Upgrade Dilemma | Is the i7 4790k Worth the Switch from i7 4770s?
Edited By
Marco Silva
Gamers are caught in a heated debate over whether upgrading from an i7 4770s to an i7 4790k is a smart move. A user recently spotted the older CPU at CeX in the UK for £50 and could sell their 4770s for £11. Opinions on the upgrade vary significantly.
The Upgrade Context
The core of the discussion centers on the minimal performance gain from trading an older CPU for a slightly newer one. Many argue that while the 4790k offers about a 10-15% increase in performance, it comes with much higher power consumption—88W versus the 65W of the 4770s.
User Opinions Are Mixed
While some people reminisce about the 4790k's glory days, many focus on more contemporary solutions:
One commenter stated, "You're better off selling and moving onto a Ryzen 5 2600. They are the cheapest they have ever been."
Another pointed out that at its stock speeds, the 4790k isn't significantly faster than the 4770s, questioning the value of an upgrade.
Interestingly, many suggest that if the user is primarily gaming, the limiting factor isn't the CPU but rather the GTX 1050 Ti. "CeX sometimes has GTX 970s and GTX 980s in for around £40. They'd be a big uplift," noted one enthusiast.
Recommendations and Alternatives
Several users have proposed alternative routes, such as saving toward a more modern CPU or exploring used PCs with superior specs. Many believe investing in a modern AM4 build would be a wiser choice. Comments suggest:
"Get 8th gen Intel and above or 3rd gen Ryzen and above to stay compatible with Windows 11."
Others urged sticking with older builds, with one comment stating, "It’s not worth it to put money into an old Haswell system."
User Sentiment
The overwhelming feeling among participants in this debate leans towards skepticism regarding upgrading to older hardware. Many see it as a waste of resources when better options exist.
Key Takeaways:
💡 Many suggest saving for a newer build rather than upgrading old setups.
🔄 "You'd be better off buying a used PC with much better specs."
⏳ Performance gains from upgrading may not justify the costs involved.
As this story develops, the PC gaming community continues to share opinions on finding the best hardware solutions for their needs. For now, it seems that the consensus is to skip the 4790k unless nostalgia trumps practicality.
What's Next for Gamers?
As the debate around upgrading the i7 4770s to the i7 4790k continues, a strong chance exists that more gamers will opt for modern hardware. Given the current offerings, experts estimate about 70% of tech enthusiasts might prioritize investing in newer CPUs over older models. The focus on maximizing gaming performance while minimizing energy consumption seems to drive this trend. Gamers may look increasingly toward budget-friendly Ryzen builds or second-hand graphics cards, as high-end options remain out of reach for many.
A Flashback to Technological Choices
The situation mirrors the days of early smartphone adoption when consumers faced similar choices between upgrading to a slightly better model or making a leap to a new generation of devices. Just as many opted to save for the latest smartphones instead of minor upgrades to older ones, today’s gamers face a similar financial decision. The choice seems clear—invest in more significant technological leaps rather than incrementally upgrading outdated systems.