PSU powerful enough for CPU upgrade?

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TheGamezKid

TheGamezKid

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Hey guys first post. I'm 13 and I've recently got a gaming pc and I was wondering if I had enough power to upgrade my CPU to a i5 3770k with my 680W power supply, here are my specs:
CPU: AMD phenom 2 X2 550
GPU: AMD Sapphire 7950 Dual-X
Motherboard: ASRock 960GM

Any Intel Motherboard suggestions would be appreciated.
 
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Zircoben


Yes. Definitely. The i7-3770K (I think that's what you're talking about) actually has a lower TDP than the AMD Phenom 2 X2 550 (77W vs 80W). You'll have plenty of headroom in your PSU, as long as it is a good brand.

Instead of an i7-3770K, get an i7-4770K so you can get Haswell. If you want to save money, sure get the i5-4670K. All these CPUs are phenomenal and will breeze through your tasks.

I don't think you...
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RFM1997

RFM1997

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Mar 11, 2013
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Yes, a 680Watt PSU is plenty enough, but you're forgetting the fact that your current motherboard only supports AMD Cpu, it doesn't has the required socket for the i5.

If you want to upgrade your CPU, you have to buy a new motherboard, with the right socket. You probably want a FX cpu, like the 8350.
 
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Zircoben

Zircoben

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Yes. Definitely. The i7-3770K (I think that's what you're talking about) actually has a lower TDP than the AMD Phenom 2 X2 550 (77W vs 80W). You'll have plenty of headroom in your PSU, as long as it is a good brand.

Instead of an i7-3770K, get an i7-4770K so you can get Haswell. If you want to save money, sure get the i5-4670K. All these CPUs are phenomenal and will breeze through your tasks.

I don't think you can go wrong with any motherboards, just get an LGA 1150 (For Haswell, the 4xxx series CPUs) motherboard from a reputable manufacturer (Gigabyte, Asrock, MSi, ASUS) and you really should be great! Check reviews on Newegg, and make sure you choose one with the upgrade-ability and ports you need and you should be golden!

Good luck!
 
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TheGamezKid

TheGamezKid

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I knew I would need a new motherboard and I meant the i5 3570k (whoops), thanks for all your help and I live in Britain so I buy in pounds but I'll research all of your suggestions, I'm mainly looking to record and render youtube vids with higher end games and my currunt cpu seems to bottleneck. Thanks again

(EDIT): Just found a i5 4670k for 155 pounds! I love PC Gaming!
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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TheGamezKid

TheGamezKid

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I'm just curious but what advantages does the Xeon E3-1230 V3 have over the i5 4670k?
 
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Zircoben

Zircoben

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It is hyperthreaded, so it is just like an i7. It has 8 threads and can multitask more effectively.
 
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TheGamezKid

TheGamezKid

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Thanks ;), but I think I'll stick with the i5 4670k. My budget doesn't allow for that right now, but with the new intel cpus out we'll see how far the price drops.
 
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FunkyFeatures

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I dont understand - How does the xeon not fit your budget? Sure it is a little bit more expensive, but paired with a cheaper motherboard because of no overclocking, you can actually get it cheaper. :)

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor (£176.39 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£54.74 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £231.13
vs i5 4670k and overclocking motherboard
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£163.90 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £236.89

And if you want to overclock the i5, you need a proper cooler, that is maybe about +40£?

So even if you have a tight budget, the xeon is cheaper :)
 
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TheGamezKid

TheGamezKid

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Ah but you see, I've found a i5 4670k for £150 and a Z97P for £66 and I really am trying to save every penny possible but thanks again, I am still looking at your suggestion. I've not ignored it. ;)
 
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TheGamezKid

TheGamezKid

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Ah but you see, I've found a i5 4670k for £150 and a Z97P for £66 and I really am trying to save every penny possible but thanks again, I am still looking at your suggestion. I've not ignored it. ;)
 
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FunkyFeatures

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You accidently posted the same answer twice -
But the thing is - you said you wanted to save every penny, well to use the unlocked features of the 4670k, you need a proper cooler. The 212 evo is fine and cheap, but then again, i will try to look back at xeon, better performance from the start, no need for cooler or an expensive motherboard.

Just saying - you might end up paying more for the i5 4670k no matter how much you try to save(be it 10-20£) you will end up needing to spend more for a cooler.
 
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