No, there isn't an i7 7700K available in 2020 for $250.
No, there isn't an i7 7700K available in 2020 for $250.
I assembled my present system in 2015 with a 6th generation Sky Lake chipset. Present Configuration: -i5 6500 -ASROCK Z170 Pro 4s (Z170 supports only up to the 7000 series) -16GB GDDR4 2133 RAM -Recently replaced with Gigabyte GTX 1660ti Based on today’s market, most components seem quite costly. If I want a faster processor, I’d likely need a completely new motherboard and another Windows license. Considering these factors, is it worthwhile to switch to the 7700K on my existing board, or should I look for more affordable options? Appreciate your thoughts!
You're right about the pricing. With $250 you can likely get a B450 board with 3300X or similar, which is a solid upgrade over the 7700K. I checked the details, and it looks like 7700K and 3300X are pretty close in cost, so it's still a good option but the price is still a bit high for that CPU.
Accepted the proposal—$250 seems too low for what appears to be a modern CPU similar to today’s i3-10100 or Ryzen 3100. I’d consider trading in the i5 and your board for something like a Ryzen 3600 and a solid B450 model such as B450(M) Pro4 or B450M PRO-VDH Max.
Agreed. Best Buy mentions they'll have the Ryzen 5 3600 ready for pickup in five days at $200. They also say the i7-7700k is a strong CPU, though upgrading isn't necessary right now unless it drops to under $100. The extra $50 would cover the cost of the new board and Windows key for the 3600. While the i7-7700k remains solid, I wouldn’t buy one today unless it was cheaper.
It's a challenging decision, but the final choice depends on the buyer. You likely don't need the highest-end 7700k processor. Explore other options to lower costs. If overclocking is essential, consider the older 6700k generation. For those avoiding overclocking, check non-K models.
Thanks for your input. You're correct about skipping the expensive CPU. I was considering a simpler setup but that would be an interesting challenge! I ordered a 10100, matched it with an MSI MPG Gaming Edge wifi board and a fresh Fractal Design case. It’s a big leap—from $250 to $400 for the latest models. Not too bad. Now I’ll have a board ready for the upcoming Rocket Lake and built-in Wi-Fi. That means more savings for something like a 11700k later! Your support really helped.
P.S. From what I found, I’m using a “retail” Windows version, which lets me move to any new PC for free. That’s pretty awesome.
EDIT: It seems hard to locate an affordable Ryzen chip. The entire supply chain has driven prices up, making the 10100 at $110 a great deal in this market. Also, the 1660 ti is also a good option for buyers. The 2060s are around $400–$500—really impressive! I’m looking forward to the upgrade and happy gaming!