overclocking and future proofing

[Cwangbr]

Is overclocking really worth it for the non tinkerer? The extra for Z mobos and K processors, plus aftermarket coolers or water coolers and higher PSU, do they deliver that much?
I dont know wether I should go for a i5 7600, 7600k, 7700 or 7700k. I was going to get a cheapo mobo like the h110 since I dont plan to overclock ever and also dont need more than 32MB. I feel like mobos are disposable since I upgrade processor every 4-5 years. Usage is mainly gaming, photo editing in lightroom and occasionally video editing with premiere pro 1080p. the rest of the setup will be 16GB ram, gtx1070, 500SSD 2TBHDD, 650W PSU.

 

[TJ Hooker]

In my opinion, no, it is not worth it. If you're looking for maximum performance or staying power, or like tinkering, then yes. If you're just looking for good performance and good value for money, I think you're better off with something like like an i5-7500/7600, or 7700 if you need the extra threads.

For gaming you typically don't gain a whole lot going from i5 to i7, so it's up to you how much you value editing performance as to whether it's worth getting an i7.

 

[Eximo]

Depends on how you look at it.

Z class boards tend to have more features as well, not just overclocking. Usually made with higher quality components.

K-class chips do have unlocked multipliers, but they also tend to have the fastest base clock speeds in their lines. I5-7600k runs at up to 4.2Ghz with no modification. 7700k runs at up to 4.5Ghz.

But it seems most Kabylake chips can easily reach 4.8Ghz with little effort or additional cooling/power.

Maybe a 10-15% increase over a stock 7700 or 7600. If that isn't worth it to you, then don't spend the extra money.

I would advise a 200 series board, just to make sure the chip will boot without needing a BIOS update on an older motherboard.

 

[Cwangbr]

Both are good arguments. I forgot to mention I have a 27" 1440p 60HZ monitor which Im not going to upgrade, so 60FPS is what I'll need. Now i5 7600k is 330usd here and i7 7700 is 390usd. i7 7700k is 470usd

 

[clarkjd]

One other thing overclocking can do for you is lengthen the time between needed upgrades of your PC.