CPU+MOBO replacement

[zaku]

First time poster, hello to all.

I have a dilemma,

My MSI X79A-GD45 has bit the dust and I'm looking to replace it but it seem that the now 2011v3 is not backward compatible with my Intel Core i7 3820 s2011 CPU.

Fleabay commanding stupid prices for a 2011v1 mobo.

I'm need some advice or suggestions as to what processor socket to buy as to avoid this nasty surprise again come 3 or X number of year down the line.

Usage is Adobe Lightroom, seldom gaming, VMware
Budget £250-£400

Current Gear;

Akasa 62 eclipse
Corsair 32GB XMS3
Corsair H60 CWCH60
Corsair 850W HX
MSI N460GTX Hawk Edition


Thanks in advance chaps!

 

[Frank Jeagar]

I can't find an x99 motherboard, CPU and DDR4 RAM combo for £400 anywhere unfortunately...

I would recommend replacing your motherboard with a used x79 from eBay because it will still work out as your cheapest option by far even with its reduced life. After a quick search I've found a couple that look okay. There is an ASUS x79 Sabertooth there for £130 at the moment (you could get it for less with an offer). You should get a far bit of use out of another x79 board before it dies, but it is a gamble.

Personally I would go used, but you could spend £500-600 on a CPU, motherboard and RAM upgrade to 2011-3.

 

[zaku]

Thanks for a quick response Frank.

It doesn't have to be the 2011v3 route. I'm open to other alternatives such as the LGA 1150, 1151 or AMD even.
I didn't realise that things have moved considerably since the 2011v1 architect.

I'm looking to re-use my DDR3 RAM as to keep the overall cost down, I see that ASUS x79 Sabertooth you are talking but I rather play it safe.

thanks for having a look

 

[ExRayTed]

Hi and welcome to the forums

Price to performance ratio should be informing your decision here. Does an i7 with four actual cores perform that much worse than an i7 with 6/8 cores? The answer is no - when price is factored in.

Lightroom benefits from fast single threaded performance and multi-threaded during different tasks. The question to ask yourself is what do you need to run quickly? Exporting images and generating 1 to 1 previews? Then the more cores the better. General performance across the whole program? Then a 4 core i7 wil do the trick.

In your case, given the budget and your existing RAM, I'd go for a 1150 i7 / motherboard combo. The performance will likely be equivalent to your old kit - possibly a bit faster in some areas due to the higher clock speed.

 

[Frank Jeagar]

It doesn't have to be the 2011v3 route. I'm open to other alternatives such as the LGA 1150, 1151 or AMD even.

In that case 1150 all the way! Maybe a z97 or h81 board with the features you want and then an i7-4790 or an i5-4690 depending on your budget preferences

With a 4790 you would probably see similar if not better performance than before as well!