Best CPU upgrade for Crosshair IV Formula or new Mobo?

[Gazmatron]

Hi all

I built a nice PC about 4 years ago to do some casual gaming. I have not played much for a while but there are a few games around that I like the look of, so I want to spruce the PC up a bit. I am no hard core gamer so don't want to spend the earth. My current set up is this:

Mobo: Asus Crosshair IV Formula
CPU: Phenon II X4 965 BE
GPU: Asus R9 280x
Ram: 12gb 1600mhz Corsair Vengeance

I am happy enough with the graphics card and RAM. My question is around my motherboard and CPU. The mobo was a fine model in its day. I had only intended to upgrade the CPU but I am finding that tricky due to the chip set. I had planned to buy an FX-8350. I was under the impression that I could update the BIOS on my mobo to accept that CPU but apparently not. The most recent BIOS update '3027' only supports up to the FX-8150 according to Asus support website.

I have read some posts that people have made it work but there are issues with power and heat. Has anyone used an FX-8350 on the CHIVF successfully?

I suppose the bigger question is 'Is it worth the hassle?'. Should I just bite the bullet and buy a newer more modern mobo? I was thinking of buying the Sabertooth 990x R2.0 to use with a new FX-8350.

I would appreciate any suggestions please.

Cheers

[kkn]

that mobo does not support am3+ cpu's if im not mistaken.

[Heini]

'Is it worth the hassle?' That I don't know but I do know the Sabertooth is a fine board. I've built AMD on the Sabertooth and CVFZ and the Sabertooth is what I'd recommend every time!

[Nate152]

Hello Gazmatron

Seeing your pc is approximately 4 years old I would say it's not worth the hassle or the money to upgrade older tech. The FX-8350 is an older cpu and if you're upgrading I would advise against that too. The crosshair iv doesn't support FX cpu's.

Give us an idea of your budget, here are some benchmarks to take a look at.

If you're upgrading and want to see a nice performance gain go with intel z170 and 6600k cpu, it would make it worth the while.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=i5+6600k+vs+fx+9590&view=detail&qpvt=i5+6600k+vs+fx+9590&mid=93D...

The cheapest way to get the most performance increase would be to add another 280x for crossfire.

[Gazmatron]

Hi Nate152

Someone on another thread suggested the same type of mobo.

I do like the look of this one: Mod 1150 ASUS Z97-A

I would then need to select a processor. I guess the i5 4690k would be a good fit with that board.

If I could get both a mobo and CPU with change from £300 sterling I would be happy enough. Would I see a good improvement with this setup do you think?

[Nate152]

Yeah you would but for almost the same price you can get a z170 motherboard and the 6600k which is the newest from intel. You will need new ram too.

300 sterling = around 450 u.s. dollars.

6600k - 279.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117561&cm_re=i5_6600k-_-19-117-561-_-Produc...

Maximus viii ranger - 199.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132586&cm_re=maximus_viii_ranger-_-13-132-5...

G.Skill Trident Z ram 16GB 3000Mhz - 104.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231926&cm_re=trident_z_16GB-_-20-231-926-_-...

Total comes to 584.97 u.s. dollars or approximately 360 British pounds.

[kkn]

here have a look at this.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/8pack-approved-intel-core-i5-6400-4.4ghz-overclocked-quad-core-gaming...

motherboard + memory ( 8gig but can upgrade to 16gig for around 40+ quid ) + cpu + cooler.
only thing you need for this is GPU + PSU + case.

[Vlada011]

Best upgrade for Crosshair IV Formula is X99-A USB 3.1/5820K and 16GB GSkill DDR4 for 105$.
Better than that not exist.
OK C4F is capable to hold newest AMD CPUs but not worth investing in that.
It's success if you sell everything and cover one part of X99 budget board and investment is CPU and memory.
X99 budget boards are 190-240$. GSkill Quad kit 2800 is arround 105$.

You see what is better almost 300$ for i5 or arround 380$ for i7 6 cores.