How do you justify a CPU upgrade?

[jaggerwild]

If I have the funds extra? Can I use or sell the old one, is it worth buying.

 

[Vayra86]

I think a big part of the justifying is far too abstract, but the most tangible part of it, for me, is that I need to be able to feel it. 10% IPC? 200mhz clock boost? Don't even bother me with it... To me the CPU Is the core part of a build, I build the whole rig around it (cooling, GPU upgrade perspective, etc.) and only upgrade when the thing has gone too slow to be worth keeping. Its clearly the part that lasts these days. So its also worth investing a bit more to get a higher end part.

So, less, but bigger upgrades are the way to go IMO for CPUs. Most cost effective, bigger fun factor from bigger jumps forward.

 

[phill]

Far too much detail and such... Surely if someone would like to have something, they go out and buy whatever they would like if funds allow it??

I've never given a thought to electric costs or anything like that... I am quite surprised at some of the reasons behind upgrades in the thread....

 

[WHOFOUNDFUNGUS]

You justify a CPU upgrade when 1) Your system no longer meets your computing requirements and the bottleneck points straight at the CPU. 2) You want another PC for other purposes and you don't have the heart to rid yourself of the one you've grown to love over all those years because > < fill in blank. (This is not to be confused for a replacement if both CPUS are being used – especially if they're working in collusion.) 3) You have in your possession a lot of money and you want to spend it on something you might enjoy. 4) A loved one has been nagging you about their sluggish unit and it's like ten years old OR: upgrading their rig will please them immensely. I hope this helps

Oh. I forgot.. There's another reason. You like building PCs and a client wants their CPU replaced. Customer is always right.

 

[Vayra86]

You justify a CPU upgrade when 1) Your system no longer meets your computing requirements and the bottleneck points straight at the CPU. 2) You want another PC for other purposes and you don't have the heart to rid yourself of the one you've grown to love over all those years because > < fill in blank. (This is not to be confused for a replacement if both CPUS are being used – especially if they're working in collusion.) 3) You have in your possession a lot of money and you want to spend it on something you might enjoy. 4) A loved one has been nagging you about their sluggish unit and it's like ten years old OR: upgrading their rig will please them immensely. I hope this helps

Oh. I forgot.. There's another reason. You like building PCs and a client wants their CPU replaced. Customer is always right.

You forgot 6) When your Windows WEI score drops to 7.8

 

[WHOFOUNDFUNGUS]

Absolutely. Can't have that. Especially when Win 7 is finally going to be set free from the clutches of the Evil One!

 

[EarthDog]

You forgot 6) When your Windows WEI score drops to 7.8

I think I just threw up a bit in my mouth. Lol

Even seeing WHO's 'signature' makes me lulz...it was so useless, lololol

 

[WHOFOUNDFUNGUS]

lol I had nothing else to put in at the time. Besides, it brings back memories. It was my first 7.9

Somebody wanna make me a siggy? I'm too busy for that sort of thing these days

 

[64K]

Somebody wanna make me a siggy? I'm too busy for that sort of thing these days

No one can make a signature for you. You have to do it yourself if you want one. Click on your name upper right and from the drop down menu click on signature.

 

[Bill_Bright]

It is, but you'd be surprised at how much all of the small things add up.

No, because of my background as an electronics technician, I pay attention to those things. So not surprised - "if" I know what and how many power consuming devices are in there. And yes, 8 fans, pumps and many drives all do add up quickly. But still, at idle over 200W is a lot - even if all the fans are running at full RPM. And it is that "idle" power consumption that is what surprised me. I don't disbelieve it, however. I have seen higher idle consumption - especially with big water cooling setups.

BTW, I generally don't guess at PSU requirements and instead, use the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator to determine minimum and recommended power supply unit (PSU) requirements. This is by far the best and only calculator I recommend. Like all calculators, it still pads the results to ensure it does not suggest an under-powered PSU, but it is by far, the most conservative. And because it has a regular staff of researchers keeping it current, it is by far the most accurate too.

But if I quickly want a rough idea how much a typical component might consume, I refer to this Power Consumption of PC Components in Watts page as it has a nice breakdown, including that of many different size fans. It is getting a little outdated, but still good for a quick "rough" idea.

I really should get a electricity usage monitor thingy, put a hard number to my computer power consumption...

Well, I generally recommend every computer go through a "good" UPS with AVR and I note many of those have small, but very informative LCD status displays. But it should be noted they display status for the entire UPS, not the individual components connected to it. As I said above, I have 2 monitors and my network gear connected too, not just my computer. Of course I could temporarily isolate my computer if I had the desire but I am more concerned with my entire consumption.

Note too that many UPS come with monitoring software. PowerChute for APC UPS is even more informative than the LCD panel as it keeps logs and can be used to calculate costs. But of course, the computer, Windows and at least one monitor has to be awake to see that.

Surge and spike protectors are little more than fancy and expensive extension cords. And I quickly add, it is the AVR (automatic voltage regulation) feature of a "good" UPS that makes them so valuable. Backup power during a full power outage is just a minor bonus.

That said, a basic electricity usage meter (kilowatt meter) can be had for little money and is much more convenient for measuring other devices in the house. These cheap budget models are not "precision measuring instruments", but close enough for these purposes.

i know what i pay and its 50+cents not 13.
im in california btw.

so cool that im not allowed to have a opinion

Yeah right. Residential Electricity Rates & Consumption in California

Residential electricity rates in California average 15.34¢/kWh

You can plug in your city (and state) to see what they charge. And yes, you certainly are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.

