4790K Worth Upgrading?

Baden · 2 Nov 2018 at 11:27

Hi Guys,

Had my 4790k for a few years now and wondering if its now time for a upgrade? I only use my machine for gaming. I game at 1440p if that helps and have a 1080Ti.

Not to worried about the cost as I won't be looking to upgrade again for another few years, just want the best gaming performance.

tamzzy · 2 Nov 2018 at 11:28

if it's just for games, then not quite yet.
an overclocked 4790k can still keep up with the best currently.
there's nothing on the market that will give a good value upgrade IMO

(i'm still running a 3770k with a 1080ti)

snips86x · 2 Nov 2018 at 11:29

Personally I wouldn't bother. Mine is running at 4.5ghz with a 980Ti and having no issues.

wedrum · 2 Nov 2018 at 11:30

Nope keep it

Baden · 2 Nov 2018 at 11:38

Cool, Damn this chip is definitely holding its value! Going to ask maybe a silly question but with still been on DDR3 ram is going to DDR4 make it worth upgrading?

tamzzy · 2 Nov 2018 at 11:44

Baden said:
Going to ask maybe a silly question but with still been on DDR3 ram is going to DDR4 make it worth upgrading?

no. and besides, barring a few specific circumstances, you'll need a full platform change (cpu/ram/mobo).

The Artfull Bodger · 2 Nov 2018 at 12:00

As above. I wouldn't bother. Went from a 4790k @ 4.7 to an 8700k @ 4.9 on a 3440 X 1440p 100hz with a 1080ti. Can't tell a difference in game, wish I hadn't upgraded tbh including the ddr4 running twice as fast.

malachi · 2 Nov 2018 at 13:57

I'm sort of.....upgrading?!?!?! from an 4790K to 2700x. I wouldn't of bothered but I am moving to a smaller build. So was better to sell all my old kit and buy a smaller board for a newer CPU and RAM.

Will be interesting to see what the performance will be like, if any!

martos123 · 3 Nov 2018 at 21:40

I’m running a 4770k and am hanging on to see what AMDs next cpus are like before i upgrade. At 1440p GPU is more important and as your running at 1080ti I doubt there be a noticeable bump in upgrading.

McGraw · 4 Nov 2018 at 16:15

I’d love to have reason to upgrade my 4790k but I only game and it would be a lot of money for no real gain.

Participant · 4 Nov 2018 at 16:22

This is why 4790ks second hand are holding their value incredibly well.

twistedheat · 4 Nov 2018 at 16:22

I have a feeling you could probably just about hold onto (or make work) the 4790k until DDR5 is released, if 2020/21 is an accurate ETA, especially if you get a decent overclock on like 4.5ghz+

NinjaCool · 4 Nov 2018 at 16:55

The next big CPU release will be the 7nm Zen 2 from AMD in early/mid 2019, so unless you need more cores now, I suggest you wait for the next CPU generation to arrive and see how it performs.

Baden · 5 Nov 2018 at 13:36

Crazy to think how long its been holding its value, definitely one of the best buys i'v made for my build.

delvey · 5 Nov 2018 at 13:43

If you could reuse your RAM then maybe. But as you have to buy DDR4 then no

Webster · 5 Nov 2018 at 13:49

malachi said:
I'm sort of.....upgrading?!?!?! from an 4790K to 2700x. I wouldn't of bothered but I am moving to a smaller build. So was better to sell all my old kit and buy a smaller board for a newer CPU and RAM.

Will be interesting to see what the performance will be like, if any!

I went from a 4790k -> 1700x -> 2700x -> 8700k

All of it was a waste haven't really noticed any increase.

Was fun building it all though and trying the new platforms.

CaptainRAVE · 5 Nov 2018 at 13:56

My 4770K @4.5Ghz and a 1080Ti has only been maxed out in AC: Origins and an upgrade doesn't seem to yield many additional fps. I figure the next gen games will need an upgrade, but at that stage I might even bail for a console. Tired of Nvidia pricing, constant PC tweaking etc.

Bluntwrapped · 5 Nov 2018 at 14:30

I went from a 4.8GHz 2700k years ago to a 5ghz 3770k. It’s been the best chip I’ve ever owned and is still going strong. If I can get another year or so out of it I’ll be happy

Baden · 5 Nov 2018 at 14:53

CaptainRAVE said:
My 4770K @4.5Ghz and a 1080Ti has only been maxed out in AC: Origins and an upgrade doesn't seem to yield many additional fps. I figure the next gen games will need an upgrade, but at that stage I might even bail for a console. Tired of Nvidia pricing, constant PC tweaking etc.

I have recently just got a PS4 Pro for RDR2 and God of War for my 4k TV, have to say i do miss the simplicity of just boot up the console and gaming on the couch. No messing around to get the settings right. So i feel you on the next gen games.

CaptainRAVE · 5 Nov 2018 at 15:28

Baden said:
I have recently just got a PS4 Pro for RDR2 and God of War for my 4k TV, have to say i do miss the simplicity of just boot up the console and gaming on the couch. No messing around to get the settings right. So i feel you on the next gen games.

Just a couple of weeks ago I went to boot up only to be presented by a black screen. Had to do a full system install again. Apparently the new Nvidia drivers created an issue with my BenQ 144Hz monitor. Who knows if this will be resolved in a future patch, but I am not keen on testing it out again. I am at the age where I just want to get home, plonk myself on the sofa and game straight away. Plus my only way to 4K game at the moment is over Steam link to my Samsung TV which is iffy at best. Next gen will be the time for me I think.