Upgrading my i5 3470?

JLpaz

Honorable
Oct 30, 2013
7
0
10,510
Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade certain components in my computer and the CPU is one of them. I currently have a i5 3470 but can't decide what to upgrade to, to ensure it's more future proof. I'm looking at the i7 3770, keep in mind I have a p8z77-v-lk mobo, and the main things I use the computer for is a few games and a lot of document work. Price isn't an issue but it never hurts saving a few bucks.

Feedback would be appreciated :)
 
Solution
Two things.

1) An i7 isn't going to give you any benefit at all, either for gaming or for writing documents. The only advantage an i7 has over an i5 is a few MB of l3 cashe and hyperthreading, neither of which help.

2) You have a z77 motherboard, which means it can overclock. If you're absolutely DYING for an upgrade, go with an i5-3570k and buy an aftermarket cooler and overclock it.

3) Why do you want an upgrade? That's a very fast processor and still quite relevant. If you're having an issue with the speed of the computer, it's probably coming from another part, and we can help you figure that out.

4) If you absolutely want to upgrade and don't already have a plan for what you want to do with the 3470 you have, send me a PM - I...

Shneiky

Distinguished
If it is Microsoft office that you are referring to as "Documents" then an I7 wont bring you much of an improvement. You can wait until the next generation of CPUs and upgrade the whole system then. There will be probably DDR4 support by then so that will bring major improvement.
 
Two things.

1) An i7 isn't going to give you any benefit at all, either for gaming or for writing documents. The only advantage an i7 has over an i5 is a few MB of l3 cashe and hyperthreading, neither of which help.

2) You have a z77 motherboard, which means it can overclock. If you're absolutely DYING for an upgrade, go with an i5-3570k and buy an aftermarket cooler and overclock it.

3) Why do you want an upgrade? That's a very fast processor and still quite relevant. If you're having an issue with the speed of the computer, it's probably coming from another part, and we can help you figure that out.

4) If you absolutely want to upgrade and don't already have a plan for what you want to do with the 3470 you have, send me a PM - I would be interested in buying it used from you.
 
Solution

JLpaz

Honorable
Oct 30, 2013
7
0
10,510



Hey,

Thanks for the reply, really opened my eyes. I like the idea of overclocking the 3570k, and I will try that. I think my ability to splurge and want the most expensive thing is my problem lol.

Unfortunately my current CPU is being given to my sister, as I'm building her a desktop for her needs and I'm not looking to sell, sorry.

Thank You again :)

 
That's perfectly fine; just didn't want you throwing away a perfectly capable thing like that.

Yeah, I have that urge too, but you have to not be stupid with it - the overpriced things are almost always exactly that - overpriced.

Splurging on, say, a custom watercooling loop? Makes sense. It gives you a notable benefit. Splurging on things that don't give you a benefit, like an i7, or even worse, a 12-thread server/workstation CPU for gaming, just doesn't make sense.