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Can i upgrade my processor?

Solution


I don't mean to talk you out of what you are building but what are you doing with your computer if you don't mind me asking. It's a question to try and find out the best case scenario for your work usage. I have a i7 4790k I game as well I like the ability to make dab into other professional type things so for me I was okay getting the 4790k over the i5. If you are strictly gaming maybe a 4690k would be more appropriate for you. Also, yes you can upgrade your processor the z97 chipset lends itself to be able to...


I don't mean to talk you out of what you are building but what are you doing with your computer if you don't mind me asking. It's a question to try and find out the best case scenario for your work usage. I have a i7 4790k I game as well I like the ability to make dab into other professional type things so for me I was okay getting the 4790k over the i5. If you are strictly gaming maybe a 4690k would be more appropriate for you. Also, yes you can upgrade your processor the z97 chipset lends itself to be able to be upgraded to broadwell the next series after Haswell. I'm going to make some changes to your build that I think would make it stronger but in the end you are the judge of that.


CPU: If main intent is a gaming computer i5 4690k.
Ram: Went with a cheaper kit diminishing returns in games beyond 1600 mhz.
Motherboard: Left it I have the same board love it.
Storage: Upgraded to the 850 pro pretty much the cream of the crop
Video Card: The Titan Black while good for games is also really intended for professional that will use floating precision.
Cooler: Changed to a H105 with Haswell chips while you can get by with a evo a closed loop will have you in a better place. Also you can match it with your other ROG components.
Power Supply: You had a good power supply unit but thought to up it up a little more quality wise and it also again goes with your theme. Also to note Corsair has excellent customer service and RMA support. You won't need to RMA there Power supplies they have crazy long warranties.
Case: H440 changed it because In my opinion its the case to get from NZXT its red and black which will match your other components as well also, has no optical bays I've included within your build a external usb blu ray writer. This will be more convenient for you.
Fans: Suggestions I would get NF-F12's for the CPU cooler x2. I would also see if the fans that come with are good enough if you want more premium fans look to the Corsair AF140's if you are wanting to fill up the 140mm slots or Noctua NF-A14 PWM's depending on budget.
Keyboard: If you are spending more then 50 dollars on a keyboard I would get mechanical. I know people aren't a fan of lots of noise so I included another Razer keyboard since you were going with a Razer theme with your peripherals with there Orange switches which are comparable to Cherry MX browns.

Your build was $3222.46 and with my updates Total: $2659.63

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H105 73.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($379.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($599.69 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($92.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: BenQ XL2411Z 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($239.35 @ TigerDirect)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow 2014 Stealth Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($93.48 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Razer Ouroboros Wireless Laser Mouse ($126.21 @ NCIX US)
Other: NEW NZXT H440 STEEL Mid Tower Case. Next Generation 5.25-less Design. Include 4 x 2nd Gen FNv2 Fans, High-End WC support, USB3.0, Matte BLK/Red ($119.00)
Other: SAMSUNG USB 2.0 Slim Portable Blu-ray Writer Model SE-506CB/RSBD ($84.99)
Total: $2659.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-12 17:44 EDT-0400
 
Solution
Thats a very high end build and there isn't much you can do to make it better, but you can make it cheaper and get the similar performance. When you get in the high end, the performance vs price starts to decrease rapidly.

You can't really get a better processor for gaming, but the i5-4690K will perform the same in nearly all games, as most games don't take advantage of hyperthreading yet so you can save yourself $100 and see minimal performance difference.

If you want to be overclocking a bit, i'd select a better cooler. That is a fantastic budget cooler, but it is still a budget cooler. If you want to go with big air than look at the noctua NH-D14/15 or the Phanteks PH-TC14PE. If you want an AIO watercooler the Corsair H100i or the Cooler Master Seidon 240 are both popular choices. Other wise you could get the EVO for now and plan a custom water loop.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhd14
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhd15
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebk
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-h100i
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rls24m24pkr1

The HERO is an awesome motherboard, but you really don't need to spend that much. If you are going for red/black, I quite like the Asrock Fatal1ty Z97x Killer, but anything about $130+ is going to have similar performance and features.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fatal1tyz97xkiller#img=0

You really only need 8gb RAM unless you are rendering/editing. The sniper overclocks pretty well but you want low CAS.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f317000cl9d8gbsr

The case is really good, I like NZXT, have the 630 myself, but looking at features you get, the Phanteks Enthoo Primo is pretty awesome. Really good cooling, fan filters are easy to access, built in PWN fan controller as opposed to a voltage fan controller, the PSU is separated and the cables are hidden. Definitely worth a look.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-case-phes813pbl

Great PSU but you can get 1000w for not much more, full modular, gold and good quality, which will allow you to SLI without needing an upgrade. On this topic, make sure you get an SLI compatible motherboard.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-120g21000xr

The DeathStalker looks like it has some cool features, but it's really expensive and still membrane. I'd look at getting a mechanical keyboard for around $100. If you do want a mechanical, let me know what switches you like and any other requirements and i'll help you choose one.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mechanical-switch-keyboard,2955-2.html

You probably won't need any extra fans, at lease not initially. See how you're temps are then add fans. The mouse is really good too.

