Which is the better CPU?

Deders

Platinum Member
Oct 14, 2012
2,401
1
91
They are pretty much exactly the same except the K version is overclockable with a Z87 motherboard.
 
Last edited:

escrow4

Diamond Member
Feb 4, 2013
3,339
122
106
I have 4770's non K in both my boxes. I'd go for that (or the 4771) if you don't overclock (I can't be bothered anymore) and deders means Z87. Note that the stock 4770 boosts to around 3.7GHz or 3.8GHz in game anyway depending on core load, and the difference between that and a 4.2Ghz or so average overclock on the K is rather small in most games.
 

zir_blazer

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2013
1,259
573
136
Alternatively you also have the cheaper Xeon E3-1245V3, which is 290 U$D minus 15 U$D from a promo code. And it seems to have been soo good that its out of stock...
Also, on LGA 1150 K series Processors you're getting less features in exchange of the Unlocked Multiplier. Intel disables VT-d, TSX, vPro and TXT, which may or not be useful for you, but its less features overall and more expensive.
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
The i7-4770K IS the better CPU, which is what the original question was.
The i7-4771 is the cheaper of the two listed.
 

zir_blazer

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2013
1,259
573
136
The i7-4770K IS the better CPU, which is what the original question was.
The i7-4771 is the cheaper of the two listed.
It isn't better. It just has the Unlocked Multiplier, cost 20 U$D more, and you're losing some other features, thanks to Intel market segmentation strategy. Unless you overclock, it is actually worse.
 

KaRLiToS

Golden Member
Jul 30, 2010
1,918
11
81
They are pretty much exactly the same except the K version is overclockable with a Z77 motherboard.

Actually, it's overclockable on the z87 motherboards which is socket 1150.

While the z77 is socket 1155.

:)
 

coffeejunkee

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2010
1,153
0
0
I would save another $10 and get the 4770. In reality both 4770 and 4771 will use their turbo frequencies all the time (they are the same for both cpu's).

Or the xeon zir_blazer mentioned, you will probably not notice 100MHz more or less.
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
It isn't better. It just has the Unlocked Multiplier, cost 20 U$D more, and you're losing some other features, thanks to Intel market segmentation strategy. Unless you overclock, it is actually worse.
You're wrong, it is better.
 

zir_blazer

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2013
1,259
573
136
You're wrong, it is better.
And what makes it better? The only thing the 4770K has over 4771 is the Unlocked Multiplier. It loses VT-d, TSX, vPro and TXT, and cost more to boot. If no overclocking involved, the 4771 is better on every other aspect.

And the Xeon E3-1245V3 is 275 U$D on Amazon. Saving 45 U$D for 100 MHz less is a good deal.
 

Compman55

Golden Member
Feb 14, 2010
1,241
0
76
Overclocking = i7-4770k (would be better)
Price = Xeon E3-1245V3 (would be better)

Skip the 4770 non k period. E3-1245V3 is a better deal.
 

Zeldak

Member
Nov 6, 2005
49
0
0
"Better," without modifiers such as purpose and situation, is an awfully vague and subjective catch-all assessment.
 

crashtech

Lifer
Jan 4, 2013
10,695
2,293
146
The better CPU is the one most suited to the user's needs, of which the OP says absolutely nothing.
 

crashtech

Lifer
Jan 4, 2013
10,695
2,293
146
No mention of overclocking, but it's safe to assume 4770K; make sure to buy a Z87 motherboard so the clock speed and voltage can be adjusted.

But if you are not going to overclock, you may as well save money and get a Xeon E3-1245v3, it's the same as an i7-4770 but less money.
 

Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
4,971
1,695
136
I'm just going to point out that if you get the 4770non-K, 4771 or 1245v3, you can use a cheaper mainboard, since Z87 is only required for OC'ing. The H87 has all the features and boards based on it is usually a bit cheaper (unless you can get a rebate). You could also cheap out and use a H81/B85 board, if you don't have use for the features the H87/Z87 offers.
 

MonKENy

Platinum Member
Nov 1, 2007
2,026
3
81
Enthusiast or all-out?

More than enthusiast but not quite all out. I do know I want to try to get as maxed out as possible with a good 50+ fps for the following games

Watch Dogs
Arkham Knight
Shadows of Mordor
and Division

Those are at the moment my top 4 games coming up

Batman and Mordor wont drop until Oct, then I give it a few months because they always are broken for PC for awhile.
Division doesn't come out until 2015
Watch Dogs is the only one coming out soon but I can wait to see reviews if its worth it.

I can't think of any major games on the horizon but something usually comes out. This will probably be my last major build so I want it to last as long as possible. Im hoping for 2years high end gaming then 5 years mid range then crap and gen use after that.

The PC I have now is almost 5 yrs old and is able to run current games @ high specs around 30-45fps no prob. I figure if I bump up the specs I should get almost twice that from birth to death.


I have never overclocked, but If it is viable w/out losing life of the parts I am all for it. I may water cool just for noise sake I have not decided yet. Im also kicking around crazy case ideas. I saw one that was all case free I like the thought of that.
 

TeknoBug

Platinum Member
Oct 2, 2013
2,084
31
91
Most people don't need the extra instructions the non-K CPU's have, the extra instructions matters more if you use virtual machines or do video or CAD productions. If all you do is game, surf the net and convert the occasional recorded gaming videos then get the 4770K that way you can OC it down the road and it'll still serve you for at least 4 some odd years.

Overclocking is a real breeze with Intel CPU's.
 

TreVader

Platinum Member
Oct 28, 2013
2,057
2
0
Unless you're overclocking, there is no reason to go Z87 and K series. Get the 4771 and a nice B85 board and save some $100.



Overclocking a 4770K is a waste of time for the most part anyway. It's already plenty fast enough. At least with the 4771 you're not paying extra for fewer features. If you want to overlcock seriously go socket 2011.