And once again, your CPU is just one component in your computer and it is highly unlikely it is running at 100%, 24/7/365. And again, we all agree a more power hungry CPU burns more electricity and typically generates more heat. Just not enough more to be a key justification for paying more for a new CPU.

No body is picking on you BTW, killster. We are just sticklers for the facts.

I think a big part of the justifying is far too abstract,

Well, certainly very subjective.

 

[killster1]

No, because of my background as an electronics technician, I pay attention to those things. So not surprised - "if" I know what and how many power consuming devices are in there. And yes, 8 fans, pumps and many drives all do add up quickly. But still, at idle over 200W is a lot - even if all the fans are running at full RPM. And it is that "idle" power consumption that is what surprised me. I don't disbelieve it, however. I have seen higher idle consumption - especially with big water cooling setups.

BTW, I generally don't guess at PSU requirements and instead, use the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator to determine minimum and recommended power supply unit (PSU) requirements. This is by far the best and only calculator I recommend. Like all calculators, it still pads the results to ensure it does not suggest an under-powered PSU, but it is by far, the most conservative. And because it has a regular staff of researchers keeping it current, it is by far the most accurate too.

But if I quickly want a rough idea how much a typical component might consume, I refer to this Power Consumption of PC Components in Watts page as it has a nice breakdown, including that of many different size fans. It is getting a little outdated, but still good for a quick "rough" idea.

Well, I generally recommend every computer go through a "good" UPS with AVR and I note many of those have small, but very informative LCD status displays. But it should be noted they display status for the entire UPS, not the individual components connected to it. As I said above, I have 2 monitors and my network gear connected too, not just my computer. Of course I could temporarily isolate my computer if I had the desire but I am more concerned with my entire consumption.

Note too that many UPS come with monitoring software. PowerChute for APC UPS is even more informative than the LCD panel as it keeps logs and can be used to calculate costs. But of course, the computer, Windows and at least one monitor has to be awake to see that.

Surge and spike protectors are little more than fancy and expensive extension cords. And I quickly add, it is the AVR (automatic voltage regulation) feature of a "good" UPS that makes them so valuable. Backup power during a full power outage is just a minor bonus.

That said, a basic electricity usage meter (kilowatt meter) can be had for little money and is much more convenient for measuring other devices in the house. These cheap budget models are not "precision measuring instruments", but close enough for these purposes.
Yeah right. Residential Electricity Rates & Consumption in California You can plug in your city (and state) to see what they charge. And yes, you certainly are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.

And once again, your CPU is just one component in your computer and it is highly unlikely it is running at 100%, 24/7/365. And again, we all agree a more power hungry CPU burns more electricity and typically generates more heat. Just not enough more to be a key justification for paying more for a new CPU.

No body is picking on you BTW, killster. We are just sticklers for the facts.
Well, certainly very subjective.

Where i live it is in teirs for how much you use. just because average for California is 15 cents doesnt mean thats what i pay or what normal people pay. you cant stop with your giant posts. Just because a cpu is just one component doesnt mean i should just give up and use a old wasteful cpu, i went 7 years with out upgrading. i like how you tell people their opinions are wrong. when my next power bill comes ill scan it and show you how much i get for 15cents how much is 25 cents how much is 35 cents how much is 45cents etc etc. wonder how easy it is to set a user on ignore

 

[Bill_Bright]

No need to scan your bill, though you certainly can if you like. Providing your city or zip code will tell us all we need to know. Unless you live many miles out in the boonies with no other connected buildings within miles around, I highly doubt you are paying, $.50 per kWh in California, USA. So yes, I would be very interested in seeing your bill, or knowing what town/zip code you live in. If I am wrong, I will sincerely and humbly apologize.

For the record, many, if not most municipalities have tiered billing. Mine does too. The more I use, the more it cost me. Even the time of day and temperature affects my costs. On extremely hot days in the middle of the afternoon when demands on the entire metropolitan power grid are high, I pay more per kWh consumed. My scenario is pretty common.

I did not say your opinions are wrong. I said your facts are. If you put CPU efficiency at the top of your priority list, that's fine! I have no problem with that. But with Hawaii having the highest costs in the country and only averaging 27.5 cents, you can see how we have doubts about your $.50 claims.

I never suggested you give up and keep using your old CPU either. I said a CPUs efficiency should not be a "key" justification for paying more for a new CPU - unless, maybe, you run it at 100% 24/7/365 - which is highly unlikely.

As far as ignoring a poster, that's easy. You can put them on your ignore list, or just don't read their posts. But then you might miss the true facts. And you can focus your criticisms on me if you want. Doesn't bother me. But it should tell you something that I am not the only one here telling you CPU efficiency is but a minor factor in the grand scheme of thing.

 

[moproblems99]

RyzenMaster looks like a lot of fun to play with on the fly.
ability to OC the core,mem,disable SMT and see the actual performance impact in game.

I don't seem to have that ability, mem wise anyway.

Additionally, the only justification I need is because I want it. Cost or anything else be damned. That is why I have a 3900x when a 3700x or even a 3600x would have been fine.