CPU How much is too much

[veepulbb]

I just build a rig with a 4690k proccy and 8gb ram. I was amazed with its speed and snappiness especially since i jumped directly from a C2D.

As time passed, i realised that the snappiness is most probably due to using an SSD than a HDD on my old C2D.

I intended to use the 4690k for gaming but ended up using it only for Surfing, watching HD videos, some heavy multi tabbed browsing etc

So now that am building a second machine, i need to understand how much can i downgrade while buying a CPU. I used Passmarks benchmark score while buying a CPU and my 4690k has 7770.

My second machine needs to be the same i.e snappy and quick, boot fast, open apps instantly etc. All these can be helped just with an SSD i guess.

So what benchmark scores CPU would be good enough for my second setup? i3? Or even the Pentium G3258? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Elemential]

The i5-4690k is as good as it gets!
Either stick with it or go with a i7

 

[clutchc]

If you are going to game, stay with an i5. But if you are not going to OC, there's no sense paying extra for the unlocked "k" version.
If the next rig doesn't involve gaming, just about any modern quad core or hyper threaded dual core will be fine. The fast response time you describe is mainly attributable to your SSD.

 

[veepulbb]

If the next rig doesn't involve gaming, just about any modern quad core or hyper threaded dual core will be fine. The fast response time you describe is mainly attributable to your SSD.

Some Intel examples please?

 

[jazzy663]

Core i3-4160 sounds like a good match.

 

[clutchc]

If the next rig doesn't involve gaming, just about any modern quad core or hyper threaded dual core will be fine. The fast response time you describe is mainly attributable to your SSD.

Some Intel examples please?

Depending on your budget, the i3-4xxx line and the i5-4xxx line. I wouldn't go any lower. The i7-4xxx line if you intend on something like major video rendering, for instance. I.e. apps that require more than 4 threads for best efficiency.

 

[AnPCtester]

If you're not gaming with the second machine than an i3 paired with ssd is enough for smooth, snappy web surfing and hd videos. For gaming you need at least an i5 with good gpu.

 

[NightAntilli]

If you're not gaming, the FX-6300 is probably the best price/performance ratio. Or the FX-8320. Games might not use all their cores, but Windows does. The FX-8320 can be as fast as the 4690k in multi-tasking for a lower price. The FX-6300 will beat any i3.