Upgrade Opitplex 9020 SFF from i5-4570 to i7-4790?

It is doable but you will want the "S" version of the chip due to 65W TDP

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4790S-Processor-Cache-BX80646I74790S/dp/B00J6F5LR2

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/80808/intel-core-i7-4790s-processor-8m-cache-up-to-4-00-ghz.html

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@Rico55 wrote:

Hi,

I have the Optiplex 9020 SFF which came with i5-4570.

 

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On a machine this old, most people are just happy that it's still working and 100% reliable . I know I would not be messing with it very much ... just use it as is.

Also, that SFF case/form-factor is not doing you any favors. 

Sure, but why bother? The i5 is already a quad-core, so all you're really upgrading is a bit of MHz for the i7, which is not even close to worth the time, effort and money.

If you're not moving from a dual-core to a quad-core with HT, and can get at *least* a 100% performance increase, then it's never worth it and I doubt you'd even notice after upgrading a measly 400 MHz. No CPU upgrade is ever worth it, but this one isn't even close.

Hi @Rico55,

An I7-4790S would give a 70% increase in performance according to game-debate.  Ultimately, it's up to you if you want to upgade the CPU.  Something I might agree with Da_Vinman on - I don't know how much of a noticeable difference that would be since you already have a quad.

I'm sure you can find a better deal on eBay, but the I7-4790S is still a little pricey.

Also, an 84% increase in performance for the non-S version, which has a TDP of 84 watts, which is still within the limits.

I might consider 6 yrs. old ancient for a computer if it weren't so widely available as refurb and used + parts + many people & businesses still using them from that generation.  Whether it be my healthcare provider, Walmart pharmacy, the public library, etc., I get to see Dell's in use almost everywhere.  6 yrs. old might seem long ago to somebody younger or can possibly afford a new computer every 2-3 yrs.; I don't know.

"It's old, get a new computer," as an answer did get old on some.  (Not meant to single anybody out.)  Then the petitioner would say something to the effect of "I know, but how about an answer to my original question?"  At least in this case, that was answered.

If someone is looking for new, they'd have to buy a Precision (or other) instead of Optiplex if they want it to take the hardware Optiplex's (namely the MT) used to take.  At least the Precision's can take much better GPU's.

Typically, when people come to this forum, they're looking for support for the PC they have.  Even if it's a 380 and not much can he done with it, we can still answer their question.

With economies that vary around the world, I'm sure viewpoints of what's old, new, or in between can vary.  Please remember out of warranty Dell's (but sometimes not limited to) is just what this forum is for.

I7's have better braggging rights.

Thats why the 1151 now has I9's

You're right.  I didn't catch right away a "T" was added to my copy & pasting.  Therefore, the CPU change would only give a 28% increase in performance according to game-debate.  The I7-4790S would only give an 18% performance increase.

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@bradthetechnut wrote:

"It's old, get a new computer," as an answer did get old on some. 

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But people are not saying that, they're actually saying:

"Don't waste money on a CPU upgrade, instead save that money you would have spent and use it in a new PC later"

I have upgraded a *lot* of computers and it goes like this in terms of value, performance and effectiveness:

SSD -> GPU -> Memory -> CPU

And believe me, I know the allure of a CPU upgrade when you're running an older, slower PC - it calls out to you with wild promises of increased performance that will turbo-charge your old system, but it's a false god offering spurious promises that never turn out to be true. Most times, you won't even notice it. The fastest CPUs, even the older ones, are always the most expensive (because people inevitably get suckered) and you'll end up wasting a lot of money that could have been put towards a newer PC.

In one thread, a guy wanted to upgrade to an i7 2-series for $170 off eBay, when Dell was selling entire refurb i5-4-series quad systems (8GB + 500GB HD  or128GB SSD) for $140-$175 (after 40% sale).

That kind of foolish spending gets real old with me, real fast.

If some people let issues get old, or simply get old anyway, questions don't get answered as well.

As for "...get a new computer," I couldv'e quoted it, but wasn't singling anybody out.  You are also right about the "save money for a new PC later" in certain instances.  You're also right about the savings not upgrading from an I5 to an I7 when the money, or even less, can be spent on a refurb PC.  Upgrading RAM or to SSD first can be well worth it.

I went from a dual to a quad in my PC for $41.  The CPU came in brand new condition, and am I ever happpy with it.  I didn't have to reload anything.

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@bradthetechnut wrote:

Hi @Rico55,

An I7-4790S would give a 70% increase in performance according to game-debate. 

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Wrong CPU, that's a dual-core T version of the i5.

He's going from a "i5-4570 to i7-4790" - both are quads.

As for the "It's old, get a new computer" thing - It wasn't just about CPU's, I5's & I7's and sometimes took the place of facts getting answered.

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@Rico55 wrote:

I have the Optiplex 9020 SFF which came with i5-4570. Can i upgrade the cpu to i7-4790?

 

 

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I bought a barebones 9020 SFF and set it up with a 4690K (88W), 32gb memory and 1tb SSD. It's being used for music production. It works well. 

I think you meant "I5-4690k"?  Though technical specs have an 84 watt limit and we can't recommend it, good to know.

I it's still relevant, I just got an used 9020 with a i7-4790 already installed, so it will definitely work. As for the upgrade being useful, I guess it will depend on what use you have in mind for your computer. Having those 2 threads per core can definitely help in some situations.

In my particular case, after pairing it with a 1050 Ti, it has become an amazing x-plane 11 platform. Does the hyper threading helps? Absolutely! However, if you have no apps that make use of hyper threading, then, as some have said, the upgrade isn't worth the money.

Hope this helps.