z77 board will support 2600K, 2700K and 3770K CPUs all of which can be picked up cheaply 2nd hand and would be within about 5% performance of the 4790.

 

[SouthEastBlue]

You will not see any improvement, maybe a downgrade depending on what your running it at. The newer models won't clock high enough to stay ahead, unless you de-lid them maybe :/

4790 at 4Ghz (max multiplier overclock on that CPU) will match or beat an i5 2500k at 4.5ghz on every game.

I wouldn't get the non K version though unless it was a bargain.

 

[apostolis_kt]

For just gaming i would stay put and OC the Sandybridge which is still amazing. No reason to go for a DC processor especially a non K model. Unless you find it in a very good price of course.

 

[Mr Oblong]

For just gaming i would stay put and OC the Sandybridge which is still amazing. No reason to go for a DC processor especially a non K model. Unless you find it in a very good price of course.

I agree, but if you notice his 2500K is already overclocked so there's not a lot to do.

I think the advice here might be to wait a couple of generations after Skylake and see if anything's remotely worth the upgrade cost- that's my plan, anyway

 

[apostolis_kt]

I agree, but if you notice his 2500K is already overclocked so there's not a lot to do.

I think the advice here might be to wait a couple of generations after Skylake and see if anything's remotely worth the upgrade cost- that's my plan, anyway

Ops sorry i didnt notice the signature was typing my response from my phone.

I concur on Mr Oblong's advice i would wait for after skylake to come out probably the next one would show some benefits.

 

[Snookums]

I'll stick with the 2500k. Gonna always start behind in the CPU game I think, look how many generations later the 2500k has lasted/will last. Much cheaper to stay behind than to be spending £200+ on an i5 every gen. Pre owned ftw

 

[pillow]

Tbh I also have a 2500k and haven't been to compelled to update at all either.. the gains are just not worth the upgrade prices.. If the early Skylake benches are true then it doesn't look like I'll be upgrading for another year!