I'm looking for suggestions about upgrading my CPU

[buckeyetodd]

I use a Rhino based CAD program daily, and am curently using a desktop with a Gigabyte Z87-D3HP mobo with an i7-4770 3.40GHz chip, and 16 gb RAM. I just installed a GTX 1080 GPU. If I want to bump my CPU , I am better off just changing it, or replacing the motherboard as well?

 

[Atomicdonut17]

If you're really looking to upgrade, a replacement of your motherboard seems necessary. It will only support 4th gen Intel CPUs, which severely limits upgrade capability. For a 6th/7th gen CPU, which would more properly suit your 1080, you'll have a number of cheap and effective options. I would go with the X99/Z270 series boards for optimal performance, and you're also going to be able to jump into DDR4, with lower voltage and higher clocks.

 

[elbert]

I suggest you hold off for Intels new 2066 kabylake-x/skylake-x X299 motherboard. You can then get the new 7640k, 7740k, or any of the 6~10 core skylake CPU's. It should be out in June. This or get an 8 core Ryzen as either plateform should be around for 4 years..