Which CPU (and motherboard) to get for gaming & light video rendering?

[mrjordann]

So I am building a second PC, and want a decent CPU/motherboard that can play next year's triple-A games. But I have some weird requirements.

 

I currently have a Z97 mobo with an i5 4690k CPU. I am building a second PC, and I want it to have a nice CPU, but I don't want to get anything better than my (kinda) "beasty" current rig. I guess it's just out of my comfort zone, because I don't want to belittle my current PC which I love very much.

 

So I have a few options. Get another Z97/LGA1150 motherboard, which I feel comfortable with, or go for a Z170 because it's newer and upgradable. Which should I go with?

 

Z170 route: If I'm correct, Skylake are the only CPUs that can go in Z170 boards? If so, are my options simply the i5 6600k and i7 6700k, or are there some more affordable Skylake CPUs?

 

Z97 route: Which compatible CPU should I get? Are there any CPUs that are less or equal to the 4690k, but still run games fine?

 

Thanks in advance everyone, I appreciate how much feedback I receive from this community!

[Electronics Wizardy]

z170 and a 7700k if you can afford it.

[mrjordann]

2 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

z170 and a 7700k if you can afford it.

"and I want it to have a nice CPU, but I don't want to get anything better than my (kinda) "beasty" current rig. I guess it's just out of my comfort zone, because I don't want to belittle my current PC which I love very much."

[Electronics Wizardy]

1 minute ago, mrjordann said:

"and I want it to have a nice CPU, but I don't want to get anything better than my (kinda) "beasty" current rig. I guess it's just out of my comfort zone, because I don't want to belittle my current PC which I love very much."

so for some weird reason you don't want it faster. Why not put a i7 in your pc and put the i5 from there in the second pc.