Upgrading a really old PC, could use some advice.

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Celauron

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I've been using the same PC for 7 years now, replacing only graphics cards and hard drives, as well as peripherals. Recently it became obvious that e8500 dual core processor and 4gb ram just won't cut anymore for any new games and i've saved enough money for a complete upgrade.

I've been wondering what should i buy now? I could splash out for an 8 core Haswell-E or buy a much cheaper 4 core Haswell processor and graphics card. Or i could wait for Broadwell. I doubt that i will be able to wait for Skylake though.

I've saved about $2000 for new parts and could add more if i have to. I think don't need to buy new case since i've got full tower thermaltake tai-chi, which is old but still good enough. Also i want to wait with upgrading my monitor and buy Asus PG27AQ when its available. I've already upgraded my graphics card to 970 GTX as well.

Bottom line - i want another PC that would last me quite a lot of time and i was hoping that it would be using DDR4 as well. Is there a chance that 4/8 core Broadwell's would actually have support for ddr4? Or should i just buy 4/8 core haswell?
 
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WildCard999
Its tough to say if Skylake and Broadwell will outperform Haswell(e) but even if it does how much of a performance gain will it be?

http://wccftech.com/intel-skylake-s-processors-debut-idf-2015-95w-quad-core-unlocked-skus-ship-gt2-gpu/

Considering that I5's are still a great choice for gaming now the Haswell-E still may be way more then what you need when you can get a Haswell-Devils Canyon I7-4790K that should last for quite awhile.
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WildCard999

WildCard999

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I would just go with a Haswell I7 and at least 8gb of RAM. The GTX 970 is a great GPU and should last awhile. This build would last quite awhile, be within budget, and utilizes DDR4 RAM:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VGYPcf
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VGYPcf/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($369.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110i GT 113.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 Extreme4 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($202.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $922.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 09:03 EST-0500

***That CPU cooler may not fit into that tower***

Also depending on your PSU you may want to upgrade that as well.
 
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eddieb101

eddieb101

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Upgrading your CPU will mean you will need a new motherboard and Operating system. Sounds like you're best starting from fresh. A decent quad Core i5 will be more than good enough such as the 4690k. DDR4 memory is HORRIFICALLY expensive and you will need a motherboard and indeed CPU that is compatible.

Bottomline is a good quality i5 and motherboard out now will be more than good enough for the next 5 years. Unless you are doing extreme video editing then i7 processors are overkill
 
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Celauron

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Ill definitely look into this site but im not putting liquid cooling in my pc ever again. Its just too much of a hassle and i really enjoyed Noctua which has lasted me for 6 years still being quiet and efficient. I am going to replace the fan anyway though, disassemble the old one and use the fans to cool the case.

I was planning on buying at least 16 GB ram anyway, though i am not familiar with g.skill. I've had crucial ballistix which turned out with 2 faulty planks and replaced it with corsair which lasted me 5 years.

As to the motherboard - i've been using Asus striker 2 formula from their ROG series and it also has lasted for 7 years so i was planning on replacing it with another ROG. Though i admit that i don't need all those features they got in their only x99 model. Its very expensive as well.

 
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Celauron

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I was thinking about it myself but its a minor issue for me. There's just two top USB 2.0 slots and i've been using them mostly for connecting my iphone. I might upgrade tower as well though im afraid that i won't be able to get rid of the old one. Its really huge. So huge - they put wheels on it.



I've got windows 8.1 x64 and i don't think that i'll have to upgrade my OS. I am starting fresh, since i will be upgrading motherboard, RAM, PCU and CPU.



Do you think that 4 core Skylake and Broadwell will outperform 6 core Haswell-E though? That's basically the only question i've got left.
 
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WildCard999

WildCard999

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Its tough to say if Skylake and Broadwell will outperform Haswell(e) but even if it does how much of a performance gain will it be?

http://wccftech.com/intel-skylake-s-processors-debut-idf-2015-95w-quad-core-unlocked-skus-ship-gt2-gpu/

Considering that I5's are still a great choice for gaming now the Haswell-E still may be way more then what you need when you can get a Haswell-Devils Canyon I7-4790K that should last for quite awhile.
 
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eddieb101

eddieb101

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Just remember that every time you use a new motherboard you need a new copy of windows, the OS licence can't be transferred. As for your question on Skylake/broadwell vs Haswell(e) .... Only time will tell but a good quality Devils Canyon/Hasswell chip is more than enough these days
 
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Celauron

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I've used that site you gave me and selected the parts i would want myself:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K3WWwP

I couldn't find however whether x99 motherboard actually supports 2400mhz 2x8 GB sticks or not. On the Asus compatibility list only mentions some 2x8 gb "panram" sticks or 4x8 sticks. I thought i could buy 2 sticks now and 2 sticks later if i need to. Do you have any comments on the parts i've selected?



It seems that there are different opinions on this over the internet. OEM versions clearly require a new purchase of license, however i've actually got free windows 8 update during that whole "media center keys" debacle and before that i've purchased vista x64 professional. So it seems that i can still use my old OS if i use phone activation even after changing motherboard and CPU.
 
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