CPU compatibility question

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ascension2020

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Apr 10, 2012
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Hi,

I have an ASRock H61ICAFE LGA 1155 motherboard with an i3-2120 processor. I'm looking to upgrade, and the manufacturer has put out a BIOS update that says it will allow the motherboard to support 3rd gen Ivy Bridge Intel processors.

Here are a couple of the ones I'm looking at. Does anyone know whether or not they would be compatible?

* i7-3770
* i7-3770k

If those won't work then what would be my best bet for a quad core CPU with hyperthreading? The i7-2700k?

P.S. - Bonus question. Is there any major advantage to the "K" processors that makes the i7-3770k worth an extra $50?

Thanks for your help.
 
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someguynamedmatt
Yep - both of those processors should work on that motherboard. Both are third generation i7's and are excellent chips.

As for the "K" designation, it means that the processor has an unlocked multiplier which allows for easier overclocking. If you plan on overclocking your processor a fair amount, the extra $50 is worth it, but an H61 motherboard won't allow you to go very far, especially with a stock Intel cooler - if I were you, I'd just go with a standard non-K CPU, as the extra 1-2% performance gain you'd get from OCing isn't worth the extra trouble and money anyway. At least, that's my opinion.

Hope my opinion could be of some use to you! I think you'd be quite happy with an i7-3770 - I run a mobile i7-3630QM myself right...
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jnewegger23

jnewegger23

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Aug 13, 2013
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It should work and the 3770 is significantly stronger than the 2700k though that's not a bad chip either. The K model allows you to overclock and while you may or may not be considering that at this point, having the option for $50 more is an advantage. You can push your chip in a healthy way but your motherboard may be the limiting factor as the 3770k is what I own and has served me well but I don't want you to push components that weren't designed for overclocking. Plus you would need a good case with good ventiliation and an aftermarket fan etc. That all said it's up to you. You will enjoy either chip very much but you pretty much get stuck with the hardware you buy. So if you do upgrade your motherboard later, you'll definitely wish you had bought the "K" model. If that's not on your horizon though then save your $50
 
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someguynamedmatt

someguynamedmatt

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Yep - both of those processors should work on that motherboard. Both are third generation i7's and are excellent chips.

As for the "K" designation, it means that the processor has an unlocked multiplier which allows for easier overclocking. If you plan on overclocking your processor a fair amount, the extra $50 is worth it, but an H61 motherboard won't allow you to go very far, especially with a stock Intel cooler - if I were you, I'd just go with a standard non-K CPU, as the extra 1-2% performance gain you'd get from OCing isn't worth the extra trouble and money anyway. At least, that's my opinion.

Hope my opinion could be of some use to you! I think you'd be quite happy with an i7-3770 - I run a mobile i7-3630QM myself right now, and it's even faster than my old desktop ever was. They're quite the little powerhouses.
 
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ascension2020

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Apr 10, 2012
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@ someguynamedmatt & jnewegger23 - Thank you both, you set my mind at ease. I think I will go with the K since my next major upgrade will be the motherboard. I don't plan to OC now but I might in the future.

Thanks again!
 
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ascension2020

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Apr 10, 2012
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@ 4745454b - Glad you pointed that out. Just saved me $50. If I buy another board it won't be with the 1155 socket. If there's nothing to differentiate the K besides the overclocking then I might as well save the $.
 
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4745454b

4745454b

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Nothing. They are the same CPU. Even if they were "binned" (tested so the ones that could reach higher clocks were left unlocked/as k chips.) your h61 won't allow it. And you said your next board won't be 1155. I'd save the money. You also said you might in the future so if you think you might stay with 1155 you might want a k CPU. Think it over, only you know your upgrade habits.
 
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