Alleviate the complete constraint Reduce the full obstruction Remove total limitation Ease the absolute blockage
Alleviate the complete constraint Reduce the full obstruction Remove total limitation Ease the absolute blockage
Start with a simple plan, focus on essential upgrades. You’ll need a CPU, more RAM, and a fast SSD. Since you’re just beginning, take it step by step and don’t rush into complex projects.
@Damsen a 2600K still holds its ground today. It was once a favorite among enthusiasts and performed well until recently. The 2600K and its ecosystem have reached the end of their prime, especially in current games. Still, a 2500K or 2600K would work great with your GTX 660, as those were the usual pairings for that model. They're excellent CPUs and can be overclocked significantly. For a more modern feel with today's memory speeds, opt for a 3930K and X79 platform—trust me, they deliver a similar responsiveness to most tasks (based on my experience with 5900X, 2700K, and 3930K systems).
Glad you're finding yourself in our mutual hobby @Damsen and welcome, however you'll soon find out there's no such thing as "no budget" in the PC building world. The term you described almost always, quite simply, doesn't exist. There is always a budget.
Sure, just to confirm—I mean an i7 2600K. You're wondering if it fits the GTX 660 and whether you need clarification on platforms since you're starting out with PC building.
Be real, without a budget, rely on the money you probably have left over later and treat it as your spending limit.
Sure, I understand. Focus on performance without worrying about costs. I’m looking for the optimal CPU setup to let both the GPU and CPU operate at their maximum capacity. I won’t be changing anything else besides the CPU. Just the essentials to fully utilize my GTX 660.
I see where you're coming from, @Damsen. It would have helped if we had been clearer earlier instead of giving vague responses. We all intended to assist, but the quality of help relies heavily on the information you share, which you haven’t provided. I completely agree with @SavageNeo. It doesn’t make sense to invest in such an outdated platform—generally, compatibility depends mainly on CPU and RAM. The reality is tough; finding good value is nearly impossible these days. Ultimately, it’s your decision, @Damsen.