kiddingguy Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I am thinking to upgrade my CPU from a Core i7 920 to a 950 or 960. In this case I don't have to replace my mobo, RAM etc. Is this wise? Or can I better save this money and buy a new PC when I think this is needed? The price for a new CPU is around 320 US$ (275 EUR). Second-hand somewhat cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xahid Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I don't think its worthy to upgrade for 9x series, If you're main purpose is gaming you should upgrade to 4th Generation Core i5 with new motherboard. & I don't think you need to replace the RAM. Jose_49 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farchord Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Think about it this way. Your 'new' CPU would be $320-ish. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116900 For barely 20$ more. And note that your old CPU is about 5+ years old now, and is at least 25 to 35% slower than what's out there right now. I would just gather my money and wait. SoCalRox 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Zlip792 MVC Posted January 22, 2015 MVC Share Posted January 22, 2015 I'll second what Xahid said, as new generation are more power efficient as well, which could ultimately save your electricity bills as well. In case of 4th and 5th generation, non-E series, you just need to go for Dual Channel RAM rather than current triple channel. Waiting for Desktop Broadwell or Skylake-S processors will be better option right now (in next 3 months) IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grunger106 Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Grab a Xeon 5650 or 5670 - Going rate on ebay is ~ fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 Thx for the replies. So it's best to wait and get a new computer in the future. As for speed.... is OC'ing an option? (and not to 4Ghz but around the 3.0 - 3.2 GHz) And can it damage the CPU, because I read that the different speeds/CPUs in the 9xx series are more or less the same build (only the corespeed is different)... so the 920-CPU can kinda handle these (OC-)speeds. Right? fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiretap Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I'm on a i7 920 @ 4GHz right now... I'm in a same dilemma. It is still a great processor and runs everything I do with ease, but I'm always itching to upgrade. I looked at the Xeon 5670 to drop in, but it isn't specifically on my motherboard's support list even though it is the same socket. To the OP: As long as you monitor your core temps and start with a conservative overclock, you should be good. I have been running at 4GHz since the i7 920 came out, and it is still running strong with no BSOD's ever. It does kick out some heat though, and I'm on watercooling to help mitigate that. My core temps at idle are 39-42C, and 65C max load when doing stability tests such as Prime95. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 wiretap, on 22 Jan 2015 - 16:00, said: I'm on a i7 920 @ 4GHz right now... I'm in a same dilemma. It is still a great processor and runs everything I do with ease, but I'm always itching to upgrade. I looked at the Xeon 5670 to drop in, but it isn't specifically on my motherboard's support list even though it is the same socket. To the OP: As long as you monitor your core temps and start with a conservative overclock, you should be good. I have been running at 4GHz since the i7 920 came out, and it is still running strong with no BSOD's ever. It does kick out some heat though, and I'm on watercooling to help mitigate that. My core temps at idle are 39-42C, and 65C max load when doing stability tests such as Prime95. Which settings have you used? As to OC to 3.4 GHz, are these the "right" settings: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1912863/overclock-920-2ghz.html (or what about 'the easy way' on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmuIOiEghjM?) (MultiThead/HT would I like to be enabled btw) fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grunger106 Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I'm on a i7 920 @ 4GHz right now... I'm in a same dilemma. It is still a great processor and runs everything I do with ease, but I'm always itching to upgrade. I looked at the Xeon 5670 to drop in, but it isn't specifically on my motherboard's support list even though it is the same socket. To the OP: As long as you monitor your core temps and start with a conservative overclock, you should be good. I have been running at 4GHz since the i7 920 came out, and it is still running strong with no BSOD's ever. It does kick out some heat though, and I'm on watercooling to help mitigate that. My core temps at idle are 39-42C, and 65C max load when doing stability tests such as Prime95. Pretty much all X58 boards will work with the xeons, may need a bios update first though X5670 = i7 980X, but with the extra QPI links required to run two chips in a single board. