Consider your needs and compare options before deciding.
Consider your needs and compare options before deciding.
Hey everyone. I started my first build about five years ago using a G3258. It worked great for a long time and really got me into PCs. Eventually, I upgraded to a 4690k, but even then, the dual-core wasn’t enough. I moved on to a 4790k—had to swap out my 960 a few weeks back when it failed, and now I have an RX 580. Thinking about adding a 4790k to this setup or buying a new one? This machine holds a lot of memories for me, but I’m aiming for top performance soon. I might even gift it to my girlfriend someday. Any ideas? I’ve attached some photos of the rig now.
I believe that upgrading to a newer CPU will require a new motherboard and RAM.
No one should purchase a 4770k or 4790k right now. A 4770k costs between $100 and $120. The 1600AF is just $85 and provides superior performance (though it requires a new motherboard and RAM). I strongly suggest checking out x79 builds for a more affordable upgrade. A Xeon e5 1650v1 (equivalent to i7 3930k) is only $50-55 and includes six cores and twelve threads. The main drawback is the expensive motherboards, but local sites like Craigslist or marketplace often have great deals on these components. With your current setup, I’d recommend seeking inexpensive upgrades locally.
Sure, if it holds sentimental worth and you're okay with the cost, that's fine. I value having the top tier of my setup, and I don't mind spending for it. You'll notice a slight improvement in performance, especially when handling multiple tasks. The extra isn't worth the price of a 4790K, but it really completes the machine. I also have an old 4790K, but I prefer to keep it as the standard model for mainstream DDR3.