Requesting help upgrading a pre-built desktop.

[LaneTheGreat]

Hello all, I currently have a Lenovo Ideacentre k330b 7747 desktop computer that I'm looking to upgrade the processor on. The computer is several years old at this point, but I'm wondering what else I can do (aside from what I've upgraded already) to make this into a decent gaming rig. I feel as if my proccessor is really holding me back, and I've looked into upgrading to a better one, but I'm unsure if my current motherboard will support anything better.

OS: Windows 10 64-bit (originally windows 7)
CPU: Intel Pentium G630 @ 2.70Ghz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750ti (upgraded from default)
PSU: 600w (upgraded from default)
RAM: 8GB (upgraded from default)
Motherboard: Default Lenovo k330b 7747 mobo (couldn't find much info on it)

When looking into upgrading the cpu I visited userbenchmark.com and found my desktop and looked into compatible upgrades and found an i5 (https://tinyurl.com/hyaqqep) processor and an i7 (https://tinyurl.com/guz6gje) that say they're compatible. I searched around more and found someone who was in a similar situation and had purchased and discovered it wasn't compatible due to the k330b motherboard.

I would be concerned with the tdp seeing as my current processor is at 65w and these both say they'll max at 95w..

So I suppose my questions are:

Can I upgrade the CPU in this computer without replacing the motherboard?

If I need to replace the motherboard, what kind would I need?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[James Mason]

They're both sandy bridge CPUs, so it should be fine.

The 750ti is still okayish for at least being able to play any game you want, but not great for playing them, so you'd want to look there next, maybe you can get a GTX 960/970 pretty cheap to go with it.

 

[geofelt]

The passmark rating of your G630 is 2376 and the single thread rating is 1380.
The single thread rating is most important for games.
The linked I5-2320 should work. Passmark is 5701 and 1689.
To be certain see if you can't find a link to supported Lenovo cpu upgrades.
I did a quick search on ebay, and you can buy a I5-3570 for about $90.
Passmark is 7003 and 2104.

As a quick test now, Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.
You can identify the motherboard by running cpu-z.

 

[boosted1g]

i5-2310 and i7 2600 both came as options on the k330b so thus they should be supported.

If you wish to replace the motherbaord and the cpu then there is no good reason to spend money on 4 generation old hardware.
I would get a modern skylake/kabylake cpu and supporting motherbord (and ddr4 memory).

 

[LaneTheGreat]

So I could purchase the i7-2600 used for around $150, and a let's say GTX 1060 3GB for around $200, and see better performance in most games?

Also, thank's for the advice and help everyone, it's much appreciated

 

[James Mason]

So I could purchase the i7-2600 used for around $150, and a let's say GTX 1060 3GB for around $200, and see better performance in most games?

Also, thank's for the advice and help everyone, it's much appreciated

vastly like 200-300%

 

[boosted1g]

For most games the i7 will not be worth the cost.
Very few games will actually use more then 4 cores/threads and thus a faster speed i5 will actually have better FPS then an i7.
Now once talking about video editing, or photoshop, 3d modeling, cad or anything like that then the i7 will be much better.

 

[LaneTheGreat]

Awesome, my only remaining question is about used processors, I was wondering if my current heatsink will function when used on the new i7 or i5, since the used processors are so much cheaper, many of them don't come with heatsinks.

 

[James Mason]

Awesome, my only remaining question is about used processors, I was wondering if my current heatsink will function when used on the new i7 2600, since the used processors are so much cheaper, many of them don't come with heatsinks.

You'll definitely need a new heatsink.

You probably don't have a super thick case, so you'll want a low profile cooler, this is one of the best: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/xxphP6/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

 

[LaneTheGreat]

Alright, I'll probably pick up that i5, the heatsink, and possibly that 1060 3GB, the i7 gets a little expensive for my taste when including the price of the heatsink.

Thanks everyone for the assistance!

 

[LaneTheGreat]

Awesome, my only remaining question is about used processors, I was wondering if my current heatsink will function when used on the new i7 2600, since the used processors are so much cheaper, many of them don't come with heatsinks.

You'll definitely need a new heatsink.

You probably don't have a super thick case, so you'll want a low profile cooler, this is one of the best: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/xxphP6/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

One last question if you're still actively replying, I won't need update bios correct? Upon visiting the lenovo site it said the bios didn't require an update even though cpu-z says bios was last updated in 2011.

 

[James Mason]

Would be wise to update the BIOS, it should be easy though.

 

[coolguy24]

Awesome, my only remaining question is about used processors, I was wondering if my current heatsink will function when used on the new i7 2600, since the used processors are so much cheaper, many of them don't come with heatsinks.

You'll definitely need a new heatsink.

You probably don't have a super thick case, so you'll want a low profile cooler, this is one of the best: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/xxphP6/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

One last question if you're still actively replying, I won't need update bios correct? Upon visiting the lenovo site it said the bios didn't require an update even though cpu-z says bios was last updated in 2011.

Hey LaneTheGreat did the gtx 1060 3gb worked? im in the same issue atm. i have the same mobo and wondering if the gtx 1060 will work.