Motherboard compatible CPU upgrade recommendations?

[fredfred5150]

Hello, I'm a tech dummy I want to upgrade my processor soon, I do cpu based rendering (no gaming) so I need raw computational power, but I'm not sure how to know which CPU's are compatible. According to a program called Speccy here are some component details of my PC

Motherboard
Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
Model: 2AF7
Version: 1.0
Chipset Vendor: Intel
Chipset Model: Haswell
Chipset Revision: 06
Southbridge Vendor: Intel
Southbridge Model: H87
Southbridge Revision C2

CPU
Intel Core i3
Codename: Haswell
Package: Socket 1150 LGA

I was told by a few people that compatibility is based on socket type, based on that (and what I can afford) I was looking at an Intel Core i5 -3570K or an Intel Core i7 - 4470K.

Am I right in thinking one of the above is compatible?
If so, and I upgrade, will I need to upgrade any other components to handle the new cpu? (like a cooling fan?)
Basically what do I need to know?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Good Job... Look at the resource Monitor, do any of your CPU cores get a "TEXT" that says "Parked", if you do, you can google " How to Un-Park cores in Windows 8" for no hold back performance.

How do you like your render times now? You basically doubled your CPU performance... You can sell your old CPU on EBAY/Craigslist very quickly if you are so inclined.

 

[fredfred5150]

I opened the cpu tab of the resources monitor and can't find any text that says parked, am I looking in the wrong place or are the cores already "Un-Parked"?

Render times are vastly improved! I rendered an image that took over 5 minutes with my old processor...this new CPU rendered it in 2 minutes flat! Thats around 60% faster!

But I think I have a problem because during the render the CPU temp went up to 67 degrees, so I tried to render several animation frame in succession (to see if that was the temp plateau) and the temp climbed to 76 degrees (all cores where running at over 3.8 Ghz during rendering), I immediately stopped rendering, CPU temp dropped down to its idle temp of 27 degress.

That is an overheat right? I'm thinking maybe the cooling fans for this PC where designed to handle an i3's cooling requirements, not an i7, should I get a new case fan? would that help? Should I be worried? I'm not rendering animation again until I know if my temperatures are safe or not. My PC is my most prized and expensive possession I don't want it blowing up in my face.

Selling the old CPU sounds interesting, how much could I sell a 6 month old i3 4130 without thermal paste washed off for? (I could even throw in the cooling fan I got with the i7 lol)

 

[jessterman21]

But I think I have a problem because during the render the CPU temp went up to 67 degrees, so I tried to render several animation frame in succession (to see if that was the temp plateau) and the temp climbed to 76 degrees (all cores where running at over 3.8 Ghz during rendering), I immediately stopped rendering, CPU temp dropped down to its idle temp of 27 degress.

That is an overheat right? I'm thinking maybe the cooling fans for this PC where designed to handle an i3's cooling requirements, not an i7, should I get a new case fan? would that help? Should I be worried? I'm not rendering animation again until I know if my temperatures are safe or not. My PC is my most prized and expensive possession I don't want it blowing up in my face.

Selling the old CPU sounds interesting, how much could I sell a 6 month old i3 4130 without thermal paste washed off for? (I could even throw in the cooling fan I got with the i7 lol)

No - that's about the right temperature using the stock cooler. Luckily your CPU won't start throttling until 100C, but it's best to keep it under 80C (in short, you're fine).

I just sold my i3-2100 for $75 on ebay - probably could've asked more. In your case you should, since it's current-socket.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... your CPU temps are fine, If you see no text and your render times are 60% better I say your cores are not parked in Windows...
Search Ebay with your CPU Model and you will see current price/auction trends... Yes $75-100 could be recovered for your upgrade... Also an included fan will increase interest, but increase your shipping fees. if not a EBAY member yet you could try Craigslist for no fees after sale.

 

[fredfred5150]

Forgive my cautiousness, but if I continue to increase rendering time and the cpu temp continues to climb at what point should I stop, and consider cooling upgrades?

In retrospect I should have checked what temp the old cpu reached during extended rendering sessions

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... well... it depends on room temperature for your use... your area climate... the simple math of adding room temperature to your desired CPU Temperature Comfort zone, running 24/7... If your hitting high 70's-80's... There are better cooling solutions for you at a reasonable price.
Some say the MAX i7 CPU temp is 100... Intel has thermal sensors, in the CPU, and can instruct/program a shut down.

 

[fredfred5150]

Those shutdown safeguards are of of the reasons I bought Intel

In terms of "cooling solutions" would a new/better case fan be a good start?

 

[jessterman21]

Those shutdown safeguards are of of the reasons I bought Intel

In terms of "cooling solutions" would a new/better case fan be a good start?

Again, don't worry about it unless you think the stock fan is too loud. You cannot overclock even slightly, so it will never crack 80C @ full load (unless it's really warm in your computer room) and that is very comfortable for that CPU.

If you do think the fan is too loud, you'll probably be looking for a tower cooler with a 92mm fan, because I don't think anything larger will fit in your HP case. The Cooler Master TX3 is supposed to be good - cheap too.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... a simple test would be... Compare render temperatures with your case cover open/off and closed/on... this will show you how much the CPU temperature is influenced by your case temperature.

 

[fredfred5150]

Hello... a simple test would be... Compare render temperatures with your case cover open/off and closed/on... this will show you how much the CPU temperature is influenced by your case temperature.

ok,

CPU Idle temp with rendering program open is 30 degrees

Rendered an image taking 4 minutes, CPU temp went as high as 75 degrees

Allowed CPU to cool back to idle temp (30 degrees), opened the case, left pc for 5 minutes

Rendered the same image, CPU temp went as high as 78 degrees

What can I determine from this experiment?