i7-4790 or K version

[Rawity]

So, I'm almost done picking parts for a new computer, but, can't figure out which CPU to get. I won't overclock, but will need the power of an i7 which is why I decided to go with one. However, I'm not sure if I should go with 4790 or it's K brother. Since I barely see anyone with 4790 non K, I'm wondering if it's bad compared to the K version?

Anyway, hope you guys can help me out

PCPartpicker link: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pmQqf7

[ShadowCaptain]

So, I'm almost done picking parts for a new computer, but, can't figure out which CPU to get. I won't overclock, but will need the power of an i7 which is why I decided to go with one. However, I'm not sure if I should go with 4790 or it's K brother. Since I barely see anyone with 4790 non K, I'm wondering if it's bad compared to the K version?

 

If you are not overclockings its basically exactly the same CPU and performance as a 4790k

[Oshino Shinobu]

Neither. If you're not overclocking, save your self some money and go with a Xeon E3 1231v3 or 1241v3

 

On par with a locked 4790 and cheaper 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($26.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($82.99 @ Directron) 

Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($52.49 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($353.99 @ NCIX US) 

Case: Fractal Design Node 804 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: Corsair RM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  (Purchased For $0.00) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit)  ($0.00) 

Total: $859.43

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-20 10:07 EDT-0400

[iamdarkyoshi]

I bought a non k i5 2500 and I wish I had gone for the K version as I now have a better cooler (watercooling loop) and I would say that the K version is worth it in the long run.

[arronleeds]

4790k no doubt.

[theereal]

4790k no doubt.

If hes not going to be overclocking, there is no reason to get the K...

[Guest]

No OC is no K, very simple.

Besides you can still OC non k cpu's, it's just harder to do, and you won't get good results because they are binned to work at the stock speeds.

[PricelessNight]

To be honest i think you should get the K just because of the heat sink you are getting. I know you have no plans of overclocking right now but later down the line you might want to and with that heat sink you are able too. If it was me i would get the K.

[JustChilliing]

You might find the K version is cheaper.

[iamdarkyoshi]

To be honest i think you should get the K just because of the heat sink you are getting. I know you have no plans of overclocking right now but later down the line you might want to and with that heat sink you are able too. If it was me i would get the K.

This. I felt the same way when I bought my CPU and I now wished I had gone for a K series.

[Ganz]

The answer to any question regarding 'k' versions or not.  Will you overclock:

Case Yes:

Then get the K version

Case No:

Get the non-K version

[Rawity]

So, I'd be better getting the K and then be able to overclock in the future when needed?

[DarkSmith2]

i would always get the K version,

 

you can change your mind even if you have no plans to OC its good to have the option.

Also its not much more money and you get the extra money back when you choose to resell.

[pckid]

If you think the only difference between a non-K and a K version is overclocking, then you shouldn't be recommending pc parts to people.

[jdayscokn]

3.5-3.9ghz boost for non k or 4-4.4ghz boost for k, the higher stock clocks alone are worth considering even without an overclock

[JerkyMcDilerino]

3.5-3.9ghz boost for non k or 4-4.4ghz boost for k, the higher stock clocks alone are worth considering even without an overclock

i7 4790 boost up to 4GHz which is like a little overclock from Intel while i7 4790k boost up to 4.4GHz and both pretty much beats i7 4770 an i7 4770k.

[SteveGrabowski0]

If you are not overclockings its basically exactly the same CPU and performance as a 4790k

 

It's 400 MHz slower.

[SteveGrabowski0]

So, I'd be better getting the K and then be able to overclock in the future when needed?

 

Even if you don't overclock, the K processor has an 11% higher clockspeed.

[JerkyMcDilerino]

Even if you don't overclock, the K processor has an 11% higher clockspeed.

Plus free overclock to 4.4GHz so why not take it? Even i7 4770k fail to get to 4.3GHz, plus if you have an adequate water cooling you can get this i7 4790k runs at 4.7GHz.

[JaZoN_XD]

First, what are you planning to do specifically which require the HT of the i7? Are you going to be video editing? Content creation?... etc. Anyway, I would suggest you to get the K version even if you don't plan to overclock right now, because later down the line, you definitely want to explore the processor's potentials and you would want to push it farther. Also, it REALLY adds to your experience with computers, so even if you won't plan to overclock, I would always recommend a K chip. (Assuming money isn't a big deal for you)