i5 4690k @ 4.0ghz + gtx 980 VS i7 4790k @ stock + gtx 970

[KaimonJRE]

Simple question, which of these is better for gaming and graphic design/illustration? Will be playing at 1080p for the next few years.

Also, is it possible to OC the i5 to 4.0 without changing the voltage?

 

[Eximo]

Kind of a toss up depending on which you want to focus on. Obviously the GTX980 would be superior for games and the I7 would be superior for graphic design and illustration. Not going to make a big difference either way.

It is possible, yes. 4.0 Ghz is not much more then the normal boost frequency.

 

[eddieb101]

Definitely the i5 and 980 combo for gaming and the i7 with the 970 for video editing. Yes 4.0GHz should be manageable for that CPU, if it isn't stable then you can always put the voltage up 1 level at a time until everything is stable. If you do change the voltages then ensure you have a decent CPU cooler like a CM Hyper 212 Evo

 

[KaimonJRE]

Definitely the i5 and 980 combo for gaming and the i7 with the 970 for video editing. Yes 4.0GHz should be manageable for that CPU, if it isn't stable then you can always put the voltage up 1 level at a time until everything is stable. If you do change the voltages then ensure you have a decent CPU cooler like a CM Hyper 212 Evo

I'm going with a Cryorig H5. Mostly because of its price and how good it looks in a white NZXT S340. Do you think it's a good choice?

 

[geofelt]

GTX980 and 4690K would be better for gaming because of the superior graphics card.
Virtually all 4690K can do 4.0 with a modest air cooler.
Because the 4790K is better binned, it can probably oc to higher limits.
But... do you really need any more than 4.0?
Any OC will up the voltage some.
So long as the voltage does not go over 1.30, you will have no issue with longevity or heat.

I have become a bit jaded on the subject of haswell cooling for overclocking.
How high you can OC is firstly determined by your luck in the bin lottery.
I had high expectations from the Devil's canyon parts and their better thermals.
I found out that the thermals really do not matter unless, perhaps, you are a competitive overclocker.
Haswell runs quite cool, that is, until you raise the voltage past 1.25v or so.
Once you go past 1.3v, then you really do need very good cooling to keep stress loads under say 85c.
But, the consensus is that voltages higher than 1.30 are not a good thing for 24/7 usage.
I have been unable to find any official Intel recommendation on what is a safe vcore limit.
If you are an enthusiast, you can go higher.
Even if you can handle the heat, how much do you really need that extra multiplier from say 4.4 to 4.6?
My thought is that it is better to use the exotic cooling funds for a quieter and less expensive air cooler.
I suggest a good tower air cooler like noctua or phanteks with 140mm fans.

Update: The cryorig looks good.
I think Phanteks has a white option too.

 

[eddieb101]

Definitely the i5 and 980 combo for gaming and the i7 with the 970 for video editing. Yes 4.0GHz should be manageable for that CPU, if it isn't stable then you can always put the voltage up 1 level at a time until everything is stable. If you do change the voltages then ensure you have a decent CPU cooler like a CM Hyper 212 Evo

I'm going with a Cryorig H5. Mostly because of its price and how good it looks in a white NZXT S340. Do you think it's a good choice?

While i haven't used that cooler myself i have heard good things about it. Provided it fits into the case it seems like a good choice. Best of luck!

 

[KaimonJRE]

Thank you all for the replies! I think I'll go with i5 + 980