changing cpu from i5 3470 -> i7 4770k

[Maks Sanders]

Hello i have a question about my cpu i want to upgrade it but before i spend alot of money i wanna know if it's worth my money.

At the moment i got a i5 3470 and i bought a i7 4770k i didn't know those 2 cpu's have different sockets so to install the prossesor i need to buy another motherboard. For this motherboard to work i also need to buy a new windows lissence. Will this be worth the 500 euro i spay for it or not? Also is getting another motherboard with a 290X a better option for better fps ?

p.s. i only use my pc for gaming (most played games arma3 + bf4 i know arma is optimized verry porly)

I74770k = 290 euro
New motherboard = 130 euro
windows 7 = 60 euro

my pc build atm

I5 3470 cpu
R9 290X gpu
16 gb ram 1600
1 TB harddisk

 

[i7Baby]

For gaming, the i5 is fine. Even with a 290x.

Maybe for video editing its worth the upgrade but not just gaming.

 

[BerganTead1]

^Agree

 

[Obnoxious]

As stated, for gaming an i5 is more than adequate. However as you have already purchased the i7-4770K you'll need a new motherboard, preferably one with the "Z" prefix to allow overclocking, since your CPU you have purchased is designed for overclocking (the "K" suffix denotes this.)

Your current build is not outdated or poor in performance by any means, however are you planning to purchase another 290x for crossfire? If so, it's completely your call; just ensure the motherboard is CrossFire/SLI ready, i.e. has two or more PCI-E slots.

Also you mentioned you'd need to purchase another copy of Windows. Please may I ask why? Are you planning to install it on another computer, or the same machine? If it's on the same machine, you can simply reuse your current COA code when reinstalling Windows. However changing the motherboard does not necessarily require a reinstallation, as you know the OS is stored on the SSD/HDD; of course in rare instances, some users have experienced unpredictable behaviour from Windows without a reinstall. Either way you won't need to purchase Windows again if it's for the same machine.

All the best.

 

[oxiide]

The performance difference going only one generation ahead is not really worth $340 + however much your LGA-1150 motherboard ends up being.

You'd barely notice it, unless maybe you use something that uses Hyperthreading heavily, and it sounds like you don't.

He mentioned the need for a new Windows license because the upgrade to a -4770K would require a new motherboard. OEM licenses of Windows are registered to your motherboard, so a new motherboard is their definition of a "new machine." However, I've heard Microsoft is sometimes generous about moving the license to a new board if you call and ask them nicely.

 

[logainofhades]

What is your current motherboard?

 

[Maks Sanders]

imedia l4870 is my motherboard, i called microsoft helpdesk they told me they will only change it when you bought a license straight from them if you buy a computer with windows allready installed you are f*cked bassicly... But if i understand your point of view i should return the new cpu to the store..!

 

[Obnoxious]

oxiide: Thank you for clearing that up, I didn't acknowledge that the OP had an OEM license.

Maks Sanders: Apologies for me to break this to you, but in this instance I believe it would be better to return the i7. In my opinion you don't need the performance of an i7, but if you do, you could always look at the Xeon E3-1230 v2 which is compatible with your current socket, assuming it's 1155. The Xeon provides a similar performance as the i7-3770 at a fraction of the cost, with that said however, the Xeon is locked and not overclockable.

You current motherboard, again assuming it's on socket 1155, you can upgrade to any 3rd generation (Ivy Bridge) processor. However as stated you don't necessarily need a CPU upgrade.

All the best.