It's been a while since I was here, and now I'm reviewing a fresh configuration that requires my assistance.
It's been a while since I was here, and now I'm reviewing a fresh configuration that requires my assistance.
I currently possess a Core i7-920 processor. It has been reliable since my purchase. However, reaching speeds above 3.8GHz requires a core voltage of 1.5v, which I’m not comfortable with. I’ve settled for that speed now.
My current machine is aging across the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and power supply, so I’m seeking replacement components. I prefer models that support overclocking. I already have a custom watercooling setup that provides ample headroom for a more powerful build.
I’m evaluating the following CPU, motherboard, and RAM options:
GA-Z97X-SOC Force*
Core i7 I7-4790K 8 MB**
Crucial ballistics 2 x 8 GB: BLT2CP8G3D1608DT1TX0CEU***
* I’m using a Gigabyte motherboard because it fits my existing system and has performed well.
Alpha3031 :
Need an i5 4690K with 8 GB RAM for gaming. Don’t care about RAM speed, just want stable performance without high clocks. Can the i5 be overclocked like the i7?
Optimist
Right now I’m using a Core i7-920 processor. It’s been reliable since I first got it, but I can’t push it beyond 3.8GHz without needing a higher core voltage of 1.5v. I’ve settled for that speed.
This new model is starting to feel outdated—its CPU, motherboard, RAM, and PSU all need replacement. I prefer systems that allow overclocking. I already have a custom watercooling setup with room for more aggressive upgrades.
I’m evaluating the following options:
- GA-Z97X-SOC Force*
- Core i7 I7-4790K 8 MB
- Crucial ballistics 2 x 8 GB: BLT2CP8G3D1608DT1TX0CEU**
* I’m sticking with a Gigabyte motherboard because it fits my current build and has performed well.
This processor is the best I can find, as it unlocks the core multiplier. My system has lasted five years and still keeps up, especially after upgrading the graphics. My goal is to get something that matches that longevity. That’s why I’m targeting a top-tier CPU.
As for memory, I’m unsure what to pick. If I overclock, I need to know which RAM to choose. I’m not sure if I should go for more than 800 watts (not modular).
Regards
Optimist
4Ryan6 shared his thoughts on CPU options, noting the i7-4790K runs at 4ghz and the i5-4690K at 3.5ghz. He believes the higher clock speed with Hyper Threading is justified, especially before a 500mhz boost at stock. He acknowledges Alpha3031's point but sees it as obvious. Regarding memory, he suggests two configurations: an 8gb kit (2 x 4gb) or a 16gb kit (2 x 8gb). He personally uses the 8gb setup but recommends the 16gb if you prefer, even for heavy gaming, though he doesn’t use it fully. He prefers G.Skill modules, highlighting their strong performance and ability to maintain rated speeds even after overclocking. He also mentions his system’s future-proofing needs and plans to review memory options later.
Optimist shared his thoughts with 4Ryan6, emphasizing that sticking to your CPU choice makes sense since the i7-4790K runs at 4GHz and the i5-4690K at 3.5GHz. He believes the higher clock speed with Hyper Threading is definitely worth it right away, especially before any overclocking boosts. He acknowledged Alpha3031's point but felt it was obvious.
From a memory standpoint, he suggested two options: an 8GB kit (2x4GB) or a 16GB kit (2x8GB). He personally uses the 8GB setup but recommends the 16GB if you really want it, even for heavy gaming, though he wouldn’t use that much. He also advised choosing G.Skill memory, noting it offers top performance and supports high overclocking speeds.
He mentioned his system needs to be future-proof, currently having only 6GB, which he found a bit limited at the time but was very enthusiastic about buying. He plans to stick with the 2x8GB configuration, possibly increasing to 4x8GB later if needed, but notes that spending more now means less flexibility in the long run.
He also considered upgrading every year, which could cost around $100, or making larger jumps (like every two years) to save money, potentially spending about $300 per upgrade.
Alpha3031 :
500 MHz with the same unlocked multiplier and TIM, but for 100 dollars?
This is true, and im in a bit of a doubt about this. I need to wieght the drawback by chosing a non HT CPU vs one with HT.
Alpha3031 :
2x8 gB of DDR3 isn't future proof, 2x8 GB of DDR4 (which isn't supported yet) is.
The longer you can wait to upgrade it, the more you'll have to spend upgrading it in the long run, if this makes sense.
eg, if you upgrade every year so that it becomes just obsolete for your requirements next year, you may spend 100 upgrading it, but if you make the upgrade so it becomes just obsolete in 2 years, you'll have to spend something like 300 per upgrade.
True
However 2x8GB or more can be future proof in the sense that what i by now should be able to last for as long as possible. My current commputer was build to last 3 years. it have now lasted close to 5 and i've only change my graphic card for about 3 years ago.
Looking at the direction most software take is that i uses expensially more memory for each iteration and as such, i think, program would require much more memory in about two years time. But again there are alot of faktors in this.
I could say that i bought a cheaper mobo and a core i5 now with 8gb of memory and plan to opgrade this again in a year or two. to lets say a mobo with ddr4 ram.
Or i could go all out and buy the top of the line of all, and hope it last for 4 years.
However my work and hobbies would benifit of having a core i7 so im leaning towards this core.
In regard to ddr4 i think it will first be avaialble for desktops next year, an i doubt i can make my current system last that long.
If you choose the second option, after four years it will become quite problematic. You would essentially need to purchase the same system again, and it would only last four years. However, if you can get components that allow you to upgrade them in a staggered manner (GPU each year, CPU plus memory and RAM the following year), you could maintain an up-to-date setup at a significantly lower cost.
If you choose the second option, after four years the system will become quite outdated, and you’ll essentially have to purchase the same setup again, only to last another four years. If you manage to get components that allow for upgrades in a staggered manner (GPU each year, CPU plus memory and RAM the following), without major bottlenecks, you could maintain a current system at a much lower cost.
Throughout my experience with purchasing and assembling computers, I’ve never upgraded any system except the graphics card. I’ve never replaced a CPU or added more RAM. Whenever my computer could no longer keep up, it always required a full hardware replacement. My current machine is five years old, and it still handles modern games well—so it’s just outdated, starting to fail due to component quality issues, etc. It’s only time before it completely fails. Upgrading it wouldn’t make sense, or at least not in the way I’m considering it right now. If I were to upgrade any parts except the graphics card and SSDs, I’d opt for inexpensive memory and a cheap motherboard, replacing them next year when DDR4 is released, hoping they won’t change the CPU’s pinout.