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiretap Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 When I get back home I'll post my settings for you. I have hyperthreading turned off because most of the time you get worse performance and it also causes lots of stability issues on higher overclocks. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 @wiretap, great thx. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 @wiretap, great thx. Actually.. the x58 is stilling going REALLY strong.. Most upgrades are closer to sidegrades right now.. Yeah, single core apps will run better.. but not worth it right now.. I just bought a 6 Core Xeon to put in the place of my i7 950.. Will be here tomorrow.. People are overclocking them to 4.5Ghz and getting crazy results.. You can get a six core Xeon for your motherboard for pretty cheap.. Here is an amazing thread that will bring new life into your setup.. http://www.overclock.net/t/1461359/official-xeon-x5660-x58-review-discussion-and-xeon-l5639-benchmarks-inside Grab a Xeon 5650 or 5670 - Going rate on ebay is ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 Like I said, I'm thinking of going "only" to like a 3.2 GHz. The X58 platform is still (rock) solid, but I notice in some (game)play that the current speed of mu 920 at 2.66 GHz is lacking. So, based on above info I can OC or get a new/used i7 950/960 - or maybe a Xeon if my mobo (see sig) supports it. Either way the performance/speed is comparable to the CPUs nowadays, the so-called "sidegrade" +fusi0n mentions. Some features are missing though, but for my main usage this is okay, and is cheaper for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T3X4S Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I did the exact upgrade you are debating - but the only reason I did it was because the 950 was free. The CPU is not a major factor when it comes to overall system performance - there is no difference really You can boost your 920 to 950 clock and see there is no real difference. That mindset though - you can run the 950 @ 4.0 GHz with watercooling - then you would see a difference from the stock 920 performance. But if you have to pay more than $100 for the 950 - forget it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I did the exact upgrade you are debating - but the only reason I did it was because the 950 was free. The CPU is not a major factor when it comes to overall system performance - there is no difference really You can boost your 920 to 950 clock and see there is no real difference. That mindset though - you can run the 950 @ 4.0 GHz with watercooling - then you would see a difference from the stock 920 performance. But if you have to pay more than $100 for the 950 - forget it You can pay $80 and get a six core Xeon that overclocks insanae! Check it out.. it's pretty cool T3X4S 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 T3X4S, on 22 Jan 2015 - 23:05, said: I did the exact upgrade you are debating - but the only reason I did it was because the 950 was free. The CPU is not a major factor when it comes to overall system performance - there is no difference really You can boost your 920 to 950 clock and see there is no real difference. That mindset though - you can run the 950 @ 4.0 GHz with watercooling - then you would see a difference from the stock 920 performance. But if you have to pay more than $100 for the 950 - forget it You are saying the difference between 2.66 GHz and 3.2 GHz (20% increase) is hardly noticeable in daily usage? I have seen a 960 for around $150. Is this a 'fair' price? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 You are saying the difference between 2.66 GHz and 3.2 GHz (20% increase) is hardly noticeable in daily usage? I have seen a 960 for around $150. Is this a 'fair' price? Actually Yes! The difference is huge.. I wouldn't get another i7, see if your motherboard supports a Xeon.. Most Do.. These Xeons have two extra cores, and run much cooler.. They also overclock a lot more.. If you bought the Xeon, 3.2Ghz would be silly.. If you have a good motherboard, RAM, and PSU, you would be able to hit AT LEAST 4.0Ghz.. Some people are even hitting 5.2Ghz with the x5660.. I'm working on it, but doing a little at a time.. My chip actually just got here.. The Xeon is much cheaper and A LOT faster.. Check out that link I posted above and check it out.. They have a lot of benchmarks and a lot of OC settings they are using.. I'll also help you.. One HUGE difference is my tri-sli setup.. Since it is a older gen setup, the tri-sli wasn't that great.. I was getting a lot of frame drops.. After the Xeon, it went away, even at STOCK speeds.. Also, here is the one I bought.. you can find the cheaper, but I've bought a lot from the seller and they are also just a few miles away, so shipping was next day.