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Help With CPU Upgrade

Tags:
  • DDR3
  • Support
  • CPUs
  • Sandy Bridge
  • Motherboards
  • GPUs
Last response: in CPUs
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August 1, 2014 8:07:35 PM

I've recently come across a new 900 watt PSU, 32 GB of DDR3, and a GPU upgrade. I have these items already, but my current cpu/mobo setup was on a budget back in 2011 and can't support that much RAM.

I'm seriously considering a cpu/mobo upgrade to make the most out of the new hardware, but I'm having trouble justifying it through the specs.

Currently I'm running a Sandy Bridge i-5 2500k, and contemplating the Haswell i-5 4590.

Since my current motherboard doesn't support the right socket, I would need to upgrade that as well.

I work from home, this computer provides a living for my family as well as my personal entertainment. General uses are photoshop and gaming.

If anyone could help me quantize the CPU decision to determine how much of a performance boost I would see it would be greatly appreciated. I'm also all ears for alternate cpu/motherboard combinations.

Thanks!

More about : cpu upgrade

a b à CPUs
August 1, 2014 8:11:30 PM

You won't see much of a benefit from the socket change, maybe a 15-20% overall increase in performance. I would not consider the investment to be worth it as Sandy Bridge is still a highly capable socket.
a c 418 à CPUs
a c 516 V Motherboard
August 1, 2014 8:16:02 PM

Depending on what you use the PC for, you will see a minor improvement (~20%) to almost no improvement going from SB to HSW. For gaming, the gfx card will make the biggest difference in performance.
And changing MBs will require you to re-install the OS (Win7?). If the OS is an OEM license, you will have to "jump thru a few hoops" to get it re-activated with Microsoft to continue to receive updates and to use all its functions. Not a big deal usually, but something to consider.

For video work, the i7 with hyper threading would be a better improvement... but $100 more expensive.
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