Overclocking i7 4770k is it worth it....for gaming.

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

Hi Everyone,

I am have peeling over this CPU forum as I look to build my first build in a months time.

I am thinking about overclocking an i7 4770k but in reading many threads it seems pretty intimidating. I have no clue about BIOS and testing. Is it worth it? The rig will be used for games only.

Even installing a CPU cooler is giving me sleepless nights with spraying thermal paste everywhere or putting a screw through my motherboard !!!

Your thoughts and advise on this please

linckmichael · Nov 18, 2013

For pure gaming, you won't need the i7-4770k. An i5-4670k will suffice. Once you've done your homework, the planning of components and balancing your build correctly then it's the building part. In fact, building the PC is actually the best part. You can take pride in it!

I'd suggest watching some YouTube videos so you can visually learn how to put your PC together. Here's a loonnnng video with a lot of talk. But I like watching them! In various gaming PC builds, he talks about static, what to watch out for when screwing, motherboard stand offs. Of course you can watch other videos (shorter hopefully) or read more articles or guides on PC building (the practical part).

>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKnbazLsM7g

envy14tpe · Nov 18, 2013

Depends on the use. Do you need hyper-threading? Cuz you could also consider just a i5. But if you want the fastest system possible then a i7 is great. You might not notice the difference compared to a i5 but it'll be fast.

If this is a work machine or want to game with 2 or 3 GPUs then it might be worth it. Otherwise a locked i7 will be blazing fast.

Also, I'd suggest pairing with a SSD for extra oompf.

mbreslin1954 · Nov 18, 2013

Modern motherboards make over-clocking pretty easy, but really, you don't need a 4770k for gaming, and you sure don't need to overclock it. I have one, but only because I do a lot of video encoding, and I put a small over-clock on it. But I would not bother for gaming, games don't use over 4 cores and they don't need a 4770k over-clocked because they will be held back by the graphics card (unless you're contemplating spending a ton of money on multiple high-end GPUs).

johnnyb105 · Nov 18, 2013

As others have said get the I 5 4670 k and use the extra cash towards a ssd drive or something else. While I am more of a AMD Man I do know that the I 5 4670 is a very powerful cpu and will meet all your needs. Also overclocking is easy tons of info here at toms and on you tube ect ect. Hope this helps.

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

linckmichael :

Hi linckmichael,
Thanks for the Vids, I will definitely be going through those videos! Some of the Air CPU coolers are massive and its pretty intimidating. With regards to the i7, you are 100% correct I dont really need that kind of processing power for games but I do have the additional budget to I figured I might aswell splash out on a slightly better processor even if the gains are only 5-10%. I have also heard that some games will be using and already are using hyperthreading , so to be on the safe side I will go with the i7. If my budget was tight it would be at i5 as suggested.

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

envy14tpe :

Hi Eny,

This machine will only be used for gaming and web browsing. All files, vids, documents and rest of the Wife's rubbish will be on a separate laptop. With this said, I was thinking of not having a hard drive and ONLY using a SSD - 256GB Samsung or something. Thoughts on this? I am also thinking I will have less noise not having a hard drive.

linckmichael · Nov 18, 2013

TommyTanker :

Sounds great! There are many videos on Youtube to help you prepare. Really PC building is all about preparation in my opinion.

When you're done figuring your build, feel free to put it up on the forums. We'll help and critique. If you've got a larger budget, the i7 definitely won't hurt. Who knows what new software will require HT - it provides you with some 'future proofing'.

Cheers!

johnnyb105 · Nov 18, 2013

SSD drives are great fast boot times and searches Samsung Kingston are good brands I have used and even OCZ .

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

johnnyb105 :

Thanks Johnny,
Am i correct in thinking that many modern gaming Motherboard manufacturers (ASUS Hero, AsRock) now provide easy overclocking utilities? Even so, i reckon I will wont clock the chip for a year or two..And lastly, only having SSD drive and no Hard drive advisable? (only 10 games max on the rig and the OS)

johnnyb105 · Nov 18, 2013

Sure the boards offer great overclocking ask anyone they will provide you what they use for the best oc out there and as for the ssd I wouldnt go any lower then a 256 gigabyte. I have 3 systems using 120 Gigs now after the os windows and a few programs it gets kinda tight in there so I also use mechanical hard drives as storeage , Such as steam. orgin, upplay, ect pics and files. So if you built your pc around at least 256 gigs of SSD space you be fine and if you extra space later for things just pick up a 1 terabyte drive for around 70 bucks and your set. Hope this helps.

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

johnnyb105 :

Sure the boards offer great overclocking ask anyone they will provide you what they use for the best oc out there and as for the ssd I wouldnt go any lower then a 256 gigabyte. I have 3 systems using 120 Gigs now after the os windows and a few programs it gets kinda tight in there so I also use mechanical hard drives as storeage , Such as steam. orgin, upplay, ect pics and files. So if you built your pc around at least 256 gigs of SSD space you be fine and if you extra space later for things just pick up a 1 terabyte drive for around 70 bucks and your set. Hope this helps.

Awesome, thanks for your help.

johnnyb105 · Nov 18, 2013

No problem.

envy14tpe · Nov 18, 2013

If it's for gaming and web browsing then I'd get a simple i5-4670k and a decent cooler. Really a i7 isn't needed for your needs. You won't gain anything from a i7. Instead keep that money aside at take the Ms. out for a nice dinner cuz she is letting you spend this money on the build.

About SSD. Grab a Samsung EVO 256gb. Good price, great performance, and reliable. It should be enough space for OS, all programs, and all your games. If you start to fill up the SSD then you can put games on the HDD. They'll work the same.

My advice just watch some videos, read about building process and overclocking, and post a build for people to critique.
www.pcpartpicker.com

EDIT...I like what johnnyb105 said. Get a 256gb SSD and 1 TB HDD. You can't go wrong with this setup. Prices on both have become pretty cheap.

johnnyb105 · Nov 18, 2013

Thanks envy That's how I do all my builds. makes a perfect solution.
anyhow everyone night again Thanks for the praise and we are always here to help folks with questions and upgrades,

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

envy14tpe :

johnnyb105 :

Hahaa, Brilliant. Thanks Envy. My mrs gets spoilt enough, now its my turn!!
I think you're right you know, the i5 makes more sense and when I do overclock it later down the line I wont feel too bad if i do screw it up! Thanks for tips on the SSD and Hard Drive. What you guys mentioned makes sense, just get the Hard drive anyways incase space gets tight or when my laptop finally dies (it freezes very often these days and need hard reset)

envy14tpe · Nov 18, 2013

A good size SSD and 1TB HDD is the way to go. You'll never have space issues and can fill up the HDD with movies, photos....

The i5-4670k is a beast and you won't regret getting it. The more you learn about how to build a computer the more you'll realize why i5 is the best fit for you.

TommyTanker · Nov 18, 2013

envy14tpe :

Excellent, many thanks again.

Overclocking i7 4770k is it worth it....for gaming.

Honorable

Honorable

Champion

Distinguished

Dignified

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Dignified

Honorable

Dignified

Honorable

Dignified

Champion

Dignified

Honorable

Champion

Honorable

Share this page