Which CPU should I go with?

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tcprix

tcprix

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I'm up in the air between the older i7-4790k or the newer i7-6700. My PC would mostly be used for gaming and streaming (Arma 3 mostly) as the most intense tasks I can think of. I'm pretty sure there's not a huge difference but in this link: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-6700-vs-Intel-Core-i7-4790K/3515vs2384 the 4790k seems to have better specs when it comes to the processors speed. The 4790k is only $22 more, it has a higher TDP and older technology. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'd like to have the better performing CPU for only $22 more but is there something I'm missing here that I should definitely go with the skylake 6700 because of newer technology? I don't plan on overclocking I just think it's badass that the 4790k is 4.0 GHz & turbo's to 4.4 GHz as well seems to crush every other CPU out there for single core performance. Please give me your thoughts, thanks.

Also if you do choose one and have a cooler recommendation please which one is a good quality fan for the CPU.
 
Solution
Ecky
AIO = all-in-one watercooler. These are generally $65-100, and don't really offer any better cooling than high-end (and cheaper) air coolers, but offer the advantage of not covering up your entire motherboard with their bulk.

I wouldn't worry about prolonging the life of your CPU; at stock speed, a stock Intel CPU will bounce off of throttling temperature (100c) for years before any damage occurs. These CPUs generally long outlive their usefulness, even when abused.

An i7 6700 using the included cooler will be fine, no need to spend money on an aftermarket cooler for it.
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techgeek

techgeek

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They would perform pretty similarly. Clock for clock Skylake is about 10% faster (load dependent) than Devil's Canyon. So Skylakes 4.0GHz = DC's 4.4GHz. That said most games are GPU bound, so I doubt there'd be any difference.

The upside to the 4790k is that it's overclockable. Even if you don't plan on it now, down the road you could extend it's life a year or two by squeezing some more performance out of it.

What's your budget for a cooler? Are you for / neutral / against AiO's?
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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The best would be the I7-6700K. I am not certain if that is what you meant(not i7-6700)
Actually, both are comparable in performance and you should be pleased with any of them.
The i7-6700 runs at 3.5 stock, while the i7-6700K runs at 4.0 stock.
There is no good need to overclock.
But you might keep that option open.
As of 2/16/16
What percent can get an overclock at a somewhat sane 1.40v Vcore.

I7-6700K
4.8 18%
4.7 56%
4.6 87%
4.5 100%

On a new build, I would go with latest tech.
Skylake Z170 chipsets are superior and offer some higher performing ssd options.

As to coolers, you need nothing special if you will not overclock.
But, for quiet and performance, I suggest one of the Noctua s suffix coolers.
Perhaps the NH-U12s or NH-U14s
They are redesigned to allow clearance from graphics cards in the first pcie slot and for ram with tall heat spreaders.
 
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Ecky

Ecky

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My vote is for the i7 6700. It performs around the same as a stock 4790K, while using a lot less power. You can get away with buying a cheaper H170 motherboard and using the stock cooler.

A 4790K can overclock, yes, but you're likely to only get aroun 4.6ghz with reasonable voltage. Over the stock 4.4 (single-threaded turbo), that's only a 4% increase, which is almost certainly not worth the extra cost of an overclocking motherboard and aftermarket cooler.

The 6700K is also an option, and generally has a bit more to gain from overclocking, but even then it doesn't seem to offer a lot of value to me over the non-K.
 
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tcprix

tcprix

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Sorry I don't even know what AiO's are. I googled it and found all in one's? I don't want to spend to much on a cooler but want one that will prolong the life of my CPU. I was looking at the EVO 212 as it has good reviews and a great price but wondering if there's something a bit better quality that will maybe lengthen the CPU life. With what you said first I think i7 6700 makes more sense to go with.
 
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Ecky

Ecky

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AIO = all-in-one watercooler. These are generally $65-100, and don't really offer any better cooling than high-end (and cheaper) air coolers, but offer the advantage of not covering up your entire motherboard with their bulk.

I wouldn't worry about prolonging the life of your CPU; at stock speed, a stock Intel CPU will bounce off of throttling temperature (100c) for years before any damage occurs. These CPUs generally long outlive their usefulness, even when abused.

An i7 6700 using the included cooler will be fine, no need to spend money on an aftermarket cooler for it.
 
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Solution
tcprix

tcprix

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Yeah I did intend the non 'k' version as I don't intend on overclocking nor know nothing about it or highly doubt I will need it. Plus it's a bit more expensive and runs a fair bit hotter. Ok I'm pretty set then on the Skylake family now. Thanks for the cooler recommendations. Will those outperform the EVO 212 and probably lengthen the lifespan of my CPU more than the EVO 212 would?

As well if I'm not intending to overclock can you recommend a motherboard for the i7 6700?
 
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tcprix

tcprix

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Ok cool thanks man. Yeah it runs so cool I was really debating on even wasting my money on an aftermarket fan.
 
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tcprix

tcprix

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Thanks for your input

 
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