I'd also sleeve my cables since you'll have a nice big window. MDPC have the best sleeving but it is the hardest to work with and is expensive, but you can also use flexi PET or 550 paracord which is easier and cheaper. If you use paracord, stick some electrical tape around the pins so they don't get stuck. Here is a guide on sleeving.
http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=710559
 


Sounds good. Byza does make a good point with 8 GB of memory. I have 16 myself its nice to have but you probably won't gaming wise along with alt tabing and like I do sometimes watching blu ray movies while playing games touch you wouldn't even then touch 16 gbs of memory usage 😛

I wouldn't compare a ASRock board to a ASUS ROG hero board. Very different feature sets. The power delivery around the cpu socket is stronger on the ROG board. The Bios is probably stronger in the ROG board but that normally goes without saying a lot of the stuff though in a ROG board you won't use but its still really nice. ASUS has pretty good fan control via bios. ASUS boards have the front panel connection block where you plug in the connections into it the tiny wires and then plug it into the motherboard very convenient. Performance wise they are probably fairly similar in terms of the features it would go the way of the Hero board.

There isn't a need for a 1 kw power supply with his build. Even with the 850w its a little overkill. However with how much he's spending never know he could always put another 780Ti in for some added overkill. Another option could be the AX760 which is $119. Which also may be a better selection less more then more in this case.
 


I probably should have been more clear in my comparison. Performance wise they are similar and by features I mean ports/audio quality etc, not the software side and power delivery, although that is still enough for 99% of people. The Hero will overclock higher, but translated into FPS you would get 0-2 more so it's not really worth the extra money. If you have money to sink into it then yes it's awesome, I wish I had one, but they are expensive for the performance gains and really only necessary for HC OCers. I'm pretty sure most boards (or at least decent boards) come with those front panel connection plugs these days.

As for the PSU, the 1000w is overkill if he's not going to SLI. A good 600w would easily handle the build with a single card setup.
 


I believe you are spot on with the hero board. I personally also like having a more expensive board because I feel like the QC in a premium board is def there. I have never had a ROG board my first one is the one I just purchased the Maximus VII Hero which actually is one of the cheaper ROG boards you can buy and you can tell with the board that its premium. I had a okay experience with my last ASRock board they get the job done but not a whole lot beyond that. For me now it would between the MSI boards which did really well with the z87 line or the ASUS boards at the ROG level because lets be honest with one another that gold theme sucks.

And you could go with a lower wattage power supply for the graphics card as well. I really like how corsair does at there high end of providing a stable power supply that kicks butt. Also there red theme kind of goes along with the ROG deal. With the money the OP was putting out there for a build I thought why not at least try to make it all work together in some way 😛
 


Corsair, Seasonic and XFX have some of the better PSUs. Many are Seasonic built. EVGA makes some decent ones too.
 


EVGA has really good support, and warranties I can see the reasoning behind it although both would be equally as good choice wise.
 


You are overkilling on the Power supply. I would only go 1kw or higher if you were intending on going with more then 2 cards. Which I would advise against anyway unless your intention is to go with 3 or more screens. I feel like you are spending too much on your case but you like the case and its a personal choice item so I'll let that pass. I don't understand the NF-S12A. You have 3 200mm fan spots. And you have 1x 140mm fan spot. 60 dollars for one fan is just crazy. Stick to one fan and perhaps go with this one if you like Noctua I know I do.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608044&cm_re=noctua_nf_a14_pwm-_-35-608-044-_-Product.

You also seem to like the keyboard. I would argue its overpriced and doesn't offer enough to suggest the price however again another personal taste item and if you want to spend the money on it go for it. Its a membrane keyboard with fancy features oye!

I'm okay with the Noctua NH-D15 choice as it is a much more simple way of going at it than a closed loop water cooler. I like what I like you like what you like.
 
no the fans are 20 each to replace the stock ones so i am buying 3 fans
yes i love the case and the keyboard and i dont really think dual card will be necessary
the monitors are awesome i liked the benq
could you list an appropiate power supply?
 


Ah, see you care about silence that is why I recommended the Noctua NF-A14 PWM because of the lower RPM.

For an appropriate power supply that this will do just fine and give you head room.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139042&cm_re=ax760-_-17-139-042-_-Product

To be honest the NH-D15 will be pretty quiet the closed loop coolers will just be stronger performers under load.
 


For non overclocking no it isn't You are fine going with what you are. I personally would of gone with the updated NF-A12 ULN because you are right the RPM was higher on the standard pwm. But it's nearly 10 dollars more. To my knowledge the NF-A series is the revised version of the S series but you are fine with what you have it'll do you just fine :) Are you getting the k 4790k for the turbo at 4.4 ghz? over the non k?
 


Makes sense to me. I have my 4790k overclocked to 4.6ghz things mighty fast :)

SAM_0324_zps308b2526.jpg
 


Honestly, I don't think it would be worth it. The amount of volts you would need to put through the system to get to something like 5 ghz would shorten the lifespan of cpu. A closed loop cooler like the h105 the one I have enables me to get to 4.6ghz with pretty low watts but the second you get near 1.3 volts the temps start to sky rocket. So depending on the custom water cooling it can push you to 5 ghz depending on your chip. So essentially what I'm saying is if you spent even 500 dollars on a water cooling system it may not yield an overclock that you would find worth it.