Upgrade your CPU for better performance.
Upgrade your CPU for better performance.
I’m assuming it’s an OEM H310 or B360/5 board with inadequate VRM cooling. I mentioned wanting more details about i7s for longer life, but that didn’t come up. Based on that, I suggest a 65W TDP i5 non-K.
They meant the i7s are built to be more durable and future-proof.
In a forward-looking perspective, the Hyperthreading in the 8700 and the extra cores on the 9700 provide extra CPU capacity that helps keep the system useful for longer. This isn't just about hypothetical future demands; some games already show limited performance with the standard configurations, and this situation is likely to worsen over time.
A fresh locked CPU would include the standard cooler from Intel, which should perform well under 65W or less. A refurbished unit likely wouldn’t, and an aftermarket motherboard may not fit, possibly leading to a less effective cooling solution.