Best i5 for future games but not overkill?

[FreshPineApples]

For a while it seems that the i5 4690k has been pretty standard due to it's overall good performance and it is even better when overclocked(also the bragging rights). I am wondering if it is really worth it though, because you can run games really well with a i5 4460 and lower. Is it worth spending $200 when you can still get a good performing i5 cpu that cost ~160 @microcenter?

All I need is new mobo+i5 I have all the parts that I purchased within a year and a half. I am looking for a cpu that will be good enough for 2 more years or so.

If I should get a 4690k
Micro center has some good cpu+mobo bundles and maybe going with a 4690k will be cheaper because of it. This is a screenshot of the i5 bundle http://i62.tinypic.com/2r27i36.png. Would it be better to shop around for a mobo separate?

 

[FreshPineApples]

Forgot to mention I am aiming to keep it sup 300 usd

 

[computertech82]

This is for the 'best bang for the buck"
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html

 

[synphul]

Microcenter has some nice bundles if that's an option for you. Hard to beat a 4690k + z97 motherboard for $250-300. Even if you went with the asrock pro 4, that leaves you $40-50 for a decent cpu cooler (not sure what your current cooler is, if it's compatible etc) and still stay within budget. Don't just base the choice entirely on price though, have a look at the options within your budget and compare the features. Does one have more usb ports? Do you need more usb port? That sort of thing. It's not worth saving $20 now to skip a feature you need or may use soon. You could go with a 4460 or 4590 but chances are buying one of those plus the motherboard is going to cost you the same as a bundle from microcenter.

Here's an example of a cheaper i5 with comparable h97 (more budget than z series mobo).
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($177.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $261.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-14 19:03 EDT-0400

Keep in mind these prices are both from outlet pc and many times they charge shipping on top of the price. I added those 2 things to the shopping cart, shipping adds $7.95 for a total of 279.82 up front, a $10 mir on the cpu for a final price of 269.82. Obviously you'd have to factor in tax on the microcenter purchase, but the savings going with a lesser i5/mobo compared to the bundle at microcenter doesn't really make sense.

For roughly $30 more you could have a premium i5 and an upper end z97 motherboard if you went with the gigabyte gaming 7. Just my opinion, but if going for max savings the asrock pro 4 would work. The extreme 4 is close enough in price to the gaming 7, I'd skip it and go with the gaming 7.

 

[FreshPineApples]

I was looking at the gaming 7 it seems that it's a good mobo and would match my gpu/fan scheme. the only thing is that after taxes it comes to $340. I see your point that the price difference isn't really that much for what you get. Having the overclocking option would come in handy in the future as well because I don't necessary have to overclock it asap only when I need the extra fps boost.

 

[synphul]

True. If later on down the road you decide you want/need a 'k' edition i7 devil's canyon or broadwell that would be an option for any of those motherboards as well. Nothing says you have to oc straight off. It didn't make my old cpu twice as powerful or anything, but being able to oc my old core 2 duo saved me from having to upgrade so soon.