I'm looking to upgrade just my CPU, but I'm unsure about the best option. Right now, I have an Intel Core i5-4690K CPU running at 3.50GHz, with 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 graphics card. Given that my system is quite old, what would be the highest performance CPU I could install without changing my motherboard?
3 Answers
The fastest CPU that your motherboard supports is the i7-4790K, but honestly, you won't see a huge performance boost for the cost. Given your system's age, it might be more beneficial to save up and look for a new build instead. You'd gain a lot more from upgrading to a modern platform with DDR5 support and a newer CPU.
Honestly, with hardware that's over 10 years old, you’re kind of looking at e-waste territory. If you enjoy modern gaming or performance, you really need to consider a full upgrade with a new motherboard and RAM as well.
You could go for the i7-4790K, but honestly, it's a bit of a waste of money unless you can score it for around $20-$40. Given that your system is pretty outdated, you'd likely be better off selling it and investing in something newer, like a Ryzen 3600 or 10th gen Intel. You might still get a decent price for your current setup too!
Totally agree! Selling your setup could get you a good chunk of change and save you from throwing money at old tech.
Yeah, the i7-4790K is only slightly better. If you're after significant performance, a complete overhaul would serve you better.