Intel CPU+mobo upgrade for gaming

Lazar_99 · Nov 7, 2015

Hi guys. I want to get an intel platform for gaming and i can't decide what to go for.
Like i said, i will be using the PC mostly for gaming and i currently have an MSI 970A-G46, unlocked athlon II and 2x4gb of DDR3 RAM (Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz CL9).
I don't want to get an FX 8350 because it uses too much power for what performance it offers.
These are the two builds i composed:
First:
Intel i7 4770 (non K) + Asus H97 Pro Gamer

Second:
Intel i5 6600 (non K) + Gigabyte H170 Gaming 3 + Kingston Hyperx Fury DDR4 8gb 2400mhz

Both builds are the same price and the 6600k is a lot more expensive than the non K so its not worth it in my opinion. If you think there is a better option, feel free to share.
Btw. The PSU i have is a Antec HCG 620W non modular and is 3 years old now so i'm not sure if it will hold on for long.

Karsten75 · Nov 7, 2015

If you go with the i7-4770, you can re-use your current RAM. That's what I'd recommend.

Actually, let me re-phrase that. Of your two choices, I'd recommend as above.

If you have a choice, I'd suggest the i5-4690K - it is excellent as a gaming processor, will work on the same mobo and hte same RAM and in most games will be a little faster than the i7-4770 which is a generation older. Should also be cheaper by $100 or so.

Lazar_99 · Nov 7, 2015

Karsten75 :

So i should get a Z97 mobo with the 4690k? The 4690k is costs the same as a 6600 and has the advantage of being unlocked. Thanks for the advice, i was looking at the options at the same price but failed to notice a lot better price/performance option. What motherboard would you recommend for the 4690K?

Karsten75 · Nov 7, 2015

Before I advise you further what country are you in and where are you looking at prices?

Lazar_99 · Nov 7, 2015

Karsten75 :

To make it easier for you, i will give write down a few Z97 boards that are within my budget and their prices.

Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC (210$)

MSI Z97 GAMING 5 (170$)

MSI Z97 GAMING 3 (145$)

Asus Gryphon Z97 Armor Edition (180$)

Asus Z97-A (155$)

Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI (145$)

Note: The first gigabyte board should only be considered if its worth getting in terms of price/ performance because it is quite a bit more expensive than the others.

Karsten75 · Nov 7, 2015

If you use this mobo and processor, you can re-use the current DDR3 RAM you have. If you so choose, you can overclock at a later date - then you need to buy a more robust CPU coler than the stock Intel cooler (you may have to do so anyway, depending on case ventilation). I have the Extreme6 mobo. I usually recommend ASRock motherboards, and have no recent experience with any other motherboards. The Extreme4 will let you run either Crossfire or SLI.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $327.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-07 20:54 EST-0500

If you decide to go with the newer Skylake processor, then you have to add RAM (I din't know how much you'd want, so did not configure it)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($195.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H170 Pro4S ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $290.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-07 21:06 EST-0500

Compare ASRock Pro4 and Pro4S: http://www.asrock.com/mb/compare.asp?SelectedModel=Z170M+Pro4&SelectedModel=Z170M+Pro4S

Neither of those boards will give you crossfire or SLI support. FOr Crossfire you have to upgrade to a more expensive board in the H170 chipset, for SLI you have to go to the Z170 CHipset motherboards.

Hope this helps.

Lazar_99 · Nov 8, 2015

Karsten75 :

If you use this mobo and processor, you can re-use the current DDR3 RAM you have. If you so choose, you can overclock at a later date - then you need to buy a more robust CPU coler than the stock Intel cooler (you may have to do so anyway, depending on case ventilation). I have the Extreme6 mobo. I usually recommend ASRock motherboards, and have no recent experience with any other motherboards. The Extreme4 will let you run either Crossfire or SLI.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $327.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-07 20:54 EST-0500

If you decide to go with the newer Skylake processor, then you have to add RAM (I din't know how much you'd want, so did not configure it)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($195.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H170 Pro4S ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $290.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-07 21:06 EST-0500

Compare ASRock Pro4 and Pro4S: http://www.asrock.com/mb/compare.asp?SelectedModel=Z170M+Pro4&SelectedModel=Z170M+Pro4S

Neither of those boards will give you crossfire or SLI support. FOr Crossfire you have to upgrade to a more expensive board in the H170 chipset, for SLI you have to go to the Z170 CHipset motherboards.

Hope this helps.

i won't be using crossfire or SLI. I prefer single GPU setups. I play on a 1080p monitor with a 60hz refresh rate. The CPU cooler i have is the Zalman CNPS9900max. Dual GPU setup will also require a beefier PSU and i'm currently looking to take the load off the PSU by getting a power efficient CPU.

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