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171557122250 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I checked out your Motherboard in your sig, and it seems like people are running a Xeon in it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T3X4S Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 You are saying the difference between 2.66 GHz and 3.2 GHz (20% increase) is hardly noticeable in daily usage? I have seen a 960 for around $150. Is this a 'fair' price? What I am saying is the CPU is not a huge factor in overall performance. Not like disc access time, RAM, GPU, etc. Of course, it depends on what you do with your computer. My comment was for normal day-to-day type things: internet, email, a game or 2, Office docs, etc.. If you do something that is very CPU dependent - then yeah a 20% increase in clock might help. OC your 920 to 3.0GHz - and you will have a 950 .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusi0n Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 What I am saying is the CPU is not a huge factor in overall performance. Not like disc access time, RAM, GPU, etc. Of course, it depends on what you do with your computer. My comment was for normal day-to-day type things: internet, email, a game or 2, Office docs, etc.. If you do something that is very CPU dependent - then yeah a 20% increase in clock might help. OC your 920 to 3.0GHz - and you will have a 950 .... That 920 should be able to do 3.5Ghz easily if the cooling is right.. T3X4S 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T3X4S Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 That 920 should be able to do 3.5Ghz easily if the cooling is right.. Good point - I have a Corsair H80i on mine - and 4.0 GHz from 3.0GHz was stable. I run it @ stock settings simply because I didnt see a real difference - but I am not a gamer or media developer, etc. I am sure it would go higher, but with 6 sticks of RAM - I know that would really hurt chances of a crazy OC being stable...or so Ive heard. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiretap Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Here are my settings for 4GHz on an Intel i7 920. That's the lowest voltage I could use (1.42 vcore) without getting a bluescreen. This is 100% stable for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsupersonic Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Actually Yes! The difference is huge.. I wouldn't get another i7, see if your motherboard supports a Xeon.. Most Do.. These Xeons have two extra cores, and run much cooler.. They also overclock a lot more.. If you bought the Xeon, 3.2Ghz would be silly.. If you have a good motherboard, RAM, and PSU, you would be able to hit AT LEAST 4.0Ghz.. Some people are even hitting 5.2Ghz with the x5660.. I'm working on it, but doing a little at a time.. My chip actually just got here.. The Xeon is much cheaper and A LOT faster.. Check out that link I posted above and check it out.. They have a lot of benchmarks and a lot of OC settings they are using.. I'll also help you.. One HUGE difference is my tri-sli setup.. Since it is a older gen setup, the tri-sli wasn't that great.. I was getting a lot of frame drops.. After the Xeon, it went away, even at STOCK speeds.. Also, here is the one I bought.. you can find the cheaper, but I've bought a lot from the seller and they are also just a few miles away, so shipping was next day.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171557122250 I too recommend the Xeon approach - they are workhorses. fusi0n 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
francescob Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 And note that your old CPU is about 5+ years old now, and is at least 25 to 35% slower than what's out there right now. Calculating the difference is actually pretty simple. 5 years old = 50%+ slower than a CPU with the same number of cores and the same clock speed (new generation each year and each generation brings about a 10% IPC improvement, only exception are C2Q CPUs who had an huge bus bottleneck and were far slower than the norm). Also newer CPUs have higher clocks (4.4GHz for the i7-4790K). Also if you plan on overclocking you should count how much power you will waste, if your power bill is going to be 100-150$ more expensive each year (e.g. if you keep your PC always on) then you also have to keep that into account. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiddingguy Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 In another thread somewhere, it's stated: "Your 920 can easily do 3.2ghz without even breaking a sweat. All you would need to do is raise your bclk to 160, save your setting it the bios, and restart." Is this really the case? (makes it easier and not try and 'mess' with other settings/values) And can I leave all other settings to its default values? (that is when 3.2ghz is running stable) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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