FX 6100 upgrade

[JLarks]

So at present I have a FX 6100 running at 3.8 GHz. I have also recently upgraded my GTX 660 to a 970 as it was quite cheap.

I have been wanting to move over to Intel for some time, but have reached a bit of dead-end when choosing what to go for. I have narrowed it down to either the i7 4790k, 5820k or 6700k. Part of the upgrade would also be for a new CPU cooler. I have been leaning towards the Noctua NH-D15 as I am not 100% confident using a ILO water cooler.

I will be primarily gaming, typically MMO/FPS/RPG. I have looked at getting an i5, although I am also looking to get into video editing. Also I assume the i7 would be more 'future proof' than an i5 if games start using more cores? (or does multi-threaded cores not work like this?)

Im quite stingy and will probably end up buying the motherboard and CPU second-hand. Any suggestions? My total budget would be around £500

Thanks!

 

[JLarks]

None of those CPUs are common on the SH market so that will probably dictate your choice tbh.

I'm not sure if I can link to other shops, but I am looking at buying either of the 3 CPUs in the OP from a trade-in shop in town. 1 because I have a lot of old games I can trade in for a voucher and 2 because it seems to be very cheap (about £50 less than current brand new prices).

Has anyone had a problems buying a 2nd hand CPU?

 

[JLarks]

A cheap upgrade may be an FX8350 and overclock to 4.8 - 5.0ghz, this may give you a cheap medium term fix.

Wait till all the new gfx hardware etc comes out and see what happens from there?

However if you are set on changing an i5 seems to be a safe bet.

I hadn't really though about upgrading to an FX8350. Do you reckon an air cooler would be able to reach those kind overclocks you mention?

 

[JLarks]

I would have mentioned this but
1. It depends a lot on your motherboard and many can't do a good job of feeding an FX-8. What's yours?

I currently have an ASUS M5A99X EVO (not the r2.0 version). https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A99X_EVO/

Would I see any noticeable difference in FPS in games like GTA V/WoW by upgrading to an FX8350? It seems I may be best just making do with what I have until the new CPUs are out later this year

 

[JLarks]

I had very good overclocking with that board and an FX8350 and air cooling (Phanteks cooler).

Up to 5GHz for benching (not prime). Everyday usage 4.5GHz plus turbo running cool and quiet.

Did you cool the VRM heatsink when overclocking? Some guides I have been reading up on regarding overclocking these AMD boards has suggested doing this.

Also is there any difference once overclocked between the 8320/8320e/8350? Or is it just that the 8350 can reach a 'higher' clock?

 

[JLarks]

I run a small 60mm fan mounted directly above the VRM heatsinks, it does make a good difference.

Main difference between different CPUs is the factory clock of them. My 8320 hits 5.0 stable but I run it at 4.8.

Do you have a guide or video of how to install the custom fan above the VRM? 4.8 would be a great step-up from my 3.8 6100 if I could get a similar chip.

Do you reckon it makes no major difference between 8350 or 8320?

 

[JLarks]

So I am looking at just buying an FX83xx CPU as a temporary upgrade until the new CPUs are out later this year.

I am also looking to get a 'proper' CPU cooler as my Arctic Cooler Freezer 7 Pro is not really up to the job.

What would you guys suggest:

Buy a CPU cooler and just overclock my current 6100?
Buy a CPU cooler and an FX83xx (not sure which one though to pick?) and overclock this?
Say yolo and spend like £500 on an 5820k (as that seems to be the 'best' CPU to upgrade to at present)

Thanks!

As a side joke to this, I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not sure

 

[JLarks]

Sounds like a solid plan. Now to figure out what cooler to buy. Why are there always so many choices!

 

[JLarks]

Thank you for the information and pictures nkata, very useful! I am thinking a second hand 83xx processor would be a good choice. Seems I should be able to get pick one up for £100 fairly easily.

Regarding ZEN, is this going to be using a new chipset, or the current AM3+?

Also how does the SST-HE01 compare to the Noctua NH-D14/D15?

Thanks again!

 

[JLarks]

Seems the best decision is to buy a new CPU cooler and go from there! Now does anyone have a spare DH15 lying around they don't need?!