K version Processor

[Sir Doge]

So, i'm currently looking at processors, for a new rig, and I see that the K versions (the unlocked versions I believe), has better clock speed and is usually faster. My problem is:

If I choose a K version and don't overclock (as I don't have experience with it) is it worth the extra price or is the non-K version enough.

For example, to choose between the i7-4790K or just the 4790.

If I get the non-K version, will I need an aftermarket CPU Cooler?

Thanks a lot

[Guest]

If you don't plan to overclock then just get the normal, non-k version and a cheaper motherboard (H97, perhaps). Also, the standard heatsink is usually "fine", but you might want something like a 212 evo just to get the temperatures down a little, especially on the 4790k.

[Darth Blender]

So, i'm currently looking at processors, for a new rig, and I see that the K versions (the unlocked versions I believe), has better clock speed and is usually faster. My problem is:

If I choose a K version and don't overclock (as I don't have experience with it) is it worth the extra price or is the non-K version enough.

 

For example, to choose between the i7-4790K or just the 4790.

If I get the non-K version, will I need an aftermarket CPU Cooler?

 

Thanks a lot

The K version is all about the overclocking.If you don't want or don't know how to overclock your system, buy the non K version.

[Snickerzz]

It comes with the same cooler, the hyper 212x is a great cooler for ~30$

If you arent go oc dont bother, also if you do get the K series make sure your motherboard is a Z series or else you cant oc

[ShadowCaptain]

 

If I choose a K version and don't overclock (as I don't have experience with it) is it worth the extra price or is the non-K version enough.

 

If I get the non-K version, will I need an aftermarket CPU Cooler?

 

If you choose a K version and dont overclock you are just wasting money on both the CPU and motherboard 

 

If the price difference is not much, just get the K processor, you might want to overclock a year or 2 down the line as the processor ages and you need more speed

 

An aftermarket CPU cooler is still a good idea even on a stock chip, it will run quiter and cooler, the stock cooler is ok for pentiums etc (though not that quiet) but on i7s etc it can still run warm

[DJ46]

Also, if you're not overclocking and you're planning to use a discrete GPU, consider a Xeon.

[Prokart2000]

repost http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/197351-k-version-processor/

[Sir Doge]

repost http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/197351-k-version-processor/

Woops, that was my bad, I don't know why it did that.

[harrynowl]

Depending on the price difference getting a K version might be a better choice because you at least have the option to overclock. I know people that bought i7 920s in 2008 found overclocking to 4GHz in the past year or so made their CPU keep up with modern applications again.

[Prokart2000]

Woops, that was my bad, I don't know why it did that.

ok

[Sir Doge]

If you choose a K version and dont overclock you are just wasting money on both the CPU and motherboard 

 

If the price difference is not much, just get the K processor, you might want to overclock a year or 2 down the line as the processor ages and you need more speed

 

An aftermarket CPU cooler is still a good idea even on a stock chip, it will run quiter and cooler, the stock cooler is ok for pentiums etc (though not that quiet) but on i7s etc it can still run warm

 

Yeah, you're right, I might want to OC a while down the line, that's my problem because if I buy the non-K version and want to OC later on I will have to buy not only a K version but also a motherboard. Hmm, I'm really undecided about this.

[ShadowCaptain]

Yeah, you're right, I might want to OC a while down the line, that's my problem because if I buy the non-K version and want to OC later on I will have to buy not only a K version but also a motherboard. Hmm, I'm really undecided about this.

 

I have not OCd my 4770k but I am happy I bought the K version and Z board. Means I have the flexibility to do whatever I want

 

The main question is, how likely are you to upgrade your system down the line? are you likely to just buy a new system in a few years? If so going K has little to no benefit

 

but since CPUs tend to be one of the longer lived components, (you are more likely to upgrade your GPU/SSD etc etc) then I think getting K and OCing in a year or 2 is a smart move

 

BUT I will say this, if you have to sacrifice other parts of your PC to get the K processor, it is not worth it, only spend that extra if the rest of your build is not being compromised  (for example, having to buy a cheaper GPU just to get a Z motherboard)

[TheProfosist]

Overclock its not hard. The other option you have is to get a Xeon and a h or b series board you loose the ability for dual GPU but gain hyperthreading.

[Jey R.]

Depending on the price difference getting a K version might be a better choice because you at least have the option to overclock. I know people that bought i7 920s in 2008 found overclocking to 4GHz in the past year or so made their CPU keep up with modern applications again.

Very good and interesting point. This alone is a must for overclcoking .