An AMD equivalent would be an I7-4790K or similar high-performance processor from AMD.
An AMD equivalent would be an I7-4790K or similar high-performance processor from AMD.
I was looking to purchase a used i7 4790k for about $180, but after some research, most recommend opting for an AMD CPU over an Intel one. Which option comes closest in performance to the i7 4970k while staying under $200 used or new?
You're looking at an R5 processor with a 2400GHz or 3400GHz clock speed, but it doesn't quite reach the target frequency. Their six cores perform decently, though the newer 3000 series offers better performance. The 4C/8T chips match the IPC and run slower despite similar clocks. For less than $200, an R5 3600 is a solid alternative, outperforming a 4790K significantly. You're also considering the necessary motherboard and RAM—do you have those in mind?
Likely a Ryzen 5 1600 or 2600. Based on the information from the provided links, this appears to be a high-performance processor.
You’d receive a 3600. It makes no sense to invest in a dead system when you’re already paying that price. Purchasing an AM4 chip gives better performance and future upgrades.
The Ryzen 5 2600x from the previous generation would be very close to a 4790k processor. You can usually find them for around $100. Another option is half of a 2700x chip, which fits within your budget. If you're looking to buy a used Intel CPU in that range, paying more than $80-100 feels like a waste unless you have a top-tier Z97 board and premium DDR3 memory. Otherwise, it's not worth the investment.
I agree, but highlighting upgrade options as a key feature seems excessive. Most visitors are looking for hardware improvements around 7-10 years old, suggesting their spending patterns align more with a 3-4 generation cycle. The concept of an upgrade path was emphasized during the Zen1 era, yet many here aren’t ready or interested in those changes. Someone using a 4th gen i5 has already bypassed nearly six years and three generations of CPUs—upgrade path doesn’t fit their needs.
Additionally, many B350/X370 boards raised concerns about quality, making this feature feel more like a marketing claim than a real benefit. The push for faster RAM for Ryzen has become common knowledge, turning it into a joke. First-gen Zen boards simply don’t support those speeds. For a 4th gen processor on a 300-series chipset, it’s uncertain whether it will perform adequately enough to justify the extra $90 just for a single upgrade.
In practice, this approach isn’t practical for these users. Most would benefit more from getting modern hardware upfront rather than relying on future upgrades. The idea of waiting until you’re ready to upgrade often leads to higher costs over time. I wouldn’t recommend starting with a starter CPU like a 2200G or i3 unless you plan to replace it later. Upgrade path seems mainly for those chasing the latest specs, but even then, they’re more likely to prefer a new motherboard. Ultimately, the upgrade path is better suited for enthusiasts who want the newest technology, though even they tend to prioritize getting a reliable build now rather than waiting.
4790K shows a 15% drop in IPC versus Zen 2 and is roughly comparable to Zen+ unless it remains slightly superior. It's hard to say who truly had the original concept. You can spot the Ryzen 1600 for $90 on eBay and a 2600 for $120. I’ll mention that the 2600 would likely outperform the 4790K at 5GHz. It lacks the core count needed for today’s gaming demands.
No, don't focus on building a 4790k right now unless the parts are within reach. You likely already had that planned for years. People will push you toward AMD options, but you might want to stick with it unless you care about future resale worth. AMD never holds value.
I understand that choosing an upgrade path shouldn't always come first, but it can help decide between similar systems. In this situation, I believe the OP could get a R5 2600 at a lower cost or a R5 3600 for the same budget, plus the advantage of having a reasonably affordable upgrade option later without needing to switch platforms.