CPU Compatibility with OEM Rig?

[pyromaniac13_]

I'm looking to upgrade my processor on my rig, but since its OEM (Lenovo Ideacentre k410), my options are limited. According to a guide that was provided to me by someone on this site, one option available would be the i5-3550 quad core processor, which I've decided to go with, unless you suggest the dual core version instead. I just wanna be sure that it'll work before I drop $200 on it.

Some Specs:
OS - Win. 10 64bit
GPU - AMD Raedon R7 200 series (Soon to be replaced by GeForce GT 740 4GB GDDR5)
Current CPU - Intel G645 dual core (stock..)
PSU - Thermaltake TR2 430w (Soon to be replaced by Corsair CX600w)
Motherboard - Mahobay, Intel Sandy Bridge chipset
8GB RAM

Any other questions feel free to ask.
Also, the graphics card I'm looking to get (stated above) should work no problem, right?

Thanks, Christian.

 

[madmatt30]

I5 3450/3470/3350p/3550 will all work in that board mate.

Pick the best priced one , there are a lot of 3450/3470's sh on eBay - go with a reputable seller & you should get one for around the $100 mark.

What's your current card ?? If its a 250 or above the a gt 740 isn't really an upgrade.

 

[80-watt Hamster]

The Lenovo service guide for the K410 ( https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/desktop_pub/ideacentre_k430k410_hmm_20120627.pdf ) doesn't mention a Mahobay motherboard. Has the board been replaced in the past? Because if it has, the original compatibility list won't necessarily be correct.

Also, is there a specific reason you're upgrading the PSU? 600 watts is far more than you need.

 

[pyromaniac13_]

The Lenovo service guide for the K410 ( https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/desktop_pub/ideacentre_k430k410_hmm_20120627.pdf ) doesn't mention a Mahobay motherboard. Has the board been replaced in the past? Because if it has, the original compatibility list won't necessarily be correct.

Also, is there a specific reason you're upgrading the PSU? 600 watts is far more than you need.

CPU-Z says that's the motherboard I have. I bought the rig brand new, and thats what came with it.

 

[pyromaniac13_]

What's your current card ?? If its a 250 or above the a gt 740 isn't really an upgrade.

its a 240. And comparably, its a decent upgrade. From 2GB to 4, and the speed is better, but if you would suggest something better at a similar price, that would be appreciated.

 

[pyromaniac13_]

Also, my main reason for upgrading my rig is for gaming, and game development.

 

[madmatt30]

How much can you spend on both CPU/GPU together??

If you can grab a second hand i5 relatively cheap then you have more to spend on a GPU.

As mentioned, even though the tr2 isn't a great quality PSU it will still power up to a gtx 950 absolutely fine - more budget again towards the GPU.

You could in essence manage a i5 3470 + a gtx 950 which is a huge upgrade from what you have.

 

[pyromaniac13_]

How much can you spend on both CPU/GPU together??

If you can grab a second hand i5 relatively cheap then you have more to spend on a GPU.

As mentioned, even though the tr2 isn't a great quality PSU it will still power up to a gtx 950 absolutely fine - more budget again towards the GPU.

You could in essence manage a i5 3470 + a gtx 950 which is a huge upgrade from what you have.

The PSU would have only been around $60, so it wasnt too big of a deal, but if you think that I'll be fine with my 430w, then I'll just skip it. And I did find a used i5 for about 120. Whats the risk, if any, with used processors? Just a shorter lifespan maybe?

As far as my budget goes, I won't be getting everything at once. It might be over the span of a couple paychecks.

 

[80-watt Hamster]

The PSU would have only been around $60, so it wasnt too big of a deal, but if you think that I'll be fine with my 430w, then I'll just skip it. And I did find a used i5 for about 120. Whats the risk, if any, with used processors? Just a shorter lifespan maybe?

As far as my budget goes, I won't be getting everything at once. It might be over the span of a couple paychecks.

There's very little risk in a used processors. K series are potentially dicey, since they're more likely to have been overclocked, and a hot overclock can be rough on a CPU. But with a 3550 or 3470, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[madmatt30]

The PSU would have only been around $60, so it wasnt too big of a deal, but if you think that I'll be fine with my 430w, then I'll just skip it. And I did find a used i5 for about 120. Whats the risk, if any, with used processors? Just a shorter lifespan maybe?

As far as my budget goes, I won't be getting everything at once. It might be over the span of a couple paychecks.

There's very little risk in a used processors. K series are potentially dicey, since they're more likely to have been overclocked, and a hot overclock can be rough on a CPU. But with a 3550 or 3470, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Whs ^ 3350/3450/3470/3550 are pretty safe bets , buy from someone with a good rating.
A lot of these licked ivy bridge chips have been yanked from end of life dell/HP/lenovo prebuilds & as such are very unlikely to have suffered any abuse.

I've had 3x3470's from eBay in the last 6 months with no problems - & they are blazing little gaming CPU's.

Be aware you may have to purchase a separate cooler.