Upgrade your CPU with Intel 4th generation models
Upgrade your CPU with Intel 4th generation models
You're weighing options for upgrading your system. The i5-4590 with an overclocked clock speed of 3810MHz is already performing well, but you're noticing some sluggishness. The 4790K chipset offers a solid upgrade path, especially with a decent 280mm AIO cooler. At around $50, it's a reasonable deal if you're looking to extend its lifespan. Overclocking the 4790K RAM is possible but requires careful tuning and stability checks—don’t expect immediate gains without proper setup. Your existing components like the ASUS Z97 motherboard, RTX 2060, and 2x8GB DDR3 should handle the upgrade smoothly. If you're comfortable with the process, it could be a worthwhile investment for at least a year.
When playing mainly older titles, adding a non-K 4790 offers good value for performance and works well overall. The K model isn’t worth the extra cost since it’s significantly more expensive without much benefit. Based on my experience with this CPU, even relatively modern games like Cyberpunk slow down noticeably, though they remain playable. For newer games, the gain in speed is minimal compared to what modern titles require. If you’re serious about current gaming, it makes sense to invest in a newer system. Also, keep in mind the issue with Windows 10 EOL and find ways to work around it.
Windows 10 is phasing out support in October. You can keep it running by logging in with a Microsoft account and using One Drive, though you’ll only gain another year of updates. By October 2026, Windows 10 will stop receiving security patches or fixes. To qualify for official Windows 11 assistance, you’d need an 8th generation Intel or Ryzen 2000 series processor or newer. Most 4790K chips can reach around 4.5GHz all-core, with some hitting up to 4.8GHz if lucky. However, this boost won’t significantly improve performance. Even a 5GHz clock speed wouldn’t match an i3 12100. If you plan to stay on this system, it’s not worth investing in a 4790K. Opt for a much cheaper 4770 or 4790 non-K model instead.
The non-K model reaches up to 4.0 GHz. The K variant will push to 4.4 GHz stock. Overclocking usually lifts it into the 4.5-4.8 GHz range. Stock clocks were quite high back then, but overclocking Haswell (including the Devil's Canyon line) didn't perform well—except for a rare standout, which still turned into a hotspot. These chips were driven close to their limits right out of the box, so an overclock won't drastically change performance. Stick with the non-K and enjoy it as long as you like. It’s half the price and gives you the penultimate chip for that platform. Plus, it works smoothly with the stock cooler.
It seems unusual for two cores to be running at different temperatures—around 80°C and 59°C during a stress test. This could indicate uneven heat distribution or potential issues with the airflow. I feel the AIO might not be maintaining proper contact, which could affect performance.
It might suggest the AIO isn't establishing proper contact. This could also point to problems with the thermal paste between the CPU die and the IHS, either leaking or drying out. Since the CPU is over ten years old, I’d consider trying a remount first. If the paste is bad, a delid repair would be needed, which is more complex.