Choose the i7-4790 instead of Xeon or stick with it.
Choose the i7-4790 instead of Xeon or stick with it.
Check the CPU and GPU load while playing. You're right, the GPU should handle most of the work, especially with upgrading from a 4790 to a 4790K.
I understand your view, I’m moving away from the 2699V4. The 4790 chip was released around ten years ago now. It’s often just about saving up before swapping it out, even though I wish I could say otherwise. This setup might turn into a solid retro gaming rig.
They handle tasks differently in software, and usually can't share the workload easily. Even though the 4790 is not very fast now, its integrated graphics perform poorly in most games, making a GPU upgrade a much more effective investment. It's often a smarter choice to spend more on a GPU than a minor CPU boost.
We're discussing minor percentage improvements. The best scenario would be around an 8% increase, but that's probably not enough to resolve the problem. For the HD4000 model, that won't make much of a difference either. It's pretty easy for it to easily take over.
It doesn’t really add up... I get it you’re just starting out and trying to understand things. "Exploring Haswell" isn’t particularly special—you can learn and experiment on any system you use. There’s nothing unique about Haswell that makes it different from newer options. Just upgrade your hardware and keep tinkering. I’ve been working with PCs for most of my life, and upgrading doesn’t stop the learning process.
In reality, I wouldn’t recommend it. The platform you’re using is roughly ten years old, and the main distinction between a 4790 and 4790K lies in the K version offering slightly higher frequencies and unlocked overclocking capabilities—potentially boosting performance by another 5% at most, while increasing power consumption significantly. If you’re okay investing, a modern setup could be worth it. However, if you prefer saving costs, upgrading to a newer processor or a full system might not justify the expense compared to simply enhancing your existing hardware.
It’s worth noting that the AMD Ryzen 7600 is a reasonably priced budget CPU, often available for under $182 on NewEgg. In contrast, the cheapest 4790K I found on eBay was around $60. Despite its age and used condition, the Ryzen 7600 can rival your current i7-4790 in performance while using only a third of its cores. This means you could likely reuse most of your existing case, power supply, and storage without major issues.
For RAM, DDR5 is now affordable, with kits available for under $50. You can easily get a 16GB configuration for the same price as a basic 4GB DDR4 setup. The upgrade path is straightforward, and many guides are available online to help you through the process.
When it comes to building your own system, resources like YouTube tutorials from creators such as Linus, Gamers Nexus, and Jays2Cents provide clear instructions. Once you’re comfortable, experimenting with modern components is manageable.
Regarding performance expectations, Intel 4th and 5th generation chips are designed for servers and data centers, not high-end gaming. They typically have lower clock speeds and fewer cores, making them less suitable for mainstream gaming compared to modern consumer CPUs. If you’re serious about gaming, consider a more recent processor instead of trying to squeeze in older hardware.
Upgrading from an outdated system can be challenging, especially if the original components are still functional but not optimized. It’s often more practical to focus on incremental improvements rather than a complete overhaul. Once you have a modern setup, you can explore more advanced options like dedicated GPUs for enhanced gaming experiences.
4790K achieves a score of 4936 in Cinebench R23, offering a straightforward method to assess computing performance without gaming emphasis. An undervolted Ryzen 3200G scores 3986, featuring only 4 cores and threads, operating at reduced frequency and lower overall power consumption. Currently priced around $30, its integrated graphics significantly outperform the i7 4790K. Haswell technology is outdated; many systems with it are being phased out. These parts are ideal for non-gaming, non-computing tasks such as running standard desktop applications on Linux. Once Windows 10 reaches end-of-life, these systems won’t support Windows 11 due to missing security features and hardware requirements. Investing in compatible components is crucial—consider adding a quality graphics card and ensuring your power supply meets modern standards. If the existing setup is outdated or unsafe, replacing it with current parts will save you money and improve